Jain Education and Research Foundation
On a cool and bright morning, a large crowd gathered in the Mahapragya Adhyatma and Education Foundation building in the Sardarshahar, Rajasthan to listen to His Holiness Acharya Mahashraman's discourse. The gathering of over 1500 included Jains from as far away as Mumbai and Hyderabad along with the local community.
HH Acharya Mahapragya always believed that Jain teachings were as benefiting to the Jain community as to the humanity at large in India and abroad. HH motivated us to share these teachings with the people outside Jain community through the mainstream education system of the world.
After the morning prayers, Muni Mohjeet introduced the Jain Education and Research Foundation (JERF), USA and the guest speaker Dr. Nirmal Baid, a member of JERF Board. Dr. Baid presented an overview of the JERF organization and details of the Bhagawan Mahavir Professorship of Jain Studies at Florida International University. The establishment of this professorship is a result of tireless efforts of Samani Charitra Pragya, Samani Unnata Pragya and the Jain community over past five years. Currently, Samani Chaitanya Pragya is leading this effort at FIU.
"We have created the JERF foundation and established the Bhagwan Mahavir Professorship as a step towards realizing the vision of integrating Jain teachings into the mainstream spiritual education. We are grateful for the guidance and blessings of His Holiness in this effort" said Dr. Baid. In his discourse, His Holiness Mahashraman noted, "The Bhagawan Mahavir professorship in Miami is an unprecedented initiative, and this endeavor of teaching Bhagawan Mahavir, will result in betterment of the society in US and beyond. I wish the Jain community success in carrying this vision forward". Following the discourse, Dr. Baid presented a "Gratitude Letter" to His Holiness on behalf of the JERF Board and asked for his continued blessings and support.
