Dear Reader,
Jai Jinendra!🙏
The world stood at the threshold of an extraordinary spiritual moment in the early hours of Kartika Krishna Amavasya, as Bhagwan Mahavira, the twenty-fourth Tirthankara, approached the culmination of his spiritual journey under the Swati Nakshatra, with three years and eight and a half months remaining in the fourth period of the time cycle. The Harivamsha Purana beautifully describes Bhagwan Mahavira's attainment of Nirvana, when celestial beings illuminated the earth and sky with rows of lamps, giving rise to the Jain observance of Dipavali. On that same night, his chief disciple, Indrabhuti Gautama, attained omniscience.
The preceding day, Kartika Krishna Trayodashi, is traditionally associated with Bhagwan Mahavira's practice of Yoga Nirodha, the complete cessation of the activities of mind, speech and body, a profound stage of the highest form of meditation. Thus, this day came to be known in the Jain tradition as Dhyana Terasa, also referred to by some as Dhanya Terasa.
With Mahavira's nirvana, a new era of timekeeping began. The following day, Kartika Shukla Pratipada, marks the Jain New Year, Vira Nirvana Samvat.
On this auspicious occasion, the International School for Jain Studies (ISJS) wishes everyone a blessed Mahavira Nirvana Kalyanaka and a joyful 2553rd Jain New Year. May Bhagwan Mahavira's timeless teachings continue to illuminate our path.
ISJS is organising a three-day international residential forum, From Inner Development to Conscious Living: A Global Dialogue for Sustainable Collective Well-being, from May 1-3, 2027, at Navalveerayatan, Pune. Inspired by the United Nations' Inner Development Goals initiative and the Initiatives of Change movement, the forum seeks to encourage a transformative journey from “I” to “We” to “Our,” fostering a more conscious, inclusive, and sustainable future. The forum aims to exercise personal and social philosophy that adds values to education and policy implementation. ISJS invites expressions of interest from institutions to join as co-organisers and from researchers, educators, and practitioners to contribute as presenters.
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Applications are now open for the Online Winter Program (IWSJS.2026), taking place from December 28, 2026, to January 6, 2027. This 10-day international program offers an engaging opportunity to explore Jain philosophy, ethics, and everyday practices through interactive online sessions led by scholars and experienced practitioners. Conducted entirely in English, the programme is open for all.
Join learners from around the world for an enriching journey into Jain wisdom, reflection, and practice. Apply by December 10, 2026, and be part of this international learning experience!
How can value-based education contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious society? ISJS seeks to explore this question through a free, online certificate course on Value Education, Peace and Harmony, scheduled for November 21-27, 2026. Reflecting on the role of values in personal growth and social well-being, participants will engage with practical approaches to emotional awareness, empathy, thoughtful decision-making, and resolving conflicts constructively. Through interactive discussions, real-life case studies, lectures, and hands-on activities, the course will demonstrate how everyday choices and relationships can be guided by values that promote mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.
Deadline: November 10, 2026
Interested in bringing value education to your institution? ISJS welcomes collaboration with educational institutions to develop programmes tailored to their needs.
ISJS is expanding opportunities for educators to bring value-based learning into their teaching through in-person experiential programs on Value Education, Peace and Harmony. Grounded in the principles of non-violence and universal human values, these programmes equip teachers with practical approaches to fostering empathy, inclusivity, mutual respect, and responsible behaviour among students. Designed to meet diverse institutional needs, the programs are available in flexible formats ranging from three to seven days.
Dr Abhay Firodia, Chairman of Amar Prerana Trust, parent organisation of ISJS, has been conferred with the prestigious IOJ Ahimsa Award 2026 at the House of Commons, Westminster, London, on October 19, 2026. Presented by the Institute of Jainology, London, the award recognises Dr Firodia’s commitment to Ahimsa, compassion and peaceful coexistence, as well as his vision of promoting Jain philosophy and timeless ethical values.
This honour is a moment of pride for ISJS reaffirming our commitment to advancing Jain studies and the universal message of non-violence. Dr Firodia’s recognition reflects the enduring relevance of these values in building a more compassionate and harmonious world.
ISJS commenced the 7th Bhagwan Mahavira Prakrit Fellowship (BMPF) program in the first week of October 2026, with five participants: Dr Sharda Kusum Mishra, Iti Sardar, Nilesh Jain, Sumit Gupta, and Dipankar Halder. The program focuses on the eighth chapter of Siddha-hema-shabdanushasan, offering participants an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Prakrit grammar and linguistic traditions. The program aims to deepen Prakrit language proficiency and enrich Jain studies through a closer understanding of Jain literature, philosophy, and linguistic heritage.
ISJS hosted its 30th online lecture, Ethico-Legal Dimensions of Religious Death Practices in Jainism, delivered by Dr. Rishabh Gandhi on October 30, 2026. An advocate, arbitrator, and former trial court judge, Dr. Gandhi has submitted his doctoral thesis on this subject.
The lecture examined the scriptural, philosophical, historical, and contemporary dimensions of religious death practices in the Digambar and Shwetambar traditions. The session was chaired by Dr. Claire Maes, Bhagwan Vasupujya Swami Postdoctoral Fellow in Jain Studies at the Asian Studies Center, University of Pittsburgh, and a researcher specialising in sallekhanā.
The lecture was followed by an engaging discussion providing an opportunity to reflect further on the ethical, legal, and philosophical complexities of the subject.
The Speak Up section in this edition features an article titled “Wealth with Wisdom: Lessons from Nitivakyamritam for a Meaningful Life” by Dr. Navin Srivastav, Associate Director, ISJS.
The article examines Somadeva Suri’s Nitivakyamritam through a Jain ethical lens, exploring how wealth can be ethically acquired, preserved, and utilised for individual and social well-being through wisdom, self-restraint, righteousness, and non-attachment.
A distinguished scholar of Jain philosophy, Prof. Kamal Chand Sogani is honoured with the Samaj Ratna Samman by the Rajasthan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jaipur, on 25 October 2026, in recognition of his contributions to society and scholarship. He is considered as one of the finest Jain scholars of twentieth century and honoured by various national institutions. He pioneered teaching Prakrit in Hindi and English through Jain Vidhya Sansthan. He has authored numerous books and translations, and received the President’s Certificate of Honour for Prakrit in 2019. He established the Apabhramsa Sahitya Academy and served as director and adviser of Prakrit Bharati Academy. Associated as one of the guiding academic experts with ISJS since its inception, Prof. Sogani has contributed articles to ISJS Study Notes and warmly hosted summer school participants in Jaipur.
ISJS congratulates Prof. Sogani on this honour and cherishes his longstanding association and contributions to advancing Jain studies and knowledge.
We are excited to announce that ISJS has created a WhatsApp Group to keep our global members updated with the latest activities and initiatives.
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ISJS warmly invites its associates, alumni, and well-wishers to share regular feedback on our newsletters and activities. Your insights play a vital role in enhancing ISJS initiatives and expanding our outreach.
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