Conference Overview and Organizing Institutions
A joint academic conference titled Sacred Roots of Jainism was successfully organized from 1st to 2nd February 2026 to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of the eminent Jain scholar, Siddhantacharya Pandit Phool Chandra Shastri. The conference was jointly convened by Shri Ganesh Varni Digambar Jain Sansthan, Varanasi; Gurudev Samantbhadra Centre for Jainism, Karanja Gurukul; and Dharma for Life, New Delhi. The two-day scholarly gathering was devoted to exploring Pandit Ji’s life, works, and enduring contributions to Jain philosophy, Prakrit literature, and the historicity of Lord Parshvanatha.
Inaugural Ceremony and Unveiling of the Commemorative Mural
The conference opened on 1st February with an inaugural function marked by the unveiling of a wall mural of Pandit Phool Chandra Shastri by the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Justice N.K. Jain, former Chief Justice of the Madras and Karnataka High Courts. The ceremony was held in the distinguished presence of eminent academicians, administrators, and members of the Jain community. Floral tributes were offered to Pandit Ji, followed by a commemorative group photograph. Prior to the formal commencement of the conference, heartfelt tributes were also paid to Prof. Rajaram Jain (Padma Shri), former President of the Executive Committee, who had recently passed away.
Inaugural Addresses and Scholarly Reflections
The inaugural session featured welcome addresses, introductions, and reflections by senior scholars and dignitaries, emphasizing Pandit Phool Chandra Shastri Ji’s pivotal role in advancing Jain studies through rigorous scholarship and authoritative translations of classical texts. The opening remarks set the intellectual tone of the conference by highlighting the contemporary relevance of Jain philosophical principles and their intersections with scientific and ethical discourse.
Siddhantacharya Pandit Phool Chandra Shastri Memorial Lecture – I
The academic sessions commenced with the first Siddhantacharya Pandit Phool Chandra Shastri Memorial Lecture, delivered by Dr. Natalia Zheleznova, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow. Her lecture presented an external scholarly perspective on Pandit Shastri’s translation of Sarvārthasiddhi, underscoring the global significance of Jain textual traditions and Pandit Ji’s meticulous interpretative methodology. This was followed by scholarly presentations addressing Jain epistemology, literary contributions, and philosophical inquiry.
Scholarly Sessions on the Life and Contributions of Pandit Shastri
Subsequent sessions on Day 1 focused on Pandit Shastri’s multifaceted contributions—literary, social, and intellectual—presented by scholars from across India. These discussions collectively highlighted his enduring influence on modern Jain thought, his role in preserving ancient manuscript traditions, and his commitment to the systematic study of Jain philosophy.
Siddhantacharya Pandit Phool Chandra Shastri Memorial Lecture – II and Thematic Sessions
Day 2 of the conference featured the second memorial lecture by Prof. Raj Kumar Chabda, which examined critical issues related to the Tattvārthsūtra and Sarvārthasiddhi, offering deep textual and historical insights. Additional sessions explored the scientific aspects of Jainism, demographic challenges facing the Jain community, and the historicity of Tirthankar Parshvanatha, drawing from archaeology, art history, and studies of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Panel Discussion and Valedictory Session
The conference concluded with a panel discussion on the concept of omniscience (Sarvagyata) in Indian philosophies, fostering rich interdisciplinary dialogue. Dr Medhavi Jain, Founder, Dharma for Life, moderated and participated in the Panel Discussion; the other participants were Prof Lalji Shravak, Mr Kirti Kumar Bhore, Dr Anand Jain, Ms Pragya Bhatt and Dr Anubhav Jain. The discussion made a good impact on the audience and they applauded it. The valedictory session reaffirmed the collective commitment to advancing Jain studies through sustained research, education, and global engagement. The conference stood as a fitting tribute to Siddhantacharya Pandit Phool Chandra Shastri’s legacy and a renewed pledge to carry forward his scholarly vision.
