The Ministry of Minority Affairs has approved the establishment of the Centre of Jain Manuscriptology (GUCJM) at Gujarat University, with an allocation of Rs. 40 Crore. Inspired by the ‘Panch Pran’ philosophy of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this initiative aims to promote education and research in the field of Jain Studies and empower minority communities through academic endeavors.
Under the Prime Minister’s Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) scheme, the Ministry of Minority Affairs has recognized the importance of fostering education and research in Jainism. The establishment of the Jain knowledge center at Gujarat University is poised to provide academic support for the development of Apabharansh and Prakrit languages of Jainism.
The center will serve as a platform for collaboration between the University and the Ministry to enhance educational opportunities for minority communities in India. It will facilitate research in Jain Studies, focusing on the languages and texts that are integral to the living traditions of Jainism. The initiative aims to strengthen infrastructure and promote Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Ph.D., and research programs in Jain Studies.
Moreover, Gujarat University will collaborate with subject matter experts to develop curriculum, guidelines, and course materials tailored to the needs and interests of minority students. The university will also organize training programs and workshops to enhance the pedagogical skills and subject knowledge of faculty members involved in teaching Jain Studies courses.