________________ 486 Homage to Vaisali. mation and Broadcasting, Government of India to write a monograph on Sudraka (4th-5th Century AD) to be included in the book Poets, Dramatists and Story-Tellers in the series Cultural Leaders of India. Annual Seminar of Scholars An annual seminar at the Institute on the occasion of the birthday celebration of Lord Mahavira has of late become a regular feature of the Institute. Previously the Vaisali Sangha used to convene a seminar of scholars as a part of the appual Vaisali festival. But Dr. Zakir Hussain, the Governor of Bihar, while presiding over the 14th Vaisali Festival on April 2, 1958, put forth the suggestion of severance of the seminar-part of the programme from the cultural programme. Accordingly, the seminar of scholars came to be conducted under the aegis of the Institute in the institute building at Basukudd from the year 1963 by which time the construction of the building had been completed. The subjects of these seminars held so far are as follows : Grihastha Dharma as propounded by Mabavira, Buddha, Manu and Gandbi (1963), The Jain view of Good and Evil (1964), Materialism versus Spiritualism (1965), Religion & Secularism (1966), Dharmaniti and Rajaniti (1967), National Unity (1968), Arva versus Aparya (1969), Foundations of World Peace : Ahimsa and Anekanta (1970), Dharma ke Mula : Anubhuti Evan Tarka (1971), Visva Vyavastha ke Niyamcka Tattva : Niyati Evan Karma (1972), Ideals of Ancient Indian Democracy (1973), Jain Philosopby (1974), Prakrit Lapguage and Literature (1975), Democracy and Ahimsa (1978), Vaigali in Sapskrit, Pali and Prakrit Literatures (1979), Our religious tradition and Vaigali (1980), Relevance of Jainism today (1981), Ahimsa--its relevance in the modern age (1982), Priyadarsi Asoka's Administrative Ideals (1983), and Secularism (1984). Scholars of repute in their respective fields of studies from all over India and abroad have taken part in these seminars. Some such eminent participants are : Shri J. C. Mathur, I. C. S., Principal Mahendra Pratap, Dr. Yogendra Mishra, Principal Bhagawan Prasad Sinha, Dr. Nathmal 1. Cultural Leaders of India : Poets, Dramatists and Story-Tellers published by the Director, Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, Patiala House, New Delhi-110001, November 1980, pp. 24-35. Names are arranged here in order of their first appearance on the scene of the seminar. . 2.
