About the Center for Jain Studies (CJS)
Jainism is one of the oldest living cultures and traditions of India. The Centre for Jain Studies has been established at Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore, under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi, with the objective of providing an academic platform dedicated to the preservation, study, research, and dissemination of Jain philosophy, culture, literature, and allied subjects. It will also serve as a Nodal Centre for various academic, cultural and social activities in line with Jain traditions and heritage.
The Centre aims to advance the study, preservation, and promotion of Jain philosophy, heritage, and culture, as an integral part of Indian knowledge traditions. It would engage in rigorous teaching, training, research, and advanced studies in Jainism and allied disciplines while establishing interdisciplinary linkages and collaborating with national and global scholars and institutions. Through outreach, dialogue, publications, and community engagement, the Centre seeks to inspire individuals and societies to embrace values of non-violence, compassion, and sustainability—cultivating peace, harmony, and meaningful living.
Vision
To preserve, promote and enhance Jain Philosophy, Heritage and Culture as an integral part of Indian knowledge traditions for peace, sustainability and harmonious living.
Mission
- To advance the study, preservation, and dissemination of Jain philosophy, heritage, and culture.
- To promote rigorous teaching, training, research, and advanced studies in Jainism and allied disciplines.
- To inspire individuals and societies to embrace values of non-violence, compassion, and sustainability.
Core Activities
Thrust Areas
Preserve and Promote Jain Heritage and Culture
Offer academic programs, courses, publishing research, and host national and international academic activities.
Contribute to Indian Knowledge System
Research the contribution of Jain Literature in fields like art, culture, philosophy, science, and more.
Foster Interdisciplinary Research
Facilitate research exploring Jainism's contribution and the validation of practices like Ahimsa, Aahar, and Mantra.
Enhance Global Understanding
Collaborate with national and international scholars and institutions to disseminate knowledge about Jainism globally.
Support Community Engagement
Serve as a hub for dialogue and collaboration between scholars, practitioners, and the general public.
Objectives
Promote Advanced Studies
To promote teaching, research, and advanced studies in Jainism, philosophy, culture, history, literature, Jain Yoga and allied subjects.
Preserve Knowledge Resources
To preserve, document and enhance Knowledge Resources on Jainism for academic and cultural enrichment.
Study Jain Literature
To study the contribution of Jain Literature in different domains of the Indian Knowledge System.
Develop Interdisciplinary Linkages
To connect Jain philosophy with modern fields such as ethics, ecology, peace studies, management, and wellness.
Provide Vocational Training
To provide Vocational Training in Lifestyle, Health, Craft, Yoga, and other skills.
Collaborate Globally
To collaborate with national and global scholars, centres, and institutions of Jain Studies and Interdisciplinary areas.
Organize Community Outreach
To organize outreach activities and publish scholarly articles, newsletters, journals, and books.
Provide International Platform
To provide an international platform for the advanced studies of Jainism in various contexts.
Conduct Seminars & Workshops
To conduct seminars, workshops, and conferences for spreading awareness about Jain values, philosophy, and their practical applications.
Promote Jain Yoga & Meditation
To promote practices of Jain Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness for holistic development and well-being.