6 asthadhatu idols stolen from Jain temple in Rajsamand
 JAIPUR, September 3, 2010: Amid Janmasthami preparations, a few unidentified miscreants stole six asthadhatu idols, jewellery and other valuable items from Kesariyanath Jain temple in the Bhim area of Rajsamand district during wee hours on Thursday.
  According to the report filed on the complaint of one Bhanwar Lal, miscreants barged into the temple premises after breaking the main channel gate. They stole six ashtadhatu idols---four big and two small, silver mukut and umbrella along with other valuable items. When members of the temple management committee visited the premises to offer prayers, they were shocked to find the channel gate broken, and the idols missing. 
  Sources said it was the second time that idols have been stolen from the temple. The devotees staged a demonstration against the police and demanded immediate recovery of the idols and arrest of the miscreants. "We have gathered evidence from the spot and efforts are on to nab the miscreants," an officer said.   Source: The Times of India
  Fast until death if Govt. not giving national minority status to Jains 
  Delhi, August 31, 2010: As you know very well the Central Govt. is not giving national minority status to Jains since 1993. In this connection, we will hold "fast until death" at Raj Ghat, New Delhi from Thrusday, 21.10.2010 from 10am onwards, if central govt will not grant national minority status to Jains up to 20.10.2010. - Vineet Jain, Press Secretary,VJS: 
 SUNJAY K. JAIN,VJS  "vishwajains@yahoo.com"
  Jain Tirthankara idol found in riverbed near Vedaranyam
  NAGAPATTINAM, August 24, 2010: An 11th-century idol of a Jain Tirthankara has been found in a riverbed near Vedaranyam in Nagapattinam district. The stone idol, about two feet tall, was found without its head. Experts who inspected it felt that the head could have been knocked off by vandals. However, the possibility of accidental wreckage could not be ruled out as well, they added.
  "The Tirthankara is found on a pedestal in a sitting, meditative (dhyana) posture. The pedestal has been carved like a lion throne. In the rear side, floral symbols have been carved. The sculpture could be that of the 24th Jain Tirthankara belonging to the later Chola period," said G Thillai Govindarajan, a member of the team that found the idol. The idol was found in the riverbed of the Mulliyar at Panchanathikulam near Vedaranyam in a face-down position. Villagers who were not aware that it was an idol were using it as a washing stone for years. However, B Jambulingam, working as a superintendent in Tamil University, Thanjavur, and Govindarajan, headmaster of a panchayat union middle school, found the idol during one of their recent field studies.
  Some other parts of the idol were also found damaged, including one of the arm-rests of the throne, Govindarajan said. Images of yakshas' have been carved on either side of the Tirthankara. Similar idols of Jain preceptors have been found in many places in Thanjavur, Pudukottai and Nagapatinam areas, indicating the prevalence of Jainism in this region. Sithannavasal in Pudukottai is an abode of Jainism 
 Source: The Times of India
  Robbers strike at Jain temple in Borivali, kill security guard
  MUMBAI, August 22, 2010 (PTI): A security guard was killed and another was injured when robbers struck a temple in suburban Borivali in the wee hours on Sunday, police said. Robbers struck at Nandishwar Digambar Jain temple near Bhagwati hospital in suburban Borivali in the early hours attacking two guards and fleeing with temple jewellery and some valuables, they said.
  One of the guards, Devilal (55) died in the attack, police said, adding that another Ramprasad Joshi (30), was injured, and has been admitted to Bhagwati hospital. A gang of seven to eight robbers, who were wearing shorts and black tee-shirts, came to the temple around 2.30 in the morning and attacked the two guards before fleeing with valuables. Most of the robbers were in the age group of 25-30, police said, a further investigation is on.
  Gold and precious Idols stolen from Padmavati Temple
  Bhatkal, 09 August 2010 (Bhatkallys News): Prescious Idols and Gold jewellery worth lakhs of rupees were stolen from a Jain Temple, Padmavathi Devasthan coming under Hadavalli Gram Panchayath limits. The thieves broke open the lock on Saturday, 7th August night and escaped with valuable Idols, gold chains and ornaments.
  The incident came to light in the morning when the priest saw broken lock and informed local residents. The estimated price of the stolen goods is around 70 lakh rupees, which included rare and antique 700 years old Parshanath and Chandraprabha Idols of 30 kilograms each and Gold jewellery.
  PROF. (DR.) SOHAN RAJ TATER PRESIDENT AWARD CEREMONY
  Prof. (Dr.) Sohan Raj Tater, Patron of Rastriya Samta Swatantra Manch presented his research paper on “Harmony and culture” and presided award ceremony organized by Rastriya Samta Swantantra Manch at Krishna Menon Bhawan, New Delhi along with dignitaries Baliram Bhagat, Former, Central Minister, Shri Joginder Singh, Former, Director C.B.I., Shri J.V.G. Krishna Murti, Commissioner, Election Commission and Lalit K. Panwar I.A.S., Chairman, India tourism on 17th July 2010 and distributed awards to awardees coming around nation from different fields. 

  Court declared RISHABH DEV TEMPLE, A JAIN TEMPLE
  July 27, 2010: The hon'ble Supreme Court of India announced on Monday, the 26th July, 2010 that all the four writ petitions filed by different communities for review of the case had been rejected and maintained that the *concerned temple belonged to Jain community only.* It was a Jain temple and it could not be considered as 'Sarva Dharma Temple'.
  Earlier also in the year 2007, Supreme Court had ordered this temple as a Jain temple and had directed the State Government to constitute a committee for the management of the temple. In the mean time, four writ petitions received from the temple priests and the Adivasi Sangh were forwarded by the Stae Government to the Supreme Court for review. The final decision has now come from the Supreme Court and all controversies in respect of the ownership of the temple should end once for all. - Sunjay Jain, VJS

  Delhi H.C. direction to Central Govt for national minority to Jains 
  Delhi, July 16, 2010: VJS had filed a writ petiiton in  Delhi High Court for directing to Central Govt for national minority status to Jains. During the hearing on 12th July 2010, the Hon'ble High Court  granted a last opportunity to Central Govt. for obtaining  instructions up to 20th Oct, 2010 for clarify the status of proposed 103rd Constitution amendment bill which will give minority status to Jains nationally. 
Sunjay Jain, President, Vishwa Jain Sangathan* (Regd.) : IX/1976, Lane 4, Kailash Nagar, Delhi -31
Mob#: 09312278313, 09213691505 : E-mail: vishwajains@ yahoo.com
  Hombuja Jain Swamiji Leaves for Heavenly Abode 
  Shimoga, Jul 15, 2010: Sri Devendrakeerti Bhattaraka Pattacharyavarya Mahaswami (62) of Hombuja Jain Mutt in Hosanagar taluk in the district, passed away on Wednesday July 14 morning after suffering mild heart attack. Hombuja finds its place in legends, and remains a much sought after pilgrimage centre of the Jains. 
  The Swamiji, born to a family of royal lineage in Mulky, Dakshina Kannada, was initially named Vinay Kumar. He was born on May 25, 1949, and completed his primary schooling at Mulky and degree at DVS College, Shimoga. He had a leaning towards spirituality since a young age. After taking over as the head of Hombuja Jain Mutt, he took up the task of propagating Jainism, and undertook foreign trips 61 times. Under his guidance, over 60 Jain Basadis were set up in various countries. He instituted Kunda Vidyapeeta in Hombuja, where opportunities to study Jainism and its principles are provided to interested people.
  Dr D Veerendra Heggade, Dharmasthala, state Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa, MP, B Y Raghavendra, state BJP president, K S Eshwarappa, MLA, K Abhyachandra Jain, former minister, K Amarnath Shetty, and hundreds of other dignitaries have condoled the death of the Swamiji.Sri Charukeerti Bhattaraka Swamiji from Moodbidri Jain Mutt rushed to Hombuja after learning about the incident, and supervised the funeral procedures.
   Burglary at Jain temple in Jaipur
  Jaipur, June 30, 2010 (PTI): Burglars broke into a Jain temple and allegedly stole a 10-kg silver made 'chattra' (umbrella), gold and donation box from its premises at a village here today, police said. 
   Hundreds of people gathered outside the temple in Mojamabad village as soon as the news of the burglary, which took place in the wee hours, spread.  A team from Dudu police station and forensic science experts from the state capital have reached the spot to investigate into the matter, they said, adding the lock at the main gate was found broken. Meanwhile, senior administration officers in Jaipur rural have been asked to supervise the situation which was tense in the morning, they added.
  Parshwanath Vidyapeeth global centre for ahimsa
  VARANASI: June 28, 2010: Parshwanath Vidyapeeth (PV), an external research centre of Jain studies recognised by Banaras Hindu University (BHU), in association with International School of Jain Studies (ISJS) looks all set to promote research on various aspects of Jainism besides exposing research scholars and teachers to real life experience of peaceful co-existence of various religions in the city.
  "We have established ISJS-PV global centre for ahimsa (non-violence) and Indic research and special summer schools are being also hosted for foreign scholars, who get first hand experience of rituals and traditions of different religion that the city offers," said Shagun C Jain, vice-president (PV) and chairman ISJS-PV global centre, in a press conference on Sunday. "The numbers of foreign students (from under-graduate to Ph D level) visiting the PV centre during international summer school have also increased from seven (2005) to around 60 this year," he added. It may be mentioned here that ISJS-PV global centre for ahimsa and Indic research was established in 2009 while ISJS had been conducting annual summer schools at PV centre for the last five years in the months of June and July each year.
  The whole idea is to attract foreign students and teachers and give them practical inputs of various aspects of Jainism and other religions that co-exist peacefully in one of the oldest living cities of the world, said Prof SL Jain, director, PV on the occasion. The centre is also initiating efforts to link Jain philosophy with modern life style, making it relevant for addressing various issues including terrorism and environmental pollution, added Prof Jain, who was also the former dean, faculty of Arts, BHU. 
  So far, the programme has attracted around 60 foreign scholars from 11 countries in the world. "A majority of them (over 50 per cent) come from North American countries like the US and Canada, but recently scholars from Asian and European countries including Thailand, Czech republic, Slovenia, Denmark and Norway have also shown interest in summer schools," said Shagun C Jain, hinting at the popularity of summer schools. Source: The Times of India
  Centre favours giving minority status to Jains: Khurshid
  Bangalore, June 13, 2010 (PTI): The government is in favour of giving minority community status to Jains, Union Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said today. He said a decision of a 11-judge Supreme Court had become a hurdle in taking action on the matter.  "Government is seized of the matter", he said at a Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO) national conference here, adding, the Government is in discussions with Attorney General with regard to constituting a 11-judge SC bench on the issue. Constitutionally, it's imperative for the Jains to get the minority community status, the Minister said. 
  Praising the community for its enterprising spirit, he said, "If there is any example of any community being majority community despite being in minority, it's the Jain community", Khurshid said.
  Ancient Jain monuments were found by archaeologists in AP
  Vijayawada, June 9, 2010: Ancient Jain monuments were found by a team of archaeologists in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam district."The team, which visited the hills around Dannanapet and Chittivalas villages for three days from May 29-31, found 'rocky beds' in the caves at four places," G Jawaharlal, former deputy director of Archaeology Department of Andhra Pradesh, who led the team of researchers told reporters . 
  Each cave consisted of five rocky beds, which belonged to Jain monks dated back to the second or third century BC, he said. The monks used to fast until death on the rocky beds to get 'moksha' (salvation). Jawaharlal said Bhagavan Mahaveer visited many places in Andhra Pradesh to propagate the philosophy of Jainism and he also stayed many days around these hills before visiting other parts of the state. -PTI

  41-ft Bahubali statue makes a halt in city 
  VADODARA, June 7, 2010: The 41-feet tall statue of Lord Bahubali, which is making its way from Bidadi in Bangalore to Songadh in Bhavnagar, reached the city on Sunday morning. Scores of Jain devotees gathered to get a glimpse of the deity and offer prayers at Dumad Chowkdy where the statue had halted. 
  The sculpture that was carved by award-winning sculptor Ashok Gudigar and his 10-member team will be installed in Songadh. Thousands of Jain worshippers are eagerly waiting for the welcome and darshan' of the statue. The statue began its 45-day long journey on May 23, 2010, from the rural district in Karnataka on a 140-wheel trailer. 
  The sculpture has been carved out of a single 400-tonne block of granite and is the second largest statue of Lord Bahubali which will be installed at Songadh, an important pilgrim place for the Digambar Jain community as the saint Kanji Swami, a Digambar Jain preacher, lived here for 45 years. 
 Source: The Times of India 
  A 41 feet statue of Lord Bahubali to be installed
  Bangalore, June 01, 2010: A 41 feet statue of Lord Bahubali is on its way from Bidadi in Bangalore Rural district to Gujarat to be installed atop a hill in Songadh in Bhavnagar District.  The search for the right stone and sculptor began two years ago and it was decided that they have to be sourced out of Karnataka alone, as similar stone and style of sculpture akin to the highest Bahubali's statue in Shravanabelagola in Hassan district, were unavailable elsewhere, a release said. 
  The statue, which is 14 feet wide and of 6.5 feet depth, has been sculpted out of a single block of 400 tonne granite from a place called Koira near Devanahalli here, it said. The sculptor is Ashok Gudigar, a national award winner from Karnataka. It will be transported on a specially made heavy vehicle with 140 wheels. The duration of journey was approximately 45 days from May 30 . About 90 per cent of work on the statue was completed and the rest would be completed at Songadh, before the actual installation, the release said. Songadh, also known as "Swarnapuri", is an important pilgrimage place for the Digambar Jain Community.

 Six arrested for trying to sell stolen antique idol of Lord Adinath
 New Delhi, May 29, 2010 (PTI : A 92-kg antique idol of Lord Adinath, allegedly stolen from a Jain temple in Rajasthan and valued at Rs nine crore, was recovered here following the arrest of six persons, police said today. 
  Rabinder Nath Chand (25), George Eric Parker (25), Ganpati (28), Mukesh Singh (27), Satbir Sharma (28) and Rahul (27) were apprehended near government school on DDU Marg yesterday when they were trying to sell the 16 Century idol, following a tip off.  "Our decoy customer arranged a meeting with them and at 3:15 PM,, two persons came and the deal was finalised for Rs nine crores. Then they called their accomplices who came there in a car with the idol," a senior police official said. 
  The idol was inspected by Archaeological Survey of India officials who confirmed that it is is of Lord Adinath, also known as 'Rishabhdev', the founder of 'Jainism'.

  Jain heritage on display
  Bangalore, May 24, 2010: The Bangalore chapter of JITO has organised a three-day exhibition from Sunday displaying 108 avatars of tirthankaras in Jain religion. The crowd puller, however, is the 7.5 feet high Asthapad tirthankar  weighing three tones and carved out of crystal. The other 108 statues in the three day exhibition are equally precious, as each one is carved out of a particular gemstone like  emerald, ruby, aquamarine, amethyst and quartz. "We expect a crowd of 50,000 people. A lot of people from the community would visit the fair because of the tirthakaras," said Jeetmal Jain, member of JITO. The annual event, which takes place every year in different cities, aims at strengthen business ties in Jain community and promote networking among businessmen in the community.

  Acharya Mahashraman  become the 11th Acharya of Jain Terapanth
  Sardarshahar., May 23, 2010: Acharya Shri Mahashraman has become the 11th Acharya of Jain Terapanth Dharmsangh after the death of Acharya Shri Mahapragya, the 10th Acharya of Jain Swetambar Terapanth Samaj. A Padhabhisekh Samaroha  was held at Sardarshahar  today in the presence of nearly 1 lakh devotees including prominent personalities and  politicians of BJP and Congress..Acharya Mahapragya had nominated Acharya Mahashraman as the Yuvacharya of the Terapanth in 1997 at Gangashahar (Bikaner). 
   Acharya Mahashraman was  born on May 13, 1962 at Sardarsahar a  town of  Churu district  in Rajasthan.  He was initially known as Mohan Dugar,  At the age of 12 years, Mohan became a monk. under the able guidance of  Acharya Tulsi and Acharya Shri Mahapragya. He  got his education and proved himself an ardent disciple. of  Acharya Shri Mahapragya  At the age of 36 he was nominated as Yuvacharya. Shri Mahashraman became the 11th Acharya of Jain Terapanth on his 49th  birthday.  . 

  Heat kills four Jain pilgrims in Palitana 
  PALITANA/ RAJKOT, May 17, 2010: Shock and panic gripped pilgrim town of Palitana when four pilgrims reportedly died of a heat stroke on Sunday morning. The pilgrims were among thousands attending a five-day Jain religion function, Suripat Rajat Jayanti Mahotsav, at the foothills of Shetrunji hills at this Jain pilgrimage in  Bhavnagar district. 
  About 50,000 devotees from across the country had gathered for religious event on Akhatrij. "The incident took place when some devotees started ascending the hills for darshan. Due to extreme heat five persons collapsed and were rushed to Mansinghji hospital, where four persons died during treatment," a source said.  Confirming the incident, Bhavnagar district collector DG Jhalawadia said, "Four persons have died during a Jain religious function near Shetrunji hills."  Jhalawadia confirmed that two died of heat stoke, one person died of a cardiac arrest and the cause of death of the fourth person is under probe. News of the fifth person dying was also reported, but could not be confirmed by officials. Source: The Times of India

 Acharya Mahapragya passes away 
 Sardarshehar, May 9, 2010 :  Acharya Sree Mahapragya, the 10th Acharya of Jain Swetambar Terapanth Samaj, died today due to cardiac arrest at Sardarshehar in Churu district of Rajasthan. He was 90. Yuvacharya Mahashraman of Sardarshehar has been declared as the next and 11th supreme head of the Terapanth group.
 He promotes nonviolence and leads the Ahimsa Yatra movement. He has traversed more than 100,000 km on foot covering more than 10,000 villages reaching out to the masses spreading the message of harmony and peace. Walked across the length and breadth of India From Kachchh in Gujarat to Kolkata and from Punjab to Kanyakumari, Mahapragya undertook travel on foot earlier under the leadership of Acharya Tulsi and later himself being the leader. During these travels, he addressed thousands of public meetings. Acharya Mahapragya formulated Preksha meditation system in 1970s. He is the supreme head of Jain Vishva Bharati University and also played a key role in its establishment. Anuvrat movement is also functioning under his leadership.

  Jain pilgrims looted by criminals in Bihar
  Patna, May 4, 2010 (IANS): Dozens of Jain pilgrims were looted by a group of unidentified criminals in Bihar’s Jamui district Tuesday afternoon, police said.According to police, a group of armed criminals looted the pilgrims near Lachuar under Sikandara police station in Jamui, about 170 km from here.“Criminals looted cash, mobile phones and other valuable items from the Jain pilgrims,” a police official said. The incident took place when about 150 Jain pilgrims, mostly from Rajasthan and Maharashtra, in several vehicles were on their way to a Jain shrine associated with Lord Mahavira, the twenty fourth Jain Tirthankar.

  Jain Center’s Pratishtha Mahotsav Celebrations from May 13-17 
  BUENA PARK, CA, April 29, 2010: The Jain Center of Southern California will celebrate a historic Pratishtha Mahotsav from May 13-17, 2010. This is the third and final Pratishtha ceremony which will mark the completion and dedication of the temple. For many local Jain adults, this will be the last opportunity in their lifetime to witness and participate in a major Pratishtha Mahotsav in Southern California.Panch Nihika Mahotsva will be celebrated with a bhavana, several poojans, a procession, and various Pratishtha ceremonies which will include the installation of the following: 
  Mahavir Swami and Shantinath Pratimajis in Garbha Gruha, Mangal Murtis, Adinath Pagla, Chaumukhi Pratimajis in Samvosaran Temple, Panch Dhatu Pratimaji, and Hemchandracharya / Agam Sutra (Acharang Sutra) and Pujya Bhadrabahu Swami / Kalpa Sutra.
  The Jain Center was established on September 15, 1979 by several Jain families with one important mandate: To preserve and promote Jainism through practice, education and community outreach activities. The dream of expanding and building an entire Jain Bhavan Complex was conceived by the Jain community nearly 16 years ago. A three-phase project - to build a Cultural Complex in Phase 1; a Religious Complex in Phase 2; and an Atma Sadhna Kendra in Phase 3 
- came to fruition when the 62,000 sq ft Cultural Complex was inaugurated on March 27, 2005, followed by the 13,000 sq ft Religious Complex on October 6, 2008. 
  Study of Jainism at Florida International University
  Florida, April 17, 2010: Some South Florida adherents of Jainism, a small Indian religion with perhaps 10 million believers throughout the world, have donated $600,000 to Florida International University to facilitate study of the faith. With matching funds from the state, FIU will now have about $1 million for an endowed professorship in Jainism in the school’s Religious Studies Department. Jainism is an ascetic tradition that emphasizes peace and nonviolence and the evolution of the soul toward divine consciousness. Source: Orlando Sentinel
  Youths held for stealing idol from Jain temple 
  New Delhi, March 25, 2010 (PTI): Two youths were arrested in the national capital for allegedly stealing idol and jewellery from a Jain temple in north-west Delhi, police said today. Satish Sharma (22) and Sheikh Abdula Bil-Maruf (23) were apprehended for their alleged involvement in the theft of idol of 'Ma Padmavati' and jewellery from Mahavir Digambar Jain Mandir in Ashok Vihar a week ago after drugging the priest.
  Police collected details about the suspect from priests Praveen and Pradeep and zeroed in on Satish, who allegedly confessed that he along with Bin-Maruf and one Suraj conspired to steal the idol, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North-West) N S Bundela said.

 Prof. (Dr.) Sohan Raj Tater in First Asian Philosophy Congress  
 Jodhpur 10 March, 2010, Prof. (Dr.) Sohan Raj Tater chaired session of “JAINISM” (Conducted for 2 Hrs.) in First Asian Philosophy Congress held at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi organized by I.C.P.R. (Under HRD Ministry, Govt. of India). In this session of Jainism 16 Scholars from whole of India presented their Research papers including nuns of Jain Vishava Bharati University, Ladnun (Raj.). Scholars who were present there around Asia appreciated and shown keen interest in this session. 
  In the same Congress Prof. (Dr.) Sohan Raj Tater presented his research paper on subject “Concept of Prama in Jainism” as chief speaker in Round Table Conference organized by Akhil Bhartiya Darshan Parishad (Established since year 1954). In this session three more scholars also presented their Research paper on subject “Concept of Prama in Indian Philosophies”. The scholars around Asia who were present in the session showed great interest and curiocity in the topic. 

  High Court stays auction of jain temple artefacts
  Bangalore, March 12, 2010: The High Court has stayed the auction of 139 artefacts belonging to Adinath Jain Temple Trust at Chickpet in the City. Hearing a petition by G Parasmal and four others, the division bench headed by Justice V Sridhar Rao has stayed the auction. The petitioners had moved the High Court to prevent the demolition of 90-year-old temple and protect the artefacts and sought directions to convert it into a museum. The respondents had planned an auction on March 24
  Jain principles relevant to problems of modern world: Sonia Gandhi 
  New Delhi, March 8, 2010 (PTI): Congress president Sonia Gandhi today stressed the relevance of Jain principles to tackle the problem of violence and terrorism afflicting the modern world. Gandhi also underlined the importance of politics that believes in non-violence, environment-centric development and taking all sections together. The Congress president said she belongs to a political tradition that believes in these values."World is facing problems of violence and terrorism..In such darkness, the light to save humanity is found in the philosophy of Jain religion," Gandhi said while addressing a silver jubilee programme of Jain organisation Kund Kund Bharti.Eulogising the philosophy of Anekantwad (Recognition of the relativity of truth from the perspective of life in this world), Gandhi said," there could be many aspects of a problem and it can be seen from various angles."
 The philosophy teaches one to respect others' beliefs, she said, adding it establishes democratic values. The Congress president also handed over a cash award of Rs5 lakh and a citation given by the organisation to professor Natalia Zhelznova.Zhelznova, a professor of Moscow University, translated various books on Jainism into Russian language.Gandhi also inaugurated a library and a newly constructed building of the Jain organisation.Chief minister of Delhi, Sheila Dikshit, and minister of state for rural development Pradip Jain Aditya and Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi also attended the programme. 
   Tolerance of other's beliefs 
   Singapore, February 20, 2010: The Singapore Jain Religious Society opened up its new premises with Senior Minister, Goh Chok Tong, as the Guest-of-Honour on Feb 13, 2010. In his speech, SM GOh emphasised on religious and racial harmony. He cited an Italian who chose to become a Singaporean due to our peaceful tolerance of each other's differences. He also stressed the need to practice and promote one's own religion with responsibility and not trivialise other's beliefs.
 Source: AsiaOne News
  Trust of oldest Jain temple in Mumbai fined Rs 10 lakh 
  MUMBAI, Feburary 17, 2010: An internal inspection by the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC) has found the city’s oldest Jain temple, Kot Shantinathji Derasar, to have lost its historical importance and character because of careless repair work carried out by the caretakers.The temple, which is being rebuilt entirely in white Makrana marble, stands in the middle of the congested Bora Bazaar area near Fort and is a listed Grade II-B heritage structure. 
  The MHCC has slapped a penalty of Rs 10 lakh on the trust for carrying out the work that has “led to loss of temple architecture, unique to the fabulously rich history of Mumbai”. “We had given them permission for repair and reconstruction as per the Jain religious code. But when an inspection was carried out, it was found that a gross violation of norms had taken place. Since the trust did not do its work faithfully and dutifully, the committee sought it fit to penalise them,” said committee chairman Dinesh Afzulpurkar. 
  The ghar-derasar style gained prominence at a time when the country was constantly facing threats from marauding intruders of the 17th and 18th centuries. The grand ghar-derasars were camouflaged inside structures that looked like ordinary homes.“Many of these derasars were built in Kalpa Sutra- style murals and intricate wooden structures, More then the architectural damage, we have penalised them to set an example on others,” said a member. Source: The Times of India

  Court restrains committee from damaging Yanaimalai a Jain cavern 
                                           
  Madurai , February 12, 2010 : The Madras High Court Bench here on Thursday restrained a high- level committee, constituted by the State government on December 30 to consider the possibility of creating a sculpture park by carving the Yanaimalai near here, from causing any damage to the hillock. Passing interim orders on a public interest litigation petition challenging the constitution of the committee headed by Commissioner of Archaeology Department,  Justices Prabha Sridevan and B. Rajendran said that it should not even take rock samples from the hillock without obtaining permission from the court.
  The judges also ordered notices to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, Archaeological Survey of India, State government represented by the Tourism Secretary, Madurai Collector, Yanaimalai Othakadai panchayat president and a few other officials returnable in four weeks.Ms. Justice Sridevan said that the court prima facie did not find any reason for altering the Yanaimalai, which derived the name from its resemblance to an elephant in squatting posture. “We think that the particular rock formation itself is unique. It is a record of history of evolution,” she said.
  A. Mahaboob Batcha, managing trustee of the Society for Community Organisation (SOCO) Trust, a voluntary organisation here, filed the PIL petition. He sought a direction to the Union government to acquire the hillock and ensure its proper protection without disturbing its original character.
  According to him, the hillock was a solid block of gneiss approximately 3 km long and 90 metres tall. Stating that it resembled the Ayers Rock of Australia, he claimed that the hillock had been declared as a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. It has sites of archaeological importance such as a Jain cavern with Bas Relief  of Mahavira, Parsuvanath and others. Ancient Tamil Brahmi scripts on the hillock describe it as ‘Ivakunram,’ meaning elephant hill. The Narasinga Perumal temple on the hill also contains ancient Tamil Vattalethu inscriptions.The petitioner alleged that the plan to crack the hillock would only benefit the “granite lobby.” Already several hills in the district had been razed to exploit granite. Source: The Hindu
  Eleven panchaloha idols includes a 1,000-year-old idol of Parsavanatha recovered
  CHENNAI, February 02, 2010: Sleuths of the economic offences wing (EOW) have busted a seven member idol theft gang and seized 11 panchaloha statues worth Rs 1 crore stolen from temples in Tiruvannamalai, Vellore and Kancheepuram districts." The recovered loot includes a 1,000-year-old idol of 23rd Tirthankara Parsavanatha from the Digambara Jain temple in Isakulathur, Tiruvannamalai  district,” G Thilagavathi, ADGP, EOW, told presspersons here on Monday." The idol weighs 23 kg and is priceless,” she said.   Source: Express News Service
  Primary schools should teach about Jainism and Zoroastrianism in RE
  January 30, 2010: Children as young as five should be given lessons in minority religions such as Baha'i, Jainism and Zoroastrianism, according to Government guidance. Pupils in primary schools should be taught about “world faiths”, even though many only have a few thousand followers in Britain. 
  Religious education classes should also cover atheism alongside Christianity and five other major religions - Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism and Hinduism. Legal row over humanism in religious studies It is the first time the Government has produced guidance specifically tailored towards primary schools, although teachers do not have to follow it. Diana Johnson, the Schools Minister, said it was vital that children developed a good understanding of other people’s beliefs. 
  “This means learning about Christianity and other religions like Islam, Hinduism and Judaism, but also considering other secular beliefs such as humanism and atheism,” she said. “Our society has never been so diverse, and good religious education plays an important role in helping to keep this country a tolerant and inclusive place to live. 
  “RE goes much further than just helping children understand why different people believe different things: it also gives them the chance to ask questions about  their own beliefs and spirituality, and provokes challenging ethical questions.”  Religious education is compulsory in all state schools. But it is not on the national curriculum. Instead, syllabuses are drawn up locally by committees of officials, teachers and religious groups. The latest guidance is intended to help improve the standard of lessons in primary schools. 
  The document says: "To ensure that all children's backgrounds and experiences are taken into account, it is recommended that there are also opportunities to study other religious traditions such as the Baha'i faith, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism, and secular world views, such as humanism, where appropriate."  The Baha'i faith, which believes all religions have true and valid origins, has  around 6,000 observers in Britain. 
  Jains believe in living lives of harmlessness and renunciation and are often vegetarians or celibate. There are thought to be 30,000 in Britain. 
  Zoroastrianism is based on the teachings of prophet Zoroaster, who founded the religion in ancient Iran 3,500 years ago. Followers believe there is a cosmic war being waged between good and evil and number some 140,000 worldwide. The Government’s guidance says that schools which have a significant religious community living nearby could learn about that faith.
 Source: Telegraph Media Group
  Bangalore Governor Favours Cow Slaughter Ban Legislation
  Bangalore, January 18, 2010: State Governor, H R Bharadhwaj, advised the saints and the Sanyasis to exert pressure on the government for enacting anti cow slaughter legislation. He was speaking after inaugurating the World Peace Conference organized by Oswal Parishad in the city on Sunday January 17. Lamenting that a blanket ban on the slaughter of  cows has not yet been enforced in the country, he suspected this to be the fall out of the political equations of projecting enforcement of a ban on cow slaughter as a religious issue. As far as conserving of the cow breeds, politics should not have any say, he opined.
  “Shunning of all kinds of violence has been the crux of every religion. No one should talk lightly of other religions. We should develop high regard for every other religion. None of the religions in the world glorify violence. Still, Jainism is the only religions that has, since its inception, been vociferously upholding non-violence,” he felt.  Source: Daijiworld Media Network 
  Panchaloha idols stolen from a Jain temple seized 
  MALAPPURAM, January 12, 2010: The Perinthalmanna police recovered two panchaloha idols worth crores of rupees from two separate locations in Malappuram and Palakkad  districts and arrested five persons in connection with the incident on Sunday night. The idols - a panchaloha idol of goddess Uma Maheshwari weighing 9.5 kg and  another idol weighing five kg - were reportedly stolen from a Jain temple. Based on the information given by the arrested, the police took them to Palakkad and recovered the second idol from a house at Ottappalam.
  According to sources, the house belonged to a Congress leader. According to the police, the seized idols have a market value of around Rs 7 crore. The arrested were produced before the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Perinthalmanna on Monday and were remanded. The police said that they got valid clues from the arrested about those having  links with the idol theft. Investigation has been expanded to nearby states to net the aides of the arrested. Source: Expressbuzz

  Dalai Lama visits Jain pilgrim town of Palitana
  Bhavnagar, January 3, 2010 (PTI): Tibetan spiritual leader The Dalai Lama today visited the Jain pilgrimage town of Palitana near here and delivered a religious discourse along with Jain scholars. "The 20th century belonged to science and technology. The present 21st century would belong to spirituality and non- violence," Dalai Lama told reporters. He said Jainism and Buddhism are in the forefront for promoting peace and non-violence around the world. "Jainism and Buddhism are like twins who have brought along with them the  message of oneness and non-violence for the world," he said.
  Dalai Lama also visited a camp for the physically challenged where over 25,000 disabled people are being treated free of cost. The camp, called 'Mobility Camp' being held in Palitana began on December 23 and would continue till January 9. He later visited the Jain temples in Palitana town and interacted with Jain scholars