International Conference on Science and Jain Philosophy
Video:
Video by Jyotindra Zaveri
INAUGURAL SESSION:
The Conference was inaugurated by Mr Justice Dalveer Bhandari, a former Judge of Supreme Court of India and presently a Member of the International Court of Justice, Hague, The Netherlands. Hon'ble Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Science and Technology was the Chief Guest. The Secretary of HH Dalai Lama Foundation, New Delhi, Mr Rajiv Mehrotra graced the occasion. Prof K.P. Mishra, Director and Chairman, ICSJP briefed about the scope and plans of conference. About 850 delegates and guests attended the conference. Prof D. Parthasarathy, HOD, IIT Bombay welcomed the delegates. Mr B.R. Bhandari, Chancellor, JVBI presided. Respected Prof. Muni shri Mahendra Kumar graced the dais and addressed the audience. Samani Charitra, Vice Chancellor, JVBI and Dr Samani Chaitanya Prajna, Executive Director of BMIRC, JVBI, Ladnun addressed the august audience.
VALEDICTORY FUNCTION:
The Valedictory function was graced by Mr Justice Adarsh Goel of Supreme Court of India as Chief Guest. Mr Annurag Batra, Chairman, Business World, Mr Justice Jasraj Chopra (Retd.) of Rajasthan High Court and esteemed Spiritual Leader, Muni Mahendra Kumar graced the dais and addressed the delegates. Rev. Muni Nandigoshsuri graced as Special Guest. The respected Chancellor, JVB University, Mr B.R. Bhandari presided the function. Prof K.P. Mishra, Director & Chairman, ICSJP presented his views on research and administration of BMIRC. Dr Samani Chaitanya Prajna welcomed the guests. Dr Narendra Bhandari, Chairman of Steering Committee, ICSJP gave a highlight of the conference.
PUBLICATIONS:
A Souvenir and an Abstract book were published which were released by honourable dignitaries in the Inaugural Function. It is planned to publish the Proceeding of the Conference in a book form. In addition, News Bulletin vol 1 issue 2 of BMIRC was published on this occasion.
MEDIA COVERAGE:
The deliberations of the conference attracted unusual media attention. More than 50 reportages in various Dailies of English, Marathi, Gujarati and Hindi from Mumbai and India covered the events of the conference.
FEEDBACK AND SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE:
Delegates were given opportunity to express their views on relevant issues of Jainism and science. They were also given feedback form for evaluation of quality and future course. It turned out that expectations were high for starting appropriate research projects on science and spirituality in the context of Jain philosophy at Bhagwan Mahavira International Research Center. It was suggested that BMIRC should be developed into a world class Research Center engaging best minds and talented scholars by granting fellowship. A Ph.D. research program should be designed and implemented. In view of possible collaborations with reputed Institutions like, TIFR, MU, IIT Bombay, BARC, NEERI, ICMR Laboratory, Institute of Reproduction and many others in Mumbai, it was suggested to establish BMIRC in or around Mumbai and some other metropolitan cities to effectively disseminate the message of Jainism on the basis of philosophy and modern science. In modern society the Jain preaching of non-violence (ahimsa) has a torch-bearing role to help steer humankind in right direction. It was suggested that such conferences should be organized every 2-3 years. Many youths proposed that conferences should be organized for young Jain students and scholars. Intellectual consensus was to present principles and practices of Jainism in innovative manner.
COLLABORATORS:
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and the University of Mumbai.
