What is the New Centre for Jain Studies Launched in Indore?
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Indore, Oct 13 (NationPress) In an effort to foster advanced research, translation, digitisation of manuscripts, and the fusion of traditional knowledge with contemporary pedagogy, the Centre for Jain Studies was inaugurated here on Monday, with a budget approval of Rs 27.16 crore, according to an official report.
Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, underscored the significance of technology, particularly the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), in safeguarding, digitising, and promoting heritage languages, thereby enhancing academic and cultural involvement.
Established under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), the center is located at Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), Indore.
The launch coincided with a National Seminar on “Jainism and Indian Knowledge System,” hosted by DAVV, as stated by an official.
During his visit, Kumar also took a tour of the university campus and engaged with faculty members.
He encouraged the university to develop the Centre for Jain Studies into a Centre of Global Excellence, integrating modern technology and digital resources for research, documentation, and dissemination.
The Ministry has been providing support to universities nationwide for establishing Centres of Excellence aimed at promoting and preserving heritage and classical languages under the PMJVK.
So far, Centres of Excellence have been set up at the University of Mumbai (for the study of Pali, Prakrit, and Avesta Pahlavi) and Gujarat University (for Prakrit languages).
The official statement indicated that these centers focus on fostering advanced research, translation, digitisation of manuscripts, and merging traditional knowledge with modern pedagogy.
Through this initiative, the Ministry aims to protect India's linguistic and philosophical heritage and bolster the intellectual traditions of the nation's diverse communities.
The event was attended by Madhya Pradesh Minister for Higher Education Inder Singh Parmar and the Joint Secretary of the Minority Affairs Ministry, Ram Singh.