National Commission for Minorities (NCM) with Knowledge Partner Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore, today organized a National Seminar on “The Contribution of the Jain Community to the Indian Economy, Education, and Philanthropy” at The Marriott, Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

Attended by leading subject specialists, scholars, academicians, industrialists, Vice President JITO, philanthropists Shantilal Mutha, Girish B. Shah, students and Jain community members also attended the seminar.

Addressing the gathering through a video message, Shri Kiren Rijiju, Hon’ble Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, said that philanthropy defines Jain society. “Hospitals, dharamshalas, gaushalas, and community kitchens serve all with dignity. Jain entrepreneurs also power India’s economy, creating jobs and driving innovation while supporting education, healthcare, and rural growth,” he stated.

The Union Minister added that the community is contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. “The Government recognises these contributions. Through PM VIKAS and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram, we are empowering Jain youth and institutions. Jain principles of Ahimsa, Aparigraha and Anekantavada teach harmony, sustainability and respect for diverse views—values our nation needs today,” he said.

Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State for Minority Affairs, graced the seminar as Chief Guest. He elaborated on various government initiatives aimed at empowering minority communities, including the PM VIKAS scheme. He highlighted how these programmes focus on skill development, entrepreneurship and education, enabling greater participation in economic growth. He emphasized the Government’s commitment to inclusive development by creating opportunities that strengthen livelihoods and promote social and economic upliftment across communities.

Ms. S. Munawari Begum, Member, NCM, appreciated the Jain community’s commitment to service and upliftment, noting that their contributions continue to strengthen the social fabric of India. Shri Berjis Desai, Member, NCM, said that Jain values of non-violence and pluralism are deeply relevant in today’s world and their economic and philanthropic contributions set an inspiring example for all communities.

Smt. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, National Commission for Minorities, in her welcome address and concluding remarks, stated that the Commission has been actively engaged in addressing concerns and safeguarding the interests of the community. “The Commission has actively engaged with the Government of Jharkhand regarding matters concerning the sanctity of Sammed Shikharji Hill, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites of the Jain community,” she said. She reiterated the Commission’s commitment to promote inclusive development.

The inaugural session was also addressed by Shri Chaitanya Kumar Kasyap, Minister of MSME, Government of Madhya Pradesh; Dr. Rakesh Singhai, Vice-Chancellor, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya; Shri Shantilal Mutha, Founder, Shantilal Mutha Foundation; and Shri Kamlesh Sojatia, Vice-President, Jain International Trading Organization.

Technical Session–I on “Contribution of the Jain Community to the Indian Economy, Education and Philanthropy” was moderated by Prof. Rajnish Jain, HoD, Centre for Jain Studies, DAVV, Indore. The session featured addresses by Dr. Jitendra Bhai Shah, Former Director, Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Institute for Indology, Ahmedabad; Shri Shantilal Mutha; Dr. Ashok Badjatiya, National President, Digambar Jain Mahasamiti; Shri Girish J. Shah, Member, Animal Welfare Board of India; and Shri Rajneesh Jain, Vice-Chairman (Minority Wing), JITO. Speakers highlighted the significant role of the Jain community in shaping India’s economic landscape through trade, entrepreneurship, industry and underscored their longstanding contributions to education and philanthropy, including the establishment of schools, hospitals and charitable institutions.

Technical Session–II on “Jainism and Indian Knowledge System” was moderated by Prof. Renu Jain, Former Vice-Chancellor, DAVV, Indore. The session featured addresses by Prof. Shalin Jain, University of Delhi; Prof. Bhagchand Jain (Retd.), Jain Vishwabharti, Ladnun; Dr. Navin Kumar Srivastav, Associate Director, International School for Jain Studies, Pune; Prof. Phoolchand Jain, Former Head, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, Varanasi; and Dr. Indu Jain, Founder, Jain Dharma Rakshak Foundation. The deliberations focused on core principles such as Ahimsa, Anekantavada, and Aparigraha, and their relevance in contemporary times. Speakers highlighted how Jain thought enriches ethical, environmental and intellectual discourse, offering valuable insights for sustainable and harmonious living.

The Valedictory Session was graced by Secretary National Commission for Minorities and Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Dr. Srivatsa Krishna. This session highlighted the importance of recognizing and strengthening the contributions of the Jain community in nation-building through economic enterprise, education and philanthropy.

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