Journal of Gyansagar Science Foundation 2013 04 01

Author(s): Sanjeev Sogani, Vimal Jain
Publisher: Gyansagar Science Foundation

Page 22

Jainism and Modern Cosmology
Dr. Piyush Jain Director, Hemelectronic Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Ahmedabad
Mob: 9314399819; E-mail: piyushjm@gmail.com
Lord Mahavir, the highest authority of Jainism, like Albert Einstein, the epitome of modern science, never carried out any experiment in any laboratory. For both, their minds were their respective playgrounds. No wonder then, several of their conclusions look alike. In the fields of matter, time, cosmos, etc., the contents of Jain treatises are amazingly near to the findings of modern science. In the paper, titled 'Cosmology - Jainism & Scientism - A Comparative Study, the author has tried to bring forth the similarities and disparities between the Jain school of thought and that of scientific fraternity.
But, the comparison does not stop at the striking similarities. It also encompasses the limitations of both the lines of contemplation. The eternal, yet cyclic concept of Jainism, fills in the gap left by the scientists in the Big Bang theory. Jain postulates of Dravya (mattereals) and time also answer the dilemma of ever expanding universe of modern astronomers. Jains, too need to answer several such apprehensions as raised by the scientific fraternity.
Paper presents the depiction of finite shape of the universe and explains the division in three major parts, as is available in ancient Jain scriptures. Geography of Universe is followed by its six real-constituents and brief description of their individual roles to make the universe full of hectic activities.
Various similarities in Jainism and scientism brings the author to the conclusion that a unification of philosophy is possible with the modern science. In the process of this unification, and in the author's belief, an astounding possibility arises - "to have an eternal soul residing in a body which lives happily ever after, till it is liberated through right karmas."
Abstract
Natural Products: Essential Resources for Drug Discovery
Prof. (Dr.) Subhash C. Jain Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi,
Delhi-110 007, India Mob: 9810261947; E-mail: jainsc48@hotmail.com
Recently there has been a renewed interest in the beneficial effects of natural products for the prevention of various diseases like, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, leukemia, Alzheimers, Parkinsons and dozens of others. It has been estimated that 80% of the world population still rely on natural plant products, of which some are sold as herbal/food supplement or drugs. Half of the top 50 drugs sold in European Pharmacies are based on or derived from natural products. Thus, the best strategy to discover a new drug candidate is to investigate the natural resources which have been used by different ethnic cultures, for medicinal purposes all over the world. Study of biologically active compounds present in natural resources, normally serve as the lead compounds for the discovery of new drugs.
Keeping the above philosophy in mind we have studied the active principles of various plants and marine sponges and have synthesized over fifteen natural products. These compounds are known to possess strong antimicrobial, molluscicidal and cytotoxic activity specially against p-388 murine leukemia cells. Taking lead from these natural products, we have synthesized number of related compounds, in order to find a potential drug candidate for the future.
An over view of our journey, from the natural products to synthesis of new molecules, in research of a suitable drug candidate, will be presented at the Conference.
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