In a significant step toward preserving India’s ancient knowledge traditions and linguistic heritage, the Ministry of Minority Affairs has inaugurated the Centre for Jain Studies at Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), Indore, under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) initiative. This initiative is part of the government’s mission to promote and preserve heritage and classical languages by establishing Centres of Excellence in universities across the country.
Promoting Jain Studies and Indian Knowledge Systems
The newly launched Centre for Jain Studies at DAVV Indore, approved at a cost of ₹27.16 crore, was inaugurated during the National Seminar on “Jainism and Indian Knowledge System.” The event brought together scholars, government officials, and academic experts to discuss the significance of Jain philosophy, literature, and its contribution to India’s intellectual and ethical traditions.
Senior officials and ministers from the Ministry of Minority Affairs emphasized that the establishment of this Centre will strengthen the study and dissemination of Jain heritage, scriptures, and philosophical thought, integrating traditional wisdom with modern research and technology.
Integrating Technology and Tradition
Highlighting the government’s commitment to modernization and inclusivity, ministry officials encouraged the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital tools, and data-driven research for the documentation, translation, and preservation of ancient Jain texts. The Centre is expected to function as a hub for digital archiving, AI-assisted linguistic analysis, and curriculum development that brings India’s heritage languages to a wider audience.
Through AI-based tools, researchers will be able to digitize manuscripts, develop interactive learning modules, and create online databases for global access — ensuring that India’s traditional knowledge systems remain relevant in the digital era.
Expanding the Network of Centres of Excellence
The Ministry of Minority Affairs has already established similar Centres of Excellence under the PMJVK scheme at other leading institutions. Notably, the University of Mumbai and Gujarat University have launched centres focused on Pali, Prakrit, and Avesta Pahlavi studies, respectively. These centres aim to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and encourage young researchers and scholars to engage with classical languages and their cultural legacy.
By setting up these Centres of Excellence across multiple states, the government seeks to build a strong academic and institutional framework for the revival of India’s linguistic and philosophical heritage. The programme supports curriculum development, digital infrastructure, and academic exchanges that will promote both research excellence and cultural preservation.
Strengthening India’s Cultural and Educational Identity
The establishment of the Centre for Jain Studies aligns with India’s broader vision of promoting “Viksit Bharat” through education, cultural preservation, and inclusive growth. It also highlights the government’s effort to bring heritage language studies into the mainstream of higher education, thereby encouraging cultural awareness and intellectual diversity.
With growing global interest in India’s knowledge systems, the Ministry’s initiative will play a crucial role in showcasing the philosophical depth, linguistic richness, and ethical values of ancient Indian traditions like Jainism. The DAVV Centre is set to become a pioneering institution for research, academic innovation, and international collaboration in heritage studies.
A Step Toward Preserving India’s Timeless Wisdom
Through initiatives like the Centre for Jain Studies, the Ministry of Minority Affairs reaffirms its commitment to preserving India’s ancient wisdom through modern education and technology. The convergence of AI-driven research and heritage language education marks a new era in India’s cultural development, ensuring that the teachings of Jainism and other classical traditions continue to inspire generations to come.
