Proceedings of the Seminar on Prakrit Studies 1973

Author(s): K R Chandra, Dalsukh Malvania, Nagin J Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 39

(xxx)
We are thankful to the authorities of the Gujarat Vidyapith and Gujarat University which helped us promptly in organising the seminar.
The Seminar was inaugurated by Pandit Sukhlalji, a veteran philosopher and Prakrit Scholar. In his address he stressed the importance of Prakrit Studies and advised all concerned to undertake a vigorous programme of studying and publishing Prakrit texts, the contents of which were highly important from the point of view of Indian history and culture.
In the beginning on behalf of the preparatory committee Dr. H. C. Bhayani welcomed the participants. It was foliowed by the welcome address by Shri Ishwarbhai J. Patel, the Vice-chancellor of Gujarat University. Dr. K. R. Chandra, the Director of the Seminar read various messages containing good wishes for the success of the Seminar and various useful suggestions. At the end of the inaugural session Dr. K. R. Chandra moved a vote of thanks.
Due to various circumstances it was not possible for us to hold the Seminar earlier or later than March though this time of the year was not so favourable for holding the seminar due to examinations and other commitments on the part of many participants. This is reflected in the fact that out of 45 invitees only 33 could actualy come from outside. Correspondingly the number of papers presented at the Seminar was reduced and consequently the Seminar lasted four days instead of five as originally planned. Even then on the whole the response to the seminar was very good and encouraging. Looking to the number of serious papers presented at the seminar and to the learned discussions it can be said that the meeting was very fruitful and essential objectives of the seminar were achieved. We may also specially mention the enlightened and experienced guidance which this seminar received throughout from Dr. A. N. Upadhye, the doyen of Prakrit studies. We are also thankful to Dr. G. C. Jain for arranging a slide-show on Jain Cultural Monuments.
Thanks are also due to Shri Ratibhai Desai who took upon himself the entire responsibility of looking after the lodging and boarding arrangements of the participants.
We have also to record that before the beginning of the paper-reading session a condolence meeting was held to mourn the passing away of Dr. H. L. Jain, an eminent scholar and Prof. G. C. Jhala.
It is very sad to note that before the publication of this volume we lost Dr. A. N. Upadhye, Dr. G. C. Chaudhari, Dr. N. C. Shastri and Pandit Shri Sukhlalji who were associated with the Seminar and Dr. P. L. Vaidya who sent good wishes to us on this occasion.