The Discover India Podcast by Professor Pankaj Jain: Bhārat Darśan

Indian Culture and Ecology: A Webinar for JNU Scholars by Prof Pankaj Jain

This book presents a substantive yet accessible introduction to the modern thought of Jainism. It examines the life and thought of some of the most influential 19th and 20th-century Jain ascetic leaders that remain little known in the Western world. The book's first part provides a detailed philosophical overview of Jain thought based on the translation of a seminal Hindi text Jain Darshan. The second part introduces eight Jain saints from the major Jain sects, including their biographies, philosophical perspectives, and related contemporary movements flourishing in various places across India and beyond. The author also shares his ethnographic experiences in several chapters. Furthermore the book provides a detailed glossary of terms in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Hindi, Gujarati, and Rajasthani and their English meanings. An indispensable book that offers innovative insights into several crucial Jain movements and how they helped shape modern Indian society and beyond. The book includes historical, philological, and anthropological accounts of modern Jainism.

ModernJainism: My Seminar at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study at Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

Despite a vibrant free press, a tenaciously independent judiciary, and 75 years of free and fair elections, India has somehow gained an international reputation as an authoritarian state bordering on fascism. The Economist Intelligence Unit considers India a "flawed democracy", Sweden’s Varieties of Democracy Institute calls India an "electoral autocracy", and the Washington think tank Freedom House rates India as only "partially free". Major news organizations uncritically report such allegations, which have now become central to the global understandings of India. But are these criticisms of Indian democracy actually correct? The stridently negative appraisals of Indian democracy published by the three major democracy rating organisations seem wildly disproportionate to the actual evidence marshalled to support them. In several instances, they smack of intentional deception. When we turn to hard, quantitative evidence, we find that Indian democracy is in fact in good health, and in much better health than other, comparable countries. It is, in fact, the rankings themselves that are poorly constructed, resulting in an understanding of Indian democracy that is seriously flawed.

Did you know that the timeless Indian epics, the Rāmāyaṇa and Mahābhārata, hold secrets beyond their well-known tales of gods and heroes? Step into the realm of Jainism and discover the captivating universe of "Jain Mahābhāratas," in this fascinating India Studies Webinar curated by The India Centre. Join our expert guest speaker, Prof. Eva De Clercq from Ghent University, Belgium, as she guides us through the intricacies of Jain Mahābhārata material, tracing its origins from the ancient Āgamas to the present day. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the uncharted territories of these beloved epics.

The India Centre calls out to all curious souls who are deeply interested in unravelling the depths of history. Brace yourself for a unique and enthralling narrative of a Jain mendicant's odyssey across the Western Indian Ocean in 1946. Join us for "O Maharaj! Take these lemons – Jains and Jainism in the Western Indian Ocean," a riveting India Studies webinar that will be guided by Prof. Tine Vekemans from Ghent University, Belgium. As the Ācārya Mahāprajña Chair for Jain Studies, she seamlessly weaves together the threads of contemporary Jainism and its presence beyond South Asia. Her unique blend of textual analysis and anthropological insights casts light on Jainism through the lens of everyday experiences and practices. Get ready to be part of a time-travelling exploration that bridges cultures and generations. Calling all inquisitive minds intrigued by the unfathomable depths of history! Prepare yourself for an unparalleled and captivating journey as we unveil the remarkable saga of a Jain mendicant's odyssey across the Western Indian Ocean in 1946. Dive into the riveting world of "O Maharaj! Take these lemons – Jains and Jainism in the Western Indian Ocean," a captivating webinar in the realm of India Studies. Guided by the expertise of Prof. Tine Vekemans from Ghent University, Belgium, an eminent figure as the Ācārya Mahāprajña Chair for Jain Studies. With a seamless blend of textual analysis and anthropological insights, Prof. Vekemans sheds light on contemporary Jainism and its transcendent presence beyond South Asia, painting a vivid picture of Jainism through the canvas of everyday experiences and practices.

Karma in Jainism = Dust Particles on Soul

Next episodes are at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C0Yb5MPtHo&list=PLAvLthebN2HBwRyssBF2ItkzL-_Ps7SkO

This lecture examines the emergent leadership of two female gurus in South Asia who have declared their status as Śaṅkarācāryās (i.e., heads of monastic institutions) based on revelatory experiences. They do this in order to change patriarchal monastic (akhāṛā) culture and challenge entrenched ideas of women’s inferiority in Hindu society. Bringing together ethnographic data and gender studies-centered analysis of their narratives and teachings, the author shall investigate the role and impact of gendered charismatic authority on modern women’s monastic lives.

This Earth Day, join a conversation with Dr. Pankaj Jain: an academic and an internationally recognized thought leader in the field of #sustainability. He has worked extensively to identify indigenous movements in India that are focused on protecting the environment and show how their extraordinary commitment springs directly from their roots in Sanatana Dharma.