Pics: Shekar Ajekar
Daijiworld Media Network – Hassan (SP)

Hassan, Oct 14: Sri Charukeerti Bhattaraka Swamiji of Shravanabelagola in the district, an important seat of Jainism, expressed his wish for organizing a global level convention on Prakrit texts. Prakrit is an ancient language, and a huge treasure of information and other scriptures are found written in this language, particularly relating to Jainism.

After holding detailed discussions with scholars who are participating in the three-day seminar on Universal Values of Ancient Prakrit Texts, the Swamiji expressed his desire to organize a committee of global level experts in Prakrit, to finalize details of the proposed convention. The convention is planned in an effort to give a boost to, and rejuvenate Prakrit.

“Research on Prakrit is on in India and elsewhere in the world. On the occasion of the world Prakrit convention, not less than 100 works in Prakrit should be published in other languages,” he said. He said he is aware that huge funds would be required for this project, and that he would try to get funds from the central and state governments for the same.

Experts in Prakrit, like Prof Mattie Adelaide, Prof Robert Jayne Buzz, Jayender Soni, Kamala Hampana, Hampa Nagarajaiah, Nalin Balbir, Padma Shekhar, M R Tilak, D N Berge and others have been participating in the ongoing seminar.

Serious discussions about the ways and means to rejuvenate this ancient language are being held by experts on the subject at the said seminar.