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Studies in Jainology, Prakrit
SOME THOUGHTS ON JAINA PURĀ ŅAS AND NARRATIVE
LITERATURE
Learned Friends, Let me, at the outset, express my sincere gratitude to the Executive Body of the Al! India Association of Prakrit and Jaina Studies, for their confidence extended to me for presiding over the deliberations of the Jaina Purānas and Narrative Literature Section of its first nad historic Session held here under aegis of the P. V. Research Institute.
Jain Education International
We are rather proud to assemble here on the the premises of this P. V. Research Institute, which is the oldest to serve the cause of higher studies and research in the realms of Prakrit and Jainology nad which, coincidentally, also happens to celebrate now its Golden Jubilee. Besides, we are equally proud to be in this historic city, Vārānāsi which has been for centuries a unique centre of learning and pilgrimage, and the soil and surrounds of which have been rendered sacred and spiritually cultured by the movements and teachings of several great Indian saints and seers, including the revered Tirthankaras like Pārsvanatha and Mahāvīra. With this inspiring background and with your enthusiastic gathering for the maiden Session of this conference, I feel assured of your full co-operation in discharging the duties of this office entrusted
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