Marriage

Author(s): Natubhai Shah
Publisher: UK Jain Academy

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Jain Academy World Council of Jain Academies
Mission Promotion of the academic education of the Jain Culture and Society, in both its traditional and contemporary aspects
Background and objectives The dissemination of Jain values requires the study of Jainism at the academic level both for its traditional and contemporary aspects. This need brought the establishment of the Jain Academy (JA) in November 1991 and the Jain Academic Foundation of North America (JAFNA) in 1995. As the objectives of both these organisations were identical, it was decided to merge them to form the World Council of Jain Academies (WCJA) in January 1999. JA functions as the European HQ for the WCJA.
Activities • Sponsored (1994-97) Jain course at the De Montfort University Leicester
Established the Jain Academic Educational and Research Centre (1996-2002) and the Chair in Jainology (2002) in the Department of Philosophy Mumbai University; it runs one-year certificate course, one-year diploma course and MA and PhD in Jainism. On an average about 200 students study Jainism every year at this Centre Sponsored (1999-2000) a course of Jainism at the School of Oriental and African Studies, London University Guidance in the development of Jain teaching at the University of Wales, and at the University of Birmingham Established the Department of Jain Studies at the Faculty of Comparative Religions Antwerp, Belgium Supported the establishment of the International Summer School for Jain Studies since 2005. It provides comprehensive programme in India for the study of Jain Philosophy, History, Culture and Society in June and July
Structure and Vision The temporary HQ of the WCJA is in London. The WCJA will have four zones: America, Europe, India, and other countries of the world. Each zone will be delegated responsibilities to look after the activities of the WCJA in their areas. It hopes to involve in variety of academic activities including annual lectureship at various universities, travelling scholarships for the students/scholars, conferences, training the teachers, publication of the books, a journal and establishment of Jain libraries at various universities.
The Jain Academy, Jain Centre, 64-68 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5DR Tel: 020 8200 0828 E-mail: info@jainnetwork.com or natubhaishah@aol.com
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