Jain Vishva Bharati Offers Degree Courses in Jainology

Nagaur, Rajasthan: Jain Vishva Bharati is the world’s first Jain University. The inspiring forces behind the establishment of Jain Vishva Bharati University (JVBU) were Gurudev Tulsi, Great seer, saint and scholar of modern era.

His holiness was the ninth Acharya, the supreme head of Jain Terapanth religious sect, comprising more than 700 monks and nuns, and millions of followers all over the country and abroad.

Transcending sectarian boundaries, he had been incessantly working during the last six decades for the welfare of mankind - eradicating social evils, reforming social customs, building up national character and educating the masses about the principles of non-violence Universal peace and brotherhood.

The institute JVBU was founded by Gurudev Tulsi in 1970. In 1991, Government of India notified Jain Vishva Bharati Institute as Deemed University under section 3 of University Grants Commission Act, 1956.

At present Acharya Mahaprajna (a great thinker, philosopher and writer, often described as walking encyclopedia of Jainology) is the Anushasta (The Preceptor) of JAIN VISHVA BHARATI University.

The institute is located at Ladnun, a small town in Nagaur District of Rajasthan, it is 380 kms. west of Delhi and 225 kms. north west of Jaipur. It is well served by deluxe and express bus services from Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Udaipur, Ajmer, Ahmadabad, Delhi and other cities. The nearest airports are Jaipur and Jodhpur.

The campus of JAIN VISHVA BHARATI, sponsoring body of JVBU, is spread over 1, 00, 600 sq. meters of area with trees on either side of the road and parks in the center.
Regular Courses:

Presently, JVBU offers regular, residential, two years post graduate degree courses and three year undergraduate courses commencing every year in the following disciplines:

1. M.A in Jainology and Comparative Religion & Philosophy
2. M.A in Prakrit and Jain Agama
3. M.A/ M.Sc. in Science of Living: Preksha Meditation, Yoga- Therapy
4. M.A in non-violence, Anuvrat, Peace Research
5. M.A in Social Work
6. A certificate course in “SCIENCE OF LIVING” and “PREKSHA

MEDITATION” of one month classroom teaching and two months correspondence is held every year during summer season.
Distance Learning Courses:

The University offers correspondence courses in the following disciplines:-

1. MA in Jainology and Comparative Religion & Philosophy. (Same syllabus as regular course)
2. BA with special emphasis on Jainology and allied Subjects: -
Syllabus covers Jainology and Prakrit as Major subjects and Sanskrit, Science of living, Non- violence and peace as electives.
Capsule Course for Foreigners:

On demand from various scholars of some foreign countries, JAIN VISHVA BHARATI INSTITUTE has planned a 21-day -residential capsule courses on ‘Doctrine and Application of Jainology, Non-Violence, Peace, Science of Living and Preksha Meditation’. Those desirous of attending the course may write to the Registrar, JVBU so that the detailed program could be sent to them individually as soon as possible.
Eligibility, Fee Structure and Admission Procedure

Post Graduate Courses: Applicants should be graduate in any discipline having secured at least 50% marks in aggregate (5% relaxation in case of ST/SC/OBC/Women).Candidates appearing in final year exams may also apply.

Undergraduate Courses: Applicants should have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination from any recognized University or board with minimum 50% of marks in aggregate(5%relaxation in case of SC/ST/OBC/Women).
Admission Test and Interviews:

Test and interviews followed by group discussion is held in the month of June - July every year.For Prospectus cum application form applicants may apply to the Registrar during April and May.The Entrance examination is based on objective General Knowledge and Hindi or English.

Facilities Available:

Central Library: The JVBU’s Central Library known as “Vardhman Granthagar” has over 40,000 books and over 5,000 rare manuscripts. A large number of journals and periodicals are regularly subscribed.

Computer Center: The institute has a well equipped Computer center. Regular students can selectively avail the facility.

Hostel: The institute has co-education. Hostel facility is available to those coming from outside the boys hostel is housed in “AMRITAYAN” an elegant spread out structure on Sadhna Marg .Women’s hostel is in “GAUTAM GYANSHALA” on sewabhavi Marg.

Yoga and Meditation Center: The above center is located in “Tulsi Adhyatma Needam” and offers theoretical and practical training to build spiritual cum scientific personality. There are 60 Meditation room here.

Ayurvedic dispensary: An Ayurvedic Pharmacy research and dispensary for the free treatment of patients is located at the JVBU campus where herbal medicines are also prepared.

Audio visual Center: There is an Audio visual educational center for recording lectures, sermons of holy saints and scholars, discussion and seminars known as “AMRITVANI”

Guest Houses: There are three guest houses for the accommodation of guests coming from outside they are “SATKAR” “SAGAR” and “SUMERU”.

Extension & Training wing: The institute has a separate training cell run in collaboration with Jeevan Vigyan Academy for providing exposure to “Science of Living” and “Preksha Meditation” and provides training to teachers, students, administrators, Police personnel and all those who are interested in it.

Research/Project wing: This research wing focuses on study and research in oriental learning particularly in Jainology under the able guidance of its Anusastha. The critical edition of all Jain Agamas has been prepared in Hindi and English.

Career Prospects:

After successful completion of M.A or M.Sc. degree a student may opt for further Ph.D. degree in the institute with attractive fellowships.

The subject of ‘Science of Living, Preksha Meditation, and Yoga Therapy’ is becoming increasingly popular all over the world. Jeevan Vigyan Academy has various centers, and there is a demand for resource persons for teaching in these centers.

Those qualified in this subject can also become counselors in hospitals, medical institutions, social welfare organization and consultants in industrial houses or may run their own training center or practice as a consultant in the area of Preksha Meditation and Yoga. With the inclusion of Science of Living as a subject in value- education in schools run by Govt. of Rajasthan and Govt. of Delhi, the students may find employment opportunity in such schools.

The subject of ‘Non-Violence, Anuvrat, and Peace Research’ is highly relevant in modern society riddled with Tensions, conflicts, agitation and terrorism. Those qualified in this subject may be usefully employed by non- governmental institutions engaged in rural upliftment, Environmental promotion, value-education, conflict resolution, crime prevention etc.

They can also serve as moral and spiritual guides in international organizations working for social equality, social justice and world peace.

Subjects of ‘Jainology and comparative Religion &Philosophy’ and Prakrit &Jain Agama are all included in NET and SLET examination conducted by UGC and state govt. A student may get job in schools, colleges, Universities especially meant for Oriental studies all over the world.

The subject of ‘Social work’ can offer remedial and rehabilitate services to avert sufferings of individuals, groups and communities on account of exploitation, injustice and deprivation, which can bring social change and development in the society.

The profession has successfully established its utility in handling practical problems as rural development, tribal welfare, development of SC/ST/OBC, women welfare, sex and child abuse, poverty and unemployment, conflict resolution, slum improvement, labor welfare and marriage counseling.

Ladnun institute imparting value-based education

New Delhi: In present times when we are all caught up in the mad rush to achieve the pinnacle of success, we need a system of education that can stimulate our soul within by putting into practice and propagating the moral & spiritual norms and values in us.

Such a system can foster and develop universal human relationships for a peaceful co-existence amongst individuals, groups, communities, sect, races, religion and nation. Our education system has addressed this need and through various institutes. One such establishment that has been able to propagate the intrinsic values of life is Jain Viswa Bharti.

Jain Viswa Bharti Institute was established in 1991 with inspiration from His Holiness Acharya Tulsi and now headed by his successor, Acharya Shri Mahaprajna a seer, saint and scholar. It is the world’s first Jain University. The institution combines theoretical research with practical research, in other words, it combines gyan (knowledge) and dhyan (meditation). The University is however free from any religious affiliations. The institute draws its spiritual strength and direction from Acharya Mahaprajna, who is above any sectarian bias. Acharya Tulsi and now Acharya Mahaprajna work untiringly towards eradicating social evils, reforming social customs, building national character and educating the masses on the principles of nonviolence, universal peace and brotherhood.

Acharya Mahaprajna recently visited Ladnun, Rajasthan on 30th April 2009 to spread the knowledge where people, irrespective of religion, caste & creed, gathered in mass rally to pay homage to the noble soul dedicated to the service of mankind. Acharya Ji’s visit was marked by a series of knowledge sharing sessions to pave path for a world of non violence and peace.

Heads of various organizations and also the prominent citizens of Ladnun and Shravakas had the honour of welcoming Acharya Mahaprajna and Yuvacharya Mahashraman. “The development in terms of infrastructure and result oriented activities which have been manifested in the Jain Viswa Bharti is the embodiment of the dream of Acharya Mahaprajna”, says Surendra Choraria, the president of Jain Viswa Bharti on the occasion of the welcome ceremony of Acharya Mahaprajna. He also said, “togetherness is the secret to the success”.

Acharya Mahapragya, who is often described as a thinker, philosopher, writer, and a walking encyclopedia of Jainology, is working towards putting into practice and to promote and propagate the high ideals of Anekant (non-absolutist outlook), Ahimsa (Non-violence), Tolerance and Peaceful Co-existence for the weal of mankind.

From Financial Express

JITO Worldwide body of Jains to launch its New Chapter at Hyderabad

JITO is setting up a Jain Universtiy at an outlay of Rs 500crore, offers free medical insurance to 8000 Jain Monks at a cost of Rs 50 crore.

Jain International Trade Organization (JITO), a worldwide body of Jain businessmen, industrialists, knowledge workers and professionals in various fields reflecting their glory of ethical business practices to launch its 20th Chapter in India at Hyderabad on Sunday at 10am at Hotel Marriot.

The JITO Hyderabad Chapter will be inaugurated by Shri Ajay Jain, IAS, Managing Director of A.P. Genco. And guests of honour include Shri Hemant M Shah, National President, Shri Shantilal M. Kawar, Secretary General, Shri Mahinder Kumar Jain, President and Shri N. Tarachand Dugar, Secretary General of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Pondy Zone.

Immediately after the inauguration of the new Hyderabad Chapter, Shri Goutam Chand Jain Pikarna as Chairman, Shri D.C. Galada as Chief Secretary and other members of Managing Committee will be installed by The National President of JITO.

JITO aims to confer its members the benefits wider Global Business Contacts, access to Global Trade Directory on Web, opportunity to participate in International Trade Fairs, Conferences and Delegations. JITO invites all fellow Jains throughout the world to become a united force.

JITO is fast spreading many countries abroad such as South East Asian Countries, Far East Countries, USA, Europe and others. It already has chapters at Dubai and Hongkong. It has three tiers of membership. And has about 2000 across all categories of memberships. Many well known Jain Industrialists in the country have already become the members of JITO.

Some of the activities of JITO includes setting up a Jain University at an outlay of Rs 500crore. For which Rajasthan and Gujarat Governments promised all sorts of help in setting up the same. JITO has already mobilised Rs 2.5 cr as seed capital towards the same. JITO has been providing free and cash less medical insurance to 8000 Jain monks spread all over India at a cost of Rs 50 crore. JITO has been providing free training to Jain youth who plan to write Civil Service exams. It even provides educational loans at very nominate rate of 4 per cent interest.

Muni Param Pujya Naypadmasagarji, Maharaj Saheb, is the mentor and conceptualiser of JITO with the blessings of Guru Bhagwants had a dream of uniting all Jains under one Umbrella Organisation i.e.JAIN INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION (JIO), JIO is the Apex confederation of all Jains, spread around the world, having under it sixteen different organisations such as Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO), Jain International Doctors' Federation (JDF), Jain International Chartered Accountants' Federation (JICF), Jain International Advocates' Federation (JIAF),Jain International Women (JIWO), Jain International Youth Organisation (JIYO), Jain International Government Employees' Organisation (JIGEO) etc. Almost 75% of the working population of Jains is engaged in business and industry.

The Jain population in India according to 2001 census is about 50 lakhs. The Jain population is spread across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The Jain population in Andhra Pradesh is estimated to be about one lakh. The Jain population in USA is estimated to be about 130,000.

Modi would like Jain university in Gujarat

Ahmedabad, Jan 10 (IANS)

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi wants a university proposed by a worldwide organisation of Jains to be set up in the state.”We have three choices for setting up a university. It can be in Maharashtra, Rajasthan or Gujarat. We request you (Modi) that as you did for the Nano (small car) project, help us to build the university here,” said Hemant Shah, president of the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO), at the inaugural session of the three-day (JITO) Global Summit here Saturday.

In reply, Modi said: “I too want this university to come up in Gujarat instead of Maharashtra or Rajasthan. I have no objections. You go ahead and set up the university.”

“Last year the JITO summit was held in Mumbai and I attended it. I requested the organisers that the next meet be held here. Today Gujarat has become the host to the world,” he told the large gathering of delegates who have come here from all corners of the world.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Gandhinagar MP L.K. Advani said: “JITO is a wonderful organisation. It has set an example of religious amity.”