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Professor Nalini Balbir on the Wellcome Collection and the Future of Jain Manuscript Heritage

At the Mahavir Janma Kalyanak Celebrations held at the House of Commons on 14 May 2026, Professor Nalini Balbir delivered a keynote presentation marking an important moment in the history of Jain cultural heritage in Britain. The occasion coincided with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the future care, preservation, study and return[…]

Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs in Europe: Interfaith Conference in Rome

Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs in Europe: Building Fraternity through Dialogue and Collaboration The Institute of Jainology is pleased to support and participate in the upcoming interreligious conference “Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs in Europe: Building Fraternity through Dialogue and Collaboration”, taking place in Rome on 23–24 June 2026. This important gathering will[…]

Mahavir Janma Kalyanak Celebrations at House of Commons 2026

The MOU was then signed by the three partners: Mark Henderson for the Wellcome Collection, Dr Mehool Sanghrajka for the Institute of Jainology, and Marie-Hélène Gorisse for the University of Birmingham

London, UK – 14th May 2026 Parliamentary addresses, museum partnerships, community awards and the signing of a landmark agreement to return over 2,000 Jain manuscripts from the Wellcome Collection. The Institute of Jainology held its annual Mahavir Janma Kalyanak celebrations at the Palace of Westminster on 14th May, bringing together parliamentarians, scholars, museum leaders and[…]

Wellcome Collection To Return 2,000 Historic Manuscripts To Jain Community In Landmark Restitution Framework Agreement

Wellcome Trust announces a landmark commitment to the Jain community to return what is believed to be the largest collection of Jain manuscripts outside South Asia. The return of the collection of more than 2,000 manuscripts, held at Wellcome Collection, London, for more than a century, is the result of several years of open dialogue[…]

Celebrating a Divine Life – Param Pujya Acharyashri Chandanaji (1937–2026)

With deep reverence, the Institute of Jainology shares the news that Param Pujya Acharyashri Chandanaji (Padma Shri), affectionately known as Pujya Tai Ma, passed away peacefully on 22 April 2026. Acharyashri Chandanaji was a remarkable spiritual leader whose life exemplified compassion, forgiveness, and selfless service. Through her vision and tireless efforts, she brought the teachings[…]

Nonviolence in Times of War: Dr Mehool Sanghrajka Shares the Jain Perspective at the Pontifical Gregorian University

On 17 April 2026, the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome hosted a one-day study session titled “Nonviolence in Times of War: Meaning and Challenges.” The event brought together scholars, faith leaders, and practitioners to reflect on the meaning, limits, and responsibilities of nonviolence in a world marked by conflict and systemic violence. The programme was[…]

Youth in Dialogue: Jain Delegation – Turin March 2026

The Institute of Jainology is extremely grateful to have been invited to the Youth in Dialogue Conference, hosted by the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. The conference was hosted at the historic Arsenal of Peace (Arsenale della Pace) in Turin, Italy, from March 6 – 8, 2026. Delegates from around the world were invited to present[…]

IOJ Represents Jain Community at Government Interfaith Iftar Reception

The Institute of Jainology was honoured to represent the Jain community at a major interfaith Iftar reception held at Lancaster House in London on 4 March, during the holy month of Ramadan. The event, hosted jointly by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, brought together more[…]

2025 – A Landmark Year for Jain Studies Worldwide

At the signing ceremony for Distinguished professorships at University of Texas, Austin

The year 2025 marks a significant moment in the global development of Jain Studies. Across several continents, universities and research institutions have expanded their commitment to the academic study of Jain philosophy, history, languages, and culture. What was once a small and specialised area within Indology and religious studies has now become a recognised and[…]