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Fortunately in Feb. 1978, the Department of Jainology and Prākrta' was established in the University as a result of the effort which commenced in 1971. I wrote a letter to Dr. A. N. Upadhye, Prof. and Head, Deptt. of Post Graduate Studies & Research in Jainology and Prakrit, University of Mysore, Mysore on 29. 7. 71 for guiding us in the matter of opening a Department of Jainology and Prāksta at the University of Udaipur. Dr. Upadhye sent a letter on August 4, 1971 in response to my letter of 29. 7. 71.
Dear Dr. Sogani,
I thank you for your kind letter of 29.07.71. I am glad that a Jain Chair is proposed to be established in the university of Udaipur.
The Sahu Jain Charitable Society, Calcutta, donated a sum of Rs. 2 Lakhs to the University of Mysore for founding a Jain chair. The University authorities met the additional financial responsibilities and have started a Department of Jainology and Prāksta. At present, one professor and 2 lecturers are appointed. The office staff is already given. In due course, a reader may be added to the Department as and when the work increases. I am enclosing herewith a note. It will give you an idea as to how the department of Jainology and Prāksta was planned. You know, there is plenty of Jaina literature in Kannada and other language based. In your University, you can lay stress on Philosophy and Apbhramśa how the things developed there. With thanks and kind regards, I am
Your sincerely,
A.N. Upadhye In this way under the guidance and inspiration of Dr. A. N. Upadhye the process started. Sri Akhila Bharatavarsiya Sadhumargi Jaina Sangha, Bikaner donated a sum of Rs.
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Spiritual Awakening (Samyagdarśana) and Other Essays
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