Supreme Court :’For many centuries Indian society cherished two basic values of life that is Satya and Ahimsa' 
  Delhi, December 14, 2009: The Supreme Court has lashed out at litigants who attempt to pollute the pure fountain of justice by resorting to falsehood and unethical means for achieving their goals. A bench comprising Justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly noted that in order to meet the challenge posed by these new creed of litigants, the courts have from time to time evolved new rules and they are not entitled to any relief, interim or final. 
  Dismissing a plea of such a litigant, the bench observed that, ’For many centuries Indian society cherished two basic values of life that is Satya (truth) and Ahimsa (non violence). Mahavir and Gautam Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi guided the people to ingrain these values in their daily life. Truth constituted an integral part of justice delivery system, which was invoked in pre-Independence era and the people used to feel proud to tell truth in the courts irrespective of the consequences. 
  Jyot exhibition is a journey into knowledge
  Mumbai, December 3, 2009 (DNA): Jyot an exhibition is a journey into knowledge and a very rare  opportunity to change the course of life, said Acharya Dev Yugbhushan Suriswaraji Maharaj Saheb, also known as Nana Pandit Maharaj, the inspirational source of the grand exhibition  The knowledge to be exhibited during the 11-day exhibition called 'Jyot' is stored in the Jain scriptures. However, there is a need to make these scriptures relevant to the modern times. 
  The followers of Jainism believe in the concept of 'Gyanpanchami', which means worshipping knowledge.The exhibition too is nothing but worshipping knowledge. Everyone is facing problems, either at individual level or at community level. 'Jyot' provides a solution to such problems by giving a clear vision of life. The exhibition is based on the intrinsic knowledge stored in the religious scriptures. It is not just an exhibition, but a journey of mankind. It will change the life and vision of the visitors
  Theft at Jain temple in Bundi Rajasthan
  Bundi (Raj), November 27, 2009 (PTI): Two Idols of Lord Parshavnath made of astadhatu (eight metals), one gold parasol, 11 silver parasols and other valuables were stolen from a Jain temple in Rajasthan's Bundi district, police said today. The incident took place yesterday at Hindoli city, about 202 km from Jaipur, in the district, they said. A case has been registered against unidentified persons in Hindoli police station.
  Jain pilgrims call for pukka pavements after monks die on road accidents
  Mumbai, November 20, 2009: One Jain monk and four nuns have been killed in road accidents this month in Mumbai alone. Jains are especially vulnerable as they believe that every organism has a potentially divine soul. They are forbidden from killing any living thing and must watch carefully that they do not crush insects underfoot. Sagarchadra Sagar Maharaj, of the Walkeshwar Jain temple in Mumbai, said: “We have asked that footpaths be made along highways and expressways.” Another member of the city’s Jain community told a local newspaper: “Over 80 [Jain monks and nuns] have died in accidents in the past three years. It is high time that something is done.”
   The calls were backed by Krishnaraj Rao, of Sahasi Padyatri — the Movement for Brave Pedestrians — a veteran campaigner forpavements in Mumbai. “Footpaths are virtually non-existent, even in the most densely populated areas of this city, and walking along our highways is a very risky enterprise. Even to get to a bus stop a pedestrian has to risk their life,” he said. “Devotees of all communities go on pilgrimage on foot. Footpaths along highways will be good for all of them.”
   Jain temple in Kumbhalgarh looted
  JAIPUR, November 8, 2009: Silver ornaments and other valuable items were stolen from Jain temple in Kumbhalgarh under Kelwara police station of Rajsamand early morning on Saturday. Police have registered a case against unidentified miscreants and are investigating the incident. 
  It was second such incident within a month. In October two idols of Mahaveer Swami along with three silver umbrellas, symbolic throne and donation box were stolen from a Jain temple in Jaipur. According to a report, the caretaker of the temple, Ramesh Chandra closed the temple premises after performing the prayers and went back to his house on Friday night. When, on Saturday morning, Chandra came to the temple, he found the locks broken and three silver umbrellas and the donation made by devotees missing. 
  Recently, Bagru police had arrested five persons and recovered three ashtadhatu' idols from their possession. The arrested persons have confessed that they had stolen the idols from an ancient Jain temple in Bagru and were trying to sell them off to a Gujarat-based person.- The Times of India
   Vishwa Jain Sangathan will organize pravachan programme
   New Delhi, November 8, 2009: Vishwa Jain Sangathan will organize pravachan programme of Pujya Shri 108 Chinmay Sagar ji Maharaj (Jungle Wale Baba) among the prisoners of Tihar Jail No. 8/9, New Delhi in association with O/o the Director General (Prisons): Tihar on Thursday, 12th November 2009  from 3 pm onwards for motivating the prisoners for vegetarianism, ahinmsa and to stop bed habits & following the path of injustice etc.
By- Sunjay Jain, President, Vishwa Jain Sangathan (Regd.)
Mob#: 09312278313, 09213691505 , vishwajains@yahoo.com
   Punjab CM assures full support to Jain community 
   Amritsar, October 25, 2009: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the people to adopt a secular outlook and participate in the religious congregations of spiritual leaders irrespective of caste or religion. 
   He was participating in the Guru Puja Maha Utsav organised in memory of Jain Pradhan Acharya Sri Sohan Lal Ji here today. Assuring the Jain community of full support in all their social activities, Badal said that the land demanded by Jain community for the construction of a memorial of Pradhan Acharya Sri Sohan Lal Ji belongs to Improvement Trust, Amritsar and any decision about handing it over to Jain community can be taken up only after passing a resolution by the members of the trust.
   Praising the philosophy of Jain spiritual leaders, Badal said that they advocated austerity, secularism, service to humanity and ahimsa.  He said that all these values are pertinent in modern society and added that people as well as Governments should abide by them.
   Idols stolen from Jain temple 
  Jaipur, October 7, 2009 (PTI) Two idols of Mahaveer Swami along with three Chattr (umbrellas) were among a few articles found stolen today from a Jain temple here, police said. "Thieves entered from rear gate of the temple located at Nehru Nagar, and stole the idols made of copper, three small umbrellas of silver, one donation box and one symbolic throne," police said, adding, the idols of few inches were established in year 2001. "A case has been registered with Shastry Nagar police station and investigation  into the matter is on," they added. 
  5 idol thieves arrested 
  JAIPUR, October 5, 2009: Bagru police on Sunday arrested five persons and recovered three  ashtadhatu' idols from their possession. The arrested persons have confessed that they had stolen the idols from an ancient Jain temple in Bagru and were trying to sell them off to a Gujarat-based person. According to reports, seven idols of God Neminath, which are around 250 years old, and silver ornaments were stolen from a temple situated in Bagru area of Jaipur rural on August 27.
  The incident came to light when the temple was opened next morning. Temple priest Subhash Sharma had lodged an FIR with the police. Irate people of area had demonstrated in front of the Bagru police station and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits. The markets were kept closed in view of the protests. The police had promised that they would make all efforts to work out the case at the earliest and nab the culprits soon. 
  The SP (Jaipur rural) said that four of the arrested persons have been identified as Hanuman Bhopa, Sheoraj Bhopa, Thakkar and Ramesh Bairwa. He said the idols are made of black stone and other precious metals. During interrogation, the culprits have revealed that they used to steal idols and sell them to one Thakkar, who has also been arrested. The Bagru police said that the arrests is a major achievement as their interrogation would lead to arrest of other members of the idol theft gang active in the district. They also expect recovery of more idols which were stolen in the past.
   Two arrested for stealing Mahavira Swami idol 
   Lucknow, September 30, 2009 (PTI) Two persons were arrested and an 'ashtadhatu'  (amalgamation  of eight metal) idol of Swami Mahavir Jain, worth over Rs four crore in the international market, recovered from Kanshiram Nagar, police said here today. Acting on a tip-off, police yesterday arrested Brijkishore and Satyendra Singh from Sidpura area and recovered the idol, they said. During interrogation, the accused told police that the idol was stolen from a temple in Uttar Pradesh's Etah district, they claimed. 
   Political career supersedes reverence
   Mumbai, September 25, 2009 (DNA): A week after Jain sadhus announced to avoid two Jains pitted against each other in the coming assembly elections, Congress nominee Rajkumar Bafna, a  Jain, filed his nomination against Mangal Prabhat Lodha of the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) from the Malabar Hill constituency.  After a meeting of Jain temples trustees, businessmen and Sadhus, the community had decided that Jains will not contest against each other to prevent division of votes.
  However, the Sadhus hinted that the community would support Lodha. "It was a collective decision of the community. Lodha helps Jains and it was decided that  the community support him and asked others to withdraw as he is a sitting MLA for two terms," said Ganivarya Nai Padmasagar Maharaj, the force behind getting all Jains together.
   Jyot comes to Ahmedabad with Jain wisdom 
   Ahmedabad, Sept.14, 2009: Between October 23 and November 2 this year, Ahmedabad will host nearly seven lakh visitors from across the world, who will be coming to the city for attending Jyot -- a mega exhibition based on intrinsic Jainism knowledge. The mega event is being organised by Jain youth under the guidance of Acharya Dev Yugbhushan Suriswaraji Maharaj Saheb, also known as Nana Pundit Maharaj. Many Jain industrialists and businessmen from the city and abroad are working hard to make this gala event a success.While the event will be based on Jainism knowledge, it will not be limited to the Jain community.
   Heritage panel drives Jains up the wall 
   Mumbai, September 11, 2009 (DNA) : A delegation from the Fort Jain Trust Mandal met the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC) on Thursday to seek permission to reconstruct a wall of the 200-year-old Bhagwan Shantinath Jain temple, the city's first Jain temple, near Bora Bazaar, Fort. Some MHCC members objected to the demand, pointing to some alleged irregularities when the temple was renovated two years ago.
  "The trust made a request to restore the wall to its original form," local BJP  legislator Raj Purohit, who accompanied the delegation, said. "But some MHCC  members said the temple was not renovated as per MHCC regulations."  The delegation took offence at the claim. "The temples, which have to be carved from stone, are designed by our religious architects, called Sompuras," said  Mahendra Jain, a representative of the mandal. "They are a community who traditionally build temples. But the MHCC asked us why we did not use RCC or steel. We follow Jain vastu shastra and the Puranas and their comment has hurt our religious sentiments." The heritage panel demanded certain documents to decide on the course of action on Thursday.
   Ending violence is duty of each person: Jain seer
   Mysore, September 6, 2009: Jain Muni Sri Prasanna Sagar Maharaj, who is participating in Chaturmasa, will be in Mysore till October 25. He is known for his revolutionary thoughts on religions. He said violence can be conqured through united efforts. Excerpts of his answers 
Q: What is your perception about violence which has increased manifold compared to ancient days? 
A: Violence was there in the past and it is continuing. But the dimension and definition have changed. In the past, man fought for his survival. Now, his fight is for prestige with ego playing a major role. Violence can be conquered. Every individual plays a role in ending or preventing violence. 
Q: From where does your optimism on ending violence originate? 
A: India has over 60 lakh religious leaders. People like Sri Sri Ravishanker Guruji and Tarun Sagar Maharaj should take the lead in uniting all these saints, seers, munis and sadhus to root out violence. 
Q: Do you think preachings of saintly people will have any impact on people who are violent? 
A: Things may not change on a single day. Like how a drop of water trickling on a rock for years leaves its mark on it, definitely a sustained effort will yield results. 
Q: What is your opinion on alleged involvement of Islmic groups in terrorism? 
A: Islam is a great religion and there is no place for violence in it. I have read Quran. If someone is indulging in violence in the name of religion it is not the fault of the religion, but of the misguided elements. 
Q: What is your message to the society? 
A: None is happy. If the poor is worried about what to eat, the rich is worried about what and what not to eat. People should shun the western culture of "hotelme jio, hospitalme maro" (live in hotel, die in hospital). Ultimately Indian culture and satsang will help in resolving the issues. 
Q: What is your opinion about politics and the role of religion in it? 
A: Religion and politics should have sugar-water relationship. 
Source: The Times of India
   Three persons arrested for idol stolen from a Jain temple in MP
   Indore, September 3, 2009(PTI) : With the arrest of three persons and recovery of a 200-year-old idol, police today claimed to have busted a gang of antique smugglers. The 'ashtadhatu' idol was stolen from a Jain temple in Madhya Pradesh's Teekamgarh district, police said. The arrest were made here following a tip off regarding the trio's plan to sell off the idol to a Maharashtra based dealer for Rs 1.25 crores.
  Jain community to observe fast to protest Sadhvi's arrest
  Jalandhar August 30, 2009: In protest against the arrest of Sadhvi Chelna Devi for allegedly hurting religious sentiments, the Jain community of Punjab today announced that it would observe a fast tomorrow. Vipin Jain, General Secretary of the Jain Temple in Jalandhar Cantonment, in a statement said Digambar Jain Sabha Punjab, a representative body of the community of the state, had decided that the community members would give up food for a day on Sunday.
  Chelna Devi (50) delivered a religious discourse at the Jain Temple on late Thursday night during which she allegedly made comments against Maharishi Valmiki drawing the ire of the Valmiki community. She was arrested under Section 3 of Prevention of Atrocities on SC/ST Act.
  Jain college to hold math fest tomorrow
  CHENNAI, August 30, 2009: There has been a spate of activity at the Guru Shree Shantivijai Jain College for Women in Vepery, with 15 colleges taking part in various events, including quiz programmes, elocution contests and plays. The college has been creating an awareness about the H1NI flu among students. At a camp organised by the GSS health and nutrition club on August 25, medical practitioner and consultant Dr V Seethalakshmi Sreedhar briefed students and faculty on the causes, human-to-human transmission of the virus, signs and symptoms, preventive measures, and the importance of wearing masks. About 200 students benefited.
  Govt cancels GO imposing ban on sale of meat
  LUCKNOW, August 20, 2009: The state government on Tuesday cancelled the government order that banned the slaughter and sale of meat across the state in wake of the Jain festival Paryushan Parva. Citing a government spokesperson, a media release issued by information and public relation department said, "The Supreme Court order that formed the basis of the said GO was not applicable for UP. Therefore, the order stands cancelled with immediate effect." 
  Dr Sanyag Jain NIPER faculty bag OPPI awards for 2009
  Mumbai, August 14, 2009: Dr Sanyag Jain, assistant professor, Department of Pharmaceutics of National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education, Professor P V Bharatam, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Research (NIPER) and SAS Nagar have bagged the prestigious OPPI scientist and Young scientist Awards for the year 2009, respectively. 
  The Organization of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI), Mumbai has instituted 'Scientist Awards' in collaboration with NIPER, as a part of its Public Private Partnership initiative to honour outstanding Research Scientists working in India to encourage scientific culture. The award has been set-up with the objective to recognize scientific contributions of significance from scientists in India in the field of human healthcare. Each award carries a cash prize of Rs 1, 00,000, Citation and a Trophy. 
  Dr Sanyog Jain's young researcher of the Institute won the OPPI young scientist award in the field of pharmaceutics (novel and improved drug delivery systems). His interests includes Targeted and controlled drug delivery using nano colloidal drug carrier's eg vesicular carriers (liposomes, niosomes etc) and particulate carriers (polymeric micro and nanoparticles), vaccine delivery through non-  parenteral (oral and topical) routes, development of non-viral vectors for gene delivery, Radiolabeling 
and pharmacoscintigraphic evaluation of drug delivery systems. Dr Sanyog has published more than 30 research papers in national and internal journals of repute and delivered several invited talks in national and international conferences. Earlier he has won Punjab State Young Scientist Award, Best oral presentation award in Humboldt conference, IDMA GP Nair award and university gold medals for securing first rank in both B Pharm and M Pharm.
  Bihar promotes Jain circuit 
  AHMEDABAD, August 2, 2009: Bihar government has come up with a Jain circuit to woo the community in the state. It was in Bihar that Jainism, which has millions of followers today, was first propagated, according to officials. The chief proponent of Jain religion and 24th tirthankara, Lord Mahavir, was born near Patna, capital of Bihar. The most revered Jain pilgrim spot in Bihar is Jalmandir Temple complex at Pawapuri. Says officer in department of tourism, Bihar government, The prominent Jain spots are Vasokund, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Mahavir, Rajgir, Kundalpur, Lachhaur Nalanda, Pawapuri, among others. 
  This is the first time Bihar Tourism has prominently displayed their tourist destinations with this attractive religious circuit, says visitor Nitin Dalal. Says another visitor Dinesh Patel, "I'm curious about the tourist destinations in Bihar and places of religious importance there. The state is still to be explored in terms of tourism." 
Source: The Times of India 
  Pitchers stolen from Jain temple    
  Mumbai, July 22, 2009: The DN Nagar police are on the lookout for an unidentified man who stole four gold-plated pitchers from a Jain temple worth Rs2 lakh on Tuesday. According to the police, the temple located on the JP road in Andheri (west) is undergoing renovation since a few months. On Tuesday, around 7 am, when the temple was opened, the carpenters noticed that four out of the eight pitchers were missing. They immediately informed the temple authorities who reported the matter to the police. 
  The police found a skull cap lying on the spot and have detained a person staying nearby the temple. "We are interrogating the suspect and further investigations are on," said a senior officer from DN Nagar police station. The police had earlier asked the temple authorities to install CCTV cameras in the temple. -DNA
  Remains are of a Jain temple, says monk 
  Vadodara, July 14, 2009: The remnants of an ancient temple, which were found on the SSG hospital premises during digging a few days back, are of an ancient Jain temple. This was claimed by a Jain monk who visited the site on Monday. The remnants included an arc, some carved stones and an idol. MSU vice-chancellor, Ramesh Goel, has appointed a committee to investigate the matter and submit a detailed report in this regard.
  The remnants were found while digging was going on for construction of an auditoriumat the SSG hospital. Dr Adish Jain, who was passing by the place, saw the sand stones found at the site. On a close look, he was astonished to see carvings on the stone. He immediately informed senior officials of the hospital about it, and soon the archaeology department officials were informed about the remnants. - DNA
  Jain youths visit temple remains found on SSG campus 
  VADODARA, July 12, 2009: A 23-member team from Shri Jain Yuvak Mahasang (SJYM) on  Sunday visited the SSG Hospital and Baroda Medical College campus, where remains of temple from thirteenth century AD were unearthed during digging. They inspected the sculptures and remains which may be part of Jain temple. They will be visiting the site on Monday and seek necessary permission from dean of BMC to carry detailed investigation of  sculptures and remains. Help of archaeologists will be sought to ascertain the status of the remains and the era they belong to. "We have had the look at the remains and briefed about them to our saint, who is willing to visit the site. As per our saint, the remains can be part of Jain temple which must have been destroyed by ruling dynasty of that period," said general secretary of SJYM Deepak Shah. "Once the status is ascertained, we will be preserving the remains of the temple. The designs are akin to those found in Jain temples, but we will seek advice of experts before arriving to any conclusion," added Shah. 
   The remnants of an ancient temple were found while digging ground near the nursing hostel of SSG Hospital Vadodra on July 8, 2009 The remnants contain an arc, some carved stones and an idol. After preliminary investigations, the remnants are believed to be of a Jain temple. While digging of ground for the construction of an auditorium at SSG hospital was going on, some sand stones were found along with the soil. Dr Adish Jain, who was passing by the place, saw the stones. He found them interesting and when  he took a close look at them, he was astonished to see carvings on the stones. He immediately informed senior officials of the hospital about it, and soon  archaeology department officials were informed about the remains. A team of archaeology department rushed to the spot, and during investigations found an arc, an idol and some carved stones from the site.
   Jain temple at Vasai burgled
   MUMBAI, July 10, 2009: Cash and valuables worth Rs 27,000 were stolen from a Jain temple in Vasai (W) on Wednesday night, which is a stone's throw away from the deputy superintendent of police's office. The theft occurred after the temple had closed its doors in the evening. The police believe the thieves may have scaled a nearby tree that allowed them access to the temple's terrace. Most of the valuables were kept on the first floor of the temple. "Silver ornaments and valuables worth Rs 26,000 were stolen, including a crown. The thieves also took Rs 1,000 from the donation box,'' said an investigating officer. The robbers, however, left change worth Rs 2,000 in the cash box-and made away only with currency notes. 
   Shantilal Shah, one of the trustees of the temple, reported the theft on Thursday morning. "It's possible that the burglars had visited the temple before, as they knew where the valuables were 
kept. The temple is also close to the railway station,'' said senior inspector Ashok Pawar. This is the fifth time over the last 25 years that this temple has been looted, but no guard or watchman has been deployed in or around the compound, the police said. 
Source: The Times of India
   Parasnath to be developed as an “adarsh” station , 
  Giridih, July 4, 2009: Mamata Banerjee’s budget proposals have brought the smiles back on the people of this district lacking a proper railway network. Mamata’s proposal to ensure “railway connectivity” between Giridih and Madhuban, near Parasnath, has become the talking point of the town. Along with the new link — which is expected to be completed  soon — the railway minister included Parasnath in her plan to develop multi-functional complexes in 50 stations nationally. Parasnath would also be developed as an “adarsh” (ideal) station with “basic facilities such as drinking water, adequate toilets, catering services, waiting rooms and dormitories especially for lady passengers and better signage.”
  Giridih have two railway stations — Giridih and Parasnath. However, while only a passenger train — Giridh-Madhupur — touches the district headquarters daily, Parasnath, with a Grand Chord section and scheduled stops for several trains, cannot fulfil the travel requirements of the people here. The Giridih-Madhuban link would be beneficial for thousands of  passengers even those who want to take a train from Parasnath, about 40km from here. Madhuban, a religious centre for Jains, may see a boost pilgrim and tourist traffic after the link is made operational.
  A procession to mark the beginning of Chaturmas in Vijayawada
  VIJAYAWADA, June 26, 2009: Jains celebrated Chaturmas Pravesh with a religious fervour here today. Women took out a procession in their traditional attire carrying ‘Purnakalash’ on their heads. The procession meandered through diffrent routes before culminating at the Jain  temple. Jain philosopher, Panyas Praver Sri Uday Prabhu Vijayji spoke on the principles of non-violence taught by Lord Mahaveer. He also advised members of the Jain community to follow the other principles of Lord Mahaveer and spread his message in the society.
source: India Express
  Foreign students attend lectures on Jainism
  VARANASI, June 19, 2009: On a week long education tour from June 14 to 19, a group of foreigner students studied Jainism at the International School for Jain Studies (ISJS), Parshwanath Vidyapeeth. The students came from various countries including the US, UK, Belgium, Japan, Thailand and Norway. According to Dr SP Pandey, director in-charge Parshwanath Vidyapeeth, the students were engaged in various classes during their stay. Prof MNP Tiwari, department of history of art, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), delivered a lecture on Jain Art while Dr Pandey delivered a lecture on Anuvrata (code of conduct for Jain house-holders. Sarah Hadmac, lecturer at Hawaii University, delivered her lecture on Jainism and ecology presenting the relationship between nature and man especially in the light of Jain scriptures. Prof Sudarsh Lal Jain, former dean, Faculty of Arts, also taught code of conduct for Jain monks and penance. 
  The visiting students also witnessed the puja ceremony held at Shvetambar Temple, Bhelupur. Students discussed with faculty members on various concepts of Jainism in detail and also visited the Jain temples. The group left for New Delhi on Friday. 
Source: The Times of India
  Jain sadhvi passes away in Kota 
   Kota, June 8, 2009: JAIN sadhvi Aryaka Shantimati Mataji  passed away on  Sunday evening at the Digambar Jain Temple in Talawandi, Kota.  Jain saints and the jain community paid  homage to  the  Jain  sadhvi and carried  out her 'Chakdol Yatra' (procession after death) in the  Talawandi area after her death. Later, she was cremated at the Digambar Jain Temple Dharamshala premises. The 97-year-old Jain sadhvi was under 'Sallekhna Samadhi' from over a decade. She had stopped  consuming any kind of eatable, and survived only on liquids for the last few days.
  YOUNG JAINS INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION - 2009 
  Young Jains events are open to all members and non-members, and welcome you to explore your values, beliefs and practices. Young Jains International Convention is proposed to be held from 17th to 19th July 2009 - Online Registration Now Open. To request your registration form, contact Rishma Shah, E-Mail : registration@youngjains.org.uk or call 0794 9794 312. The venue of the program is Canons High School, Shaldon Road, Edgware, UK. The Young Jains International Convention looks into the fundamentals of the timeless Jain tradition in a very real sense. It explores essential areas that will help youth to get better grasp on life.
  Jain temple in Sowcarpet, Chennai head pujari murder and theft
  CHENNAI, May 31, 2009: In a spine-chilling incident, a five-member gang smothered the head pujari to death with a pillow and escaped with gold jewellery worth Rs two crore at the near- century-old Jain temple in Sowcarpet early on Friday morning. The murder and heist came to light when one of the persons gagged and tied up by members of the gang raised an alarm. 
  Police suspect the crime to be the handiwork of Nepali security guard Prem Singh because he had disappeared almost immediately. The amount of gold stolen was estimated to be 15 kilos. Police  claimed that nearly seven kilos of gold were recovered from a nearby street and the security guard's room. They identified the head pujari as S Himmath Mal (41), from Rajasthan. The attackers had stuffed with cloth the mouth of the junior pujari, Bharath Singh (25), to prevent him from raising an alarm. His hands were tied as well. According to temple sources, the kavach' (costume made of gold) and mukut' (kireedam) weighing 15 kilos were missing from the strong room located on the first floor of the temple.
  The Chandra Prabhu Maharaj Juna Jain Mandir in Mint Street, Sowcarpet, was built in 1913. The idol of Mahavir is installed on the first floor; idols of the Jain Thirthankaras are installed on the second floor. Soon after news about the incident broke out, a large number of Jain devotees gathered at the temple. Businessmen in the street downed  their shutters till noon. Temple sources said that burglars had  struck at the temple in 2006, but did not gain entry to the first floor as the door was locked from inside. Based on the complaint of temple trustee secretary Jethmal Santharia, police have registered a case. Further investigation is on. 
Source : Times of India
  Hundreds of Jain devotees throng Koba Jain temple 
  Gandhinagar, May 23, 2009 : Hundreds of Jain devotees gathered at the Koba Mahavir Jain Aradhna Kendra here on Friday to witness the 'Surya Tilak' of Lord Mahavir Swami. 'Surya Tilak' is a unique event in which sun rays appear on the forehead of  Mahavir Swami through a hole on the top of the Koba temple. On Friday, exactly at 2.07 pm, 'Surya Tilak' took place for three minutes at the temple. About 1,000 Jain devotees adored the spectacular event.
  "On May 22, Acharya Kailashsagar Suriswarji died in Koba Jain Aradhana Kendra. Since then Acharya Padmasagar Suriswarji pioneered to worship Lord Mahavir by Surya Tilak," says Manubhai  Jain, an administrator of Koba Jain Aradhana Kendra. Nileshbhai R Shah, a devotee, said, "Every year my family attend this miraculous event in the temple. This unbelievable spiritual occurrence happens only in two temples of India - one at Jain temple of Kanyakumari and second at Jain Aradhana Kendra at Koba. We feel so pure from within after darshan of this rare incident." 
Source: DNA
  Religious knowledge for kids in Jain Temples
  Bhopal, May 21, 2009: On the opportunity of  Shrut Panchami Knowledge Culture and Education  camp is being organised at various Jain Temples of Bhopal. The camp has started from 17th May and will continue for 28th May on the day Ritu Panchami. At around nine centres of the city the camp is organised, in which at least 2000 people are participating. In this camp people of 5 years to 70 years of age are involving. Here information of religion is providing. The motto of arranging this camp is to promote religion, culture and knowledge among today's children as well as elders. 
  In this twelve days programme children are participating in maximum number. On the occasion of Ritu Panchami, the great festival of Jain Religion children are being given more stress to protect from on western style and its culture.  Considering this thing this twelve days "Sarvodaya Gyan Vidya  Sanskar Shikshan" camp is held for developing moral and Jain religion among children. - Bhopal Today Team
  Gandhinagar to have a tallest Mahavir Swami idol 
  Gandhinagar, May 13, 2009: Jain monk Padmasagarsurishwarji Maharaj today announced that Gandhinagar would have Lord Mahavir Swami’s 108 ft idol. Once ready this idol would be the tallest idol of Mahavir Swami who is the 24th Jain Tirthankara. Proposed idol would be erected on Gandhinagar’s ‘J’ road. It would weight 228 tone. Making of this Panchadhatu idol has already started. Padmasagarsurishwarji Maharaj further said that there would be a mountain like structure behind the idol. 
source: Desh Gujarat
  UK YOUNG JAINS INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION - 2009
  Young Jains events are open to all members and non-members, and welcome you to explore your values, beliefs and practices. Young Jains International Convention is proposed to be held from 17th to 19th July 2009 - Online Registration Now Open. To request your registration form, please email Rishma Shah, E-Mail : registration@youngjains.org.uk or call 0794 9794 312.
   The venue of the program is Canons High School, Shaldon Road, Edgware, UK. Take a July week-end out to bridge the gap from where you are to where you want to be. The Young Jains International Convention looks into the fundamentals of the timeless Jain tradition in a very real sense. It explores essential areas that will help you get a better grasp on life: 1. Who you are at your core. 2. Your goals in life 3. The barriers that hamper your efforts 4. The tools available to overcome those barriers.
  Shilanyas Mahotsav for Derasar Jain Center in Franklin 
  FRANKLIN (SOMERSET), May 8, 2009: Nine shila stones were ceremonially cleansed with milk and placed in the excavated site of the future Jain Center on Cedar Grove Lane in Somerset. Members of the Jain Center of New Jersey chanted holy mantras during  a recent groundbreaking ceremony as they buried the stones beneath the spot where the main altar will be located.
  During the May 2 day-long ceremony, known as a Shilanyas Mahotsav, a symbolic kurm , a gold tortoise — also was placed in the ground. Because of its strong back, the tortoise signifies the long lifespan of the Derasar or temple. When completed, the project will include three buildings totaling about 51,000 square feet. The sanctuary will seat about 340 people. The largest building, a prayer hall, will have two floors with a total area of about 42,000 square feet. The project is expected to cost about $12 million.A caretaker's house also will be built on the 9.6-acre site.A parking lot with space for more than 320 cars has already been constructed.
  CHILD DIKSHAS CASE ADMITTED IN MUMBAI HIGH COURT
  The Mumbai High Court has admitted a petition filed in a case of bal-diksha where in the Indore- based parents had challenged the power  of the Child Welfare Committee to look into the life of a sadhvi. A bench of Justices, D K D Deshmukh and R. S. Mohite, while hearing the arguments, indicated the possibility of making compulsory the appointment of a guardian for such bal- dikshas. "We may make it necessary for a district judge to appoint a guardian for every minor who takes diksha (renunciation of the world as practised among Jains),'' observed Justice Deshmukh. At one point, Justice Mohite seemed unhappy with the fate that greeted baldikshas. Senior counsel Rafiq Dada, assisted by advocate Sanjay Jain, said the court could not interfere with the practice of diksha.
  An NGO had complained to the CWC, which had opined that the bal-dikshas required better looking after. But the parents said their daughter had chosen to take diksha on her own and no one else could intervene in the age-old tradition followed by the Jain community. The court had appointed a panel to interview the child, who had accepted diksha, NGO counsel Mihir Desai said. A report submitted to the court held that the six-year-old's diksha was "clearly a decision taken for her  without thinking about the consequences'' and "not in her best interests''.
  4,000 Jains end year-long fast
  Mumbai, April 28, 2009: Over one lakh Jains gathered at the Goan Sports Association ground to celebrate "Akshay Tritiya" on Monday. The festival marks the ending of over a year-long-fast by the Jain community. Around 4,000 people in the city ended their fast on Monday and of them, 603 broke their fast at the ground. The year-long fast is called 'Varshitap' and is observed because, according to Jain Shastras, their first Tirthankara, Bhagvan Shri Adinath, observed 400 days of fast. "It was basically a way of penance for his deeds in his previous life," said Jai Prabha Vijayji Maharaj. "He had covered a cow's mouth and forgot to remove it.  Because of that the cow could not eat, and hence he undertook the fast," said Girish Shah, co-ordinator of the event. According to tradition, a person has to fast by having only boiled water on one day and two meals on alternate days for 400 days. - DNA
  Mangalore becomes a cruise tourism hub 
  Mangalore, April 25, 2009: The first cruise vessel of the current financial year 2009-10 , M.V. Nautica called at NMPT on 24 April, 2009. The vessel which started its voyage from Thailand with 442 passengers and 374 crew on board called at NMPT as its first port of call. All together 250 passengers opted for ground tour and visited tourist spots like 1000 pillar temple at Moodabidri, Monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali at Karkala, St. Aloysius chapel, Cashew processing units, Kudroli Gokarnanatha temple, City shopping at and returned to the ship. Majority of the passengers in the age group of 50-80 are US citizens and few are from UK, Netherlands, Canada, etc. The passengers have enjoyed the scenic beauty of Mangalore and hospitality extended to them during their short visit to this town and expressed their wish to visit these places again. 
Source: Mangalorean.Com
  JIWO celebrates womanhood
  Ahmedabad, April 22, 2009: Jain International Women's Organisation (JIWO) celebrated Vaishakh  Utsav 2009' with a splendid dance performance by artist Chandan Thakore's troupe, at Tagore Hall on Tuesday. With almost 400 women in attendance, the event, with women's emancipation as its theme, began with women entrepreneurs displaying their wares. And, following all the interaction among the members of this massive business community was the mesmerising performance by Thakore's group an ode to the spirit of woman. Presented for the 
first time in India after their maiden performance at Modhera temple, the dance depicted various roles played by a woman. 
  Mahavir Jayanti celebrated today 
  April 7, 2009: Lord Mahavir jayanti was celebrated today in India and other countries with Processions and prayers. The day celebrates the birth of Mahavira, the last of the 24 Tirthankaras of the Jain community. He was born on the 13th day of the rising moon of Chaitra.  On this day, Jain temples are decorated with flags. In the morning, the idol of Mahavira is given a ceremonial bath called the ''abhishek''. It is then placed in a cradle and carried in a procession. The devotees were offerings of milk, rice, fruit, incense, lamps and water to the people in procession.
  Vice President M. Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh have greeted the nation on the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. In his message, the Vice President said that the teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir are relevant at all times to emancipate mankind from suffering and to ensure peace and happiness through spiritual excellence He called upon the people to imbibe the enlightened teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir to usher in peaceful and harmonious society. 
  In his separate message, Dr. Singh said that Lord Mahavira''s life and philosophy inspire all of us to lead a life of compassion, sacrifice and non-violence. "His message of peace and non-violence provides hope for mankind and has become even more relevant in today''s world," Dr. Singh said.  
  Jain Society interfaith dialogue
  Bartlett, March 27, 2009: The Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago will host an interreligious dialogue on issues important to people of all faiths at its Pre-Parliament of World Religion Event beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday at its Bartlett temple, 435 N. Route 59. The event will include learning activities for children, youth and adults; prayers, reading and songs from different religious traditions; speakers; and dinner and a tour of the temple. All will focus on the issue of nonviolence and peace. For more information, contact Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago.
   Jains lose custody battle of stolen idol of Lord Mahavira 
  New Delhi, March 18, 2009: The efforts of three Jain temple committees to get a stolen idol of Lord Mahavira for offering prayers did not succeed in a Delhi court which trashed the claim saying it did not belong to them and was the court's property until disposal of the case. "It (stolen idol) is the case property in the present FIR and its production is very essential for the prosecution case and in such a situation, it would not be appropriate to release the same on the 'superdari' (conditional release)" Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Nivedita Anil Sharma said. 
  The court said that being followers of the Jain religion did not make the claimants the real owners of the idol. "Merely because the revisionists are followers of the Jain religion and pray to Lord Mahavira, 24th Trithankar, it cannot be said that the idol should be released in their favour," the court said, adding they were not its owners prior to the alleged theft.
  The capital-based Shri Digamber Jain Mandir Management Committee, 1008 Shri Parshvanath Digamber Jain Mandir and Shree Vardman Digamber Jain Mandir Sabha had filed petitions after being denied possession of the idol by a lower court. The ASJ, however, said the Metropolitan Magistrate may give its custody to the Centre or Archaeological Survey of India in order to maintain and preserve it. 
   The idol of Lord Mahavira was recovered from accused Manoj Kumar at Maurice Nagar Police station here in 2006 and a case of theft was registered. The temple committees had approached the court seeking its custody on 'superdari' saying "the Jain community prays to and worships Lord Mahavira and the idol rightfully belonged to them ... it may be handed over to them for performing puja." 
   The court rejected the claim and said "even otherwise, it is yet to be established if the idol recovered is actually that of Lord Mahavira."  "The committees have not shown anything which could indicate that the right to hold the possession of the idol is vested in them as it is apparently neither they nor the person from whom the idol was stolen are the owner," it said. The court held that the police, which has to prove the offence of theft and the antique nature of the idol during the trial, was the rightful owner. 
Bureau Report
  Tirthankara Idols found, Jains thank cops
  Kolkata, March 16, 2009: The Jain community in the city felicitated the Commissioner of Police with some other officers on Sunday for tracing the two idols that had gone missing from a Jain temple in Burrabazar in February. The officers were honoured with flowers and tikas, with the Kolkata Police being adjudged the “best in the country”, and even being “as good as the Scotland 
Yard”. On February 9, two idols - of Astadhatu and Lord Shantinath (made of silver) - had gone missing from the Shree Neminath Digamber Jain Temple in Posta. 
  The incident led the members of the community to take out processions, demanding action against the culprits. They also submitted a memorandum to various authorities, urging that the idols be recovered at the earliest. During this period, as a protest, no idols were kept in the temple by the members of the community. On March 5, the police recovered the idols from one of the employees associated with the temple. 
  At the felicitation ceremony, the representatives of the community spoke in glowing terms about the police’s swift action. They also recalled the other instance when the police had recovered three idols in 1994 - they went missing from the Shantinath Digamber Jain Mandir in Kakurgachi. The idols were recovered within a month from a pond in Baruipur. However, they also reminded the cops that the idol of Lord Parswanath (the 23rd Tirthankara), which went missing from the Shri Parswanath Digamber Jain Mandir in Alipore, has not been found yet. Expressing satisfaction on the recovery of the idols, Commissioner of Police Gautam Mohan Chakrabarti said, “We will try to find the idol stolen from the Alipore temple as quickly as possible.” 
Source: Express News Service
   Thieves decamp with valuables worth Rs 25 lakh
   HUBLI, March 12, 2009: An incident of thieves posing as sales tax officials who drove away with a truck loaded with yarn cone bundles worth more than Rs 25 lakh, has come to light lately. According to the police, the driver of a Tamil Nadu registered truck was resting in the vehicle on March 2 after parking it in front of Jain Temple near Gabbur Bypass Road near the city. Around 10 pm, he was woken up by two unidentified persons asking him to show the vehicle's documents. When  he approached the vehicle in which the thieves had come, they blindfolded him, tied his hands and dragged him into their vehicle. They decamped with Rs 9,800 and a mobile phone. Then the driver was taken to an unidentified place where he was kept locked in a room till March 6 before he was left at same place from where he was kidnapped. In a complaint lodged with the Kasabapet police, the victim alleged that the robbers drove the truck full of yarn cone bundles. 
Source: The Times of India 
  Jain temple idols in Kolkata recovered
  KOLKATA, March 06, 2009: Members of the Jain community on Thursday went to the Lalbazar police headquarters to express their gratitude to city police chief Gautam Mohan Chakrabarti and deputy commissioner (detective department) Jawed Shamim for retrieving two idols thar were worshipped in the Jain temple in Alipore. 
  A few months ago, the two idols one 8-inch eight metalled and other a 4-inch silver one went missing. It deeply hurt the sentiment of the Jain community. After a thorough investigation, detective department sleuths recovered the idols from a sacked security guard, who worked in a building near the temple. 
  Vinod Jain, a spokesperson of the community, said, "We are really thankful to the city police for retrieving the sacred figures. They did their best to recover them." The police commissioner also said that the idols should go back to where they belong, the temple. 
Source: The Times of India
  Invest where Mahavira got elightment Amartya Sen urged industrialists 
  NALANDA,February 26, 2009: Nobel laureate Amartya Sen Saturday urged industrialists from the Jain community to invest at Pawapuri in Bihar where Lord Mahavira, Jainism’s founder, attained enlightenment. “They should invest for its development,” Sen told reporters here. 
  The economist, who visited Pawapuri Friday, said there was a need to set up hotels, an engineering college and better infrastructure at Pawapuri in Nalanda district. Sen recalled that he last visited Pawapuri in 2003 when he was part of a delegation of former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Sen is in Bihar for a meeting of the mentor group of the proposed Nalanda International University in Nalanda. 
  Ritualistic Bath for Lord Bahubali's Feet Performed 
  Beltangady, February 26, 2009: The 'Padabhisheka' of the statue of Lord Bahubali located at Venur near here, was performed on Wednesday February 25. The event was organized by Jain Digambara Teerta Temple Committee. The Padabhisheka (ritualistic bath of the feet) was performed with different holy liquids like water, milk, tender  coconut water etc., in addition to the anointment of the Lord's feet with sandalwood paste.
  Sri Charukeerti Swamiji of Jain Math Moodbidri, Dharmastala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade, his wife Hemavati Heggade, Anita Surendra Kumar, Dr Padmaprasad Ajila, Supriya Harshendra Kumar, Gunapal Jain, temple committee secretary and Vijaya Adhikari were present on the occasion. Later, the Kalikunda Yantraradhana Mahotsav was celebrated at Shri Parshwanata Swamy Basadi here.
Source: DAIJIWORLD
   Thieves decamp with donation box and silver parasol
   Chhatarpur, February 18, 2009: Unidentified thieves decamped with donation box, silver parasol and brass dome from a Jain temple, situated at Sevagram in thana Khajuraho. According to the Thana police, in the morning people saw the lock of the temple broken. Rakesh Jain informed the police about the theft. Police had no clue in the case after the 3 days of the incident. People of the Khajuraho are concerned after the spurt in the increasing incidents of theft. On the other hand police officers have assured that they are trying to trace the culprits involved in theft in the temple earnestly. Police has inquired some of the suspects.
 Source: Chronicle News
  Jain University, Bangalore, Declared Deemed-to-be-University 
  February 13, 2009 : A proposal was received from Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain Educational & Cultural Trust, Bangalore, Karnataka seeking to declare Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain College, Bangalore as a ‘Deemed-to-be-University’, in the name and style of “Jain University”, under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956; Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, the Central Government, on the advice of the UGC, hereby declare that “Jain University, which is a registered Trust, shall be an “Institution Deemed-to- be- University” for the purposes of the aforesaid Act, provisionally for a period of five years subject to  conditions. 
  NEW CHARITABLE HOSPITAL BY MAHAVIR INTERNATIONAL, FARIDABAD
   Faridabad Centre of Mahavir International has constructed a charitable Hospital by name BHAGWAN MAHAVIR HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTRE, at Jain Bhawan, A-3 Central Green,  NIT, Faridabad. The special services are being rendered in Eye and Dental Care and also 
Accupressure treatment and Homeopathic Dispensary is being run from the Hospital. The Centre has set up a Corpus so that the charity can continue with the interest earnings. From: Ajeet Singh Patwa, General Secretary, E-Mail: ajeetsingh_patwa@rediffmail.com 
  JAINA SCRIPTURES AND PHILOSOPHY
  The 11th Jaina Studies Workshop is going to be held on 12th and 13th March, 2009 at School of Oriental and African Studies, London. Jaina Scriptures and Philosophy will be the theme of the event. Fourteen scholars from various fields of Jainism from all over the world will deliver their lectures. For more details contact Dr. Peter Flugel,
 Tel: (+44-20) 78984776, E-Mail: pf8@soac.ac.uk
  Parasnath on amenity drive 
  Ranchi, January 30, 2009: Once it was a must-visit spot for both Jains and tourists, but neglect has led to a dwindling footfall of visitors to the Parasnath hills. But, the state tourism department, it seems, has woken up to the problem and is now mulling plans to provide “world-class”  facilities to visitors to the Parasnath hills — also referred to as Shri Teerth.  Located 170km from Ranchi, every year lakhs of Jain pilgrims visit Parasnath hills. The tourism department has mooted a plan to develop the area and rope in the occasional foreign visitor as well. Plans include a bus stand, a shopping complex, a mediation-and-yoga centre, hotels and an amusement park. 
  State tourism secretary A.K. Singh said they are in the process to procure 106 acres to start the project in three months. “We are also chalking a blueprint for the mega project by roping in department officials. The government has decided to sanction Rs 50 crore shortly,” the secretary said. “The project would also provide employment to local youths. We would take in 400 men for this project in a bid to improve the socio-economic condition of the area. The people would also be responsible for the upkeep of the hills,” Singh said.
  “Over foreign 1,000 tourists come here every year, including some NRIs. We also receive some 5 lakh domestic tourists. We want these numbers to increase and promote the area as a must- see spot.”  Apart from the Parasnath temple, there are several Jain temples belonging both to Digambers and Svetambers sects. On Mahavir Jayanti, the temple is chock-a-block with visitors and pilgrims.
Source: The Telegraph
  Ancient ornaments looted from Jain temple in Sirohi
  Jaipur , January 16,2009 (PTI): Unidentified men decamped with ancient silver ornaments, weighing 138 Kgs, after drilling a hole in the basement of a Jain temple at Sirhi, Rajasthan a  Peshwa village, police said today. The thieves removed bricks and made a hole to the basement of the Kandhunath temple. They then cut out iron rods using welding machines and loot the jewels, they said.
  Superintendent of Police Sirohi Gaurav Srivastava said police suspect the robbery to have taken place during the intervening night of December 29-30, but it was detected only on January 14 when a group of kite fliers noticed debris near the temple and the hole leading to the basement. A case has been registered and a priest and two guards, who were reportedly on duty at the time of the incident were being interrogated, he said.
Source: PTI
 Ornaments worth Rs 2.4 Lakh stolen
 AHMEDABAD, January 07, 2009: Burglars targeted a Jain derasar on Monday night and decamped with cash and ornaments worth Rs 2.4 lakh. This is the third incident of derasar theft in a month in the western part of the city. "The caretaker lives behind the derasar. However, he feigned ignorance about the theft that took place between Monday evening and Tuesday morning the time when the derasar remained closed. Thieves had used sharp cutters to break the door lock and the bars on 
donation box. Moreover, they also took away ornaments of the main idol. We have registered a complaint of Rs 2.40-lakh theft," a Naranpura police station official said. 
  Police said they have found fingerprints of an adult on the donation box and have are questioning nearby residents to know more about the theft. Similar thefts were reported in Vejalpur and Ellisbridge areas in December and January. 
Source: The Times of India