Jain Heritage Centres
History Created - For the 1st time ever Mahavir Jayanthi celebrated by a State Government
Bengaluru (Karnataka, India), April 19, 2016:The Government of Karnataka state created history by celebrating Mahavir Jayanthi in the state today. This is the 1st time ever in the history of independent India that Mahavir Jayanthi (Janmakalyana) has been celebrated by a state Government. It can be recalled here that the cheif minister of Karnataka, who also happens to be the finance minister had announced in his budget speech about celebrating Mahavir Jayanthi from the state Government and had allocated an amount of Rs. 69 Lakhs towards the celebrations. The Government order in connection with this was released on April 7, 2016 where in Rs. 1 Lakh was assigned for the celebrations at district level, Rs. 50,000 at Taluk level and Rs. 25,000 for celebrations at the local level.
Celebrations at Vidhana Soudha
The main function related to this was held at the banquet hall of Vidhana Soudha (the seat of the state legislature of Karnataka). It was well attended by the chief minsiter of Karnataka Sri Siddaramaiah, Kannada and culture minister Smt. Umasri, members of the Karnataka ministry, N.R.Narayanamurthy (chairman of Infosys), noted Kannada and Jain scholar Prof Hampa Nagarajaiah, president of Karnataka Jains Association Sri S. Jitendra Kumar and members of the Jain community. The banquet hall was Jampacked with over 2500 people, 500 more than its capacity of accomodating 2000 people.
Jains Pioneers of Woman Education in the World
Bengaluru (Karnataka, India), April 19, 2016:
Prof. Hampa Nagarajaiah, noted Kannada and Jain scholar said that Jains are the pioneers in the field of Woman education and the 1st ever woman university in the world was established in A.D. 850 by the Rashtrakuta Jain kings. He further continued to say that this University was established in Tamil Nadu and more than 900 woman used to study in this university. Addressing a huge gathering of more than 2500 people at the banquet hall of Vidhana Soudha (the seat of the state legislature of Karnataka) as a part of the Mahavir Jayanthi (Janmakalyana) celebrations he in detail listed out the contributions of Jains towards the over all development of Kannada literature, art and culture.
Request for "Prakrit Unversity" - Prof. Hampana put forth a request to the Government of Karnataka for establishing an independent Prakrit University. He said that there are 13 Sanskrit universities in the country, but the irony is that there isn't any Prakrit University in the country. Sanskrit was a language of the vidhwans (scholarly class), it is really good to see the importance given to Sanskrit at the same time equal importance has to be given to Prakrit as Prakrit was the language of the people and a lot of Jain literary works are composed in Prakrit.
Grants for Printing Jain Kannada Literary Works - Prof Hampana further continued and requested the the state Government to grant funds required for printing Jain Kannada literary works.
Sudha Murthy presented with "Mahavir Award"
Bengaluru (Karnataka, India), April 19, 2016:
Mrs. Sudha Narayanamurthy, president of Infosys Science foundation was presented with "Mahavir Award" for her life time contribution to the better of humanity and mankind. The award was presented in a grand Mahavir Jayanthi (Janmakalayana) celebrations held at the banquet hall of Vidhana Soudha (the seat of the state legislature of Karnataka) by the chief minister of Karnataka. The award was presented to N.R.Narayana Murthy the chairman of Infosys (one of the leading Indian IT company) as she was supose to attend another important function. The award is being presented to individuals for their life time contribution to the better of humanity and mankind by Karnataka Jain association (KJA) and Sakala Jain Samaj of Karnataka and carries a cahs prize of Rs. 1 Lakh.
All Praise for Jains -
Receiving the award N.R.Narayana Murthy was all praise for the Jains and their contribution towards the over all development of Karnataka and Kannada language.
Sri S Jitendra Kumar, president of KJA spoke on the occasion and listed out the contributions of Mrs. Murthy to the society.
Peace Award in the name of Lord Mahavir to be Constituted by Karnataka Government
Bengaluru (Karnataka, India), April 19, 2016:
The Government of Karnataka will constitue a peace award in the name of Lord Mahavir and will be presented to an individuals who has strived hard for establishing peace and will be non sectarian. The chief minister of Karnataka Sri Siddaramaiah announced this at Mahavir Jayanthi (Janmakalyana) celebratons held at the banquet hall of Vidhana Soudha (the seat of the state legislature of Karnataka).
When the CM says "Jai Jinendra"
Sri Siddaramaiah began his address by saying "Jai Jinendra" the word used by Jains for saluting among themselves and the crowd was all appreciation to him and for close to a minute everyone started saying "Jai Jinendra" and the CM maintained silence. Later on the CM again said "Jai Jinendra" and was reciprocated back from the audience in chorus. Sri Siddaramaiah continued his address and again addressed the gathering as "Jai Jinendra" before concluding his speech.
Grants for Printing Jain Kannada Literary Works
Replying to the requests from noted Jain scholar Sri Hampa Nagaragaiah the Chief minister announced that the state Government is willing to grant as much funds required for printing Jain Kannada literary works. He felt it is the duty of Government to respond to such requests as this will facilitate the propagation of Jain Kannada literature among the common people.
Request for "Prakrit Unversity"
Responding to another request from Prof. Hampana about establishing an independent "Prakrit University" in Karnataka the Chief minister assured to consider this request seriously.
Reservation for Jains
Responding to a request from one of the audience about reservation for Jains the CM said that it is a sensitive issue and will be considered.
