Dear Reader,

Jai Jinendra!🙏

At the BRICS Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a Russian translation of the Tirukkural to Russian President Vladimir Putin. This moment was one of pride for the Jain community. Revered as one of the greatest classics of Tamil literature, the Tirukkural holds a distinguished place within the Jain scriptural tradition, with its profound emphasis on ethics, virtue, and moral conduct. Its presence on such a prominent international diplomatic platform stands as a powerful testament to the enduring depth and global resonance of Jain contributions to India’s literary and intellectual heritage.

The International School for Jain Studies (ISJS) is committed to renewing the study of Jain thought and ensuring that its diverse intellectual traditions remain part of contemporary scholarship. Expanding access to this heritage through translation, research, and teaching is an important part of our academic work.

EXPLORE JAINISM WITH ISJS THIS WINTER

ISJS will conduct its 10-day Online Winter Program 2026-27 from 28 December 2026 to 6 January 2027. Designed for students, researchers, educators, professionals, and anyone interested in Jainism, the program offers an introduction to Jain philosophy, ethics, and ways of life through sessions led by scholars and experienced practitioners. Conducted entirely online in English, the program welcomes participants from around the world.

⏰ Application deadline: November 10, 2026

ISJS ANNOUNCES CERTIFICATE COURSE ON VALUE EDUCATION, PEACE AND HARMONY

ISJS is launching a one-week online certificate course on Value Education, Peace and Harmony, from 21-27 November 2026. Designed for school and college teachers, educators, youth, and social workers, the course focuses on self-awareness, emotional balance, empathy, responsible decision-making, and constructive conflict management. Each one-hour session combines a lecture or case study, discussion, and practical activity. The regular course fee is INR 1,000 for Indian participants and USD 50 for overseas participants, however, as the launch programme, the course is being offered free of charge. Participants will explore how values can foster personal well-being, harmonious relationships, and responsible action.

JAINA ART AND ARCHITECTURE IN KARNATAKA BY DR. SHRINIVAS PADIGAR

ISJS invites you to an online lecture: “Some Interesting Aspects of Jain Art and Architecture in Karnataka” to be delivered by Dr. Shrinivas V. Padigar and chaired by Dr. Shahida Ansari.

The talk offers a journey through significant aspects of Karnataka's Jain architectural heritage. It will be held on Sunday, 27 September 2026 from 8.30 PM IST onwards.

ACADEMIC AGREEMENTS WITH KYOTO UNIVERSITY

During his visit to Japan (26 August–2 September 2026), ISJS Director Dr. Shrinetra Pandey led the signing of an academic agreement between Kyoto University (KU) and the Vardhman Charitable Foundation (VCF), USA, supporting an Assistant Professor position at KU. The MoU was signed by Dr. Kyoko Amano and Dr. Jasvant Modi. ISJS and KU also initiated a Global Dialogue for Sustainable Collective Well-being, following discussions between Dr. Shugan Jain and Prof. Yasuo Deguchi. As part of his visit, Dr. Pandey presented a paper on Ahimsa in Jainism at a symposium organized by the University of Hamburg. A visit to the Kobe Shwetambar Jain Temple and several Buddhist temples in Kyoto was among the highlights of the program. A brief report is published in the American Bazar.

AYODHYA FROM JAIN PERSPECTIVE

The Speak Up section in this edition features an article titled “Ayodhya: The Primal Capital of Human Civilization – A Jain Perspective” by Mr. Harshit Mishra, Research Associate, ISJS.