Dear Reader,

Jai Jinendra!

Origins of various prominent events are associated with Rishabhadeva, the first tirthamkara of Jain tradition. He played a pivotal role in the systematization of civilization and is regarded as the founder of the first dynasty, known as Ikshvaku Vamsha. ‘Ikshvaku’ originated from the word ikshu meaning sugarcane. The texts substantiate that Rishabdhdeva was fond of sugarcane since his early childhood. Later, after a year of renunciation, Rishabhadeva consumed sugarcane juice as his first alms on Vaishakh Shukla Tritiya. This auspicious day became a festival synonymous with prosperity which was observed on April 30 this year.

Jainism has roots of various ancient and modern Indian traditions, which are found in several Jain texts. As early Jain texts are written in Prakrit, the International School for Jain Studies ‘ISJS’ offers a unique Bhagwan Mahavira Prakrit Fellowship program that has completed five batches, and its alumni are making noise across the globe.

Prakrit programs, summer school, online lectures, and many more – ISJS significantly enhances the academic landscape of Jain studies.
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