Jain Digest 1988 08 Vol 13 No 07

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 20

DAWN OF JAIN FILMS & DOCUMENTARIES
Priyadarshi, Sravanabelgola India
Nearly 50 years ago the richness of Jain Religion were put on the celluloid images of India's film industry. One can mention the film, Kannagi, made in Tamil language. The pioneer D. Shankar Singh of Mahatma Pictures, Mysore, India had presented Jain doctrinal and historical background in his film, Prabhulingaleele. There were two Jain feature films: Myna Sundari in Hindi and Lord Bahubali in Kannada. The latter was produced and directed by vetern politician author Mr Jwalniah, and now this film has been taken over, the whole rights, by the govt. of Karnataka as the film has been declared the treasure of the historical past. Now availble on 16 mm.
Raghuvir Singh Jain of Jain Watch Co of India, Delhi is the pioneer in captivating the final living days of Jain Acharyas, Shantisagar and Vira Sagar, on the celluloid. About 30 and odd years ago, Mr Jain had produced such Jain themes on about 150 shorts in 16 mm. Presently some of these are available on video cassettes.
During the 2500 Mahvir Nirvan celebrations, which marked the 2500th year of Jain Calendar in 1974, late Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain, the doyen of Jaina Philanthrophy, produced two documentaries: Jain Shrines of India and Lord Mahavir. In 1981, a documentary was produced on Sravanabelagola, where the monolithic statue, 57' tall, of Lord Bahubali stands firm for the past 1008 years on Indragiri hills. Rajashri pictures of Bombay, known for critically acclaimed feature films, have produced 1 hr 40 min Jain documentary in 1986. Recently many Jain video cassettes are in the markets. They include Pravachans by Munis and Sadhvis. To name a few: Vidhyanand Muni Pravachans, Triputi Maharaj Pravachans and Gnanamati Mataji Pravachans. The American documentaries on video cassettes are Ahimsa, which was shown throughout north America, and The Frontier of Peace: Jainism in India.
SOUTH INDIA JAIN SABHA HOLDS ITS 69th CONVENTION
Shiraguupi, KA. The South India Jain Sabha was established in 1899 with the objectives of socio-ethic, economical and educational values warranted for the Jain population of Maharashtra and Karnataka states. Since then, the Sabha has grown into an institution.
The Annual Convention of the Sabha was held on June 4 - 5,1988 at Shiraguppi in Karnataka. The 2-day convention was largely attended representing the whole of southern India. Some of the important resolutions were: construction of South India Jain Sabha building, increase the amount of education trust fund to Rs 100,000,000 and enlist 10,000 life members by the year 1999, the centanary year. Also a souvenir was released on the occasion.
Mr Devappa M Kabanur was elected President of the Sabha for a 3-year term.