Jointly Organized by

Partners

Jaina’s Contribution to the world and what Jain need to contribute to the Nation and world in the next decade

About the Conference

It is heartening to announce that the 5th International Jain Conference (IJC) will be held on 10–11 January 2026 in Ahmedabad. The first four International Jain Conferences, warmly welcomed by the Jain community and the academic world, created a strong foundation for dialogue on Jain thought, culture, and scholarship. Building on this legacy, we are delighted to welcome you again to Ahmedabad for this landmark event.

The theme of the conference is:
“Jainism through the Ages: Contributions, Achievements, and Contemporary Challenges.”

1. Contributions

For more than two millennia, Jainism has enriched global civilization through its philosophy of non-violence, pluralism, and ethical living. Acharyas, monks, nuns, kings, ministers, merchants, and lay followers have made enduring contributions in times of crisis—supporting relief during droughts, floods, epidemics, and other disasters without discrimination. Jain philosophy has shaped intellectual traditions with doctrines like Ahimsa, Anekāntavāda, and Syādvāda, influencing fields from philosophy and linguistics to law and interfaith dialogue. Jainism has also given the world a vast literary treasury, masterpieces of art and temple architecture, and models of ecological sensitivity long before environmentalism became a global concern.

2. Achievements

Jainism’s legacy is not limited to contributions of the past; it has also achieved remarkable milestones over centuries. Jain communities have established educational institutions, libraries, and centers of learning that safeguard India’s intellectual heritage. Jain scholarship has produced critical editions, translations, and philosophical works that stand alongside the world’s greatest traditions of inquiry. Jain merchants and philanthropists have supported social welfare, healthcare, and the preservation of cultural monuments, leaving a lasting impact on both Indian society and the diaspora. On a global stage, Jain thinkers and practitioners have been recognized as voices for peace, ecological responsibility, and ethical business practices. These achievements demonstrate the adaptability and continued vitality of Jain values.

3. Contemporary Challenges

In today’s rapidly changing world, Jainism faces new challenges that demand thoughtful reflection. The decline of religious literacy among youth, the shrinking Jain population, and the erosion of traditional values within families and communities pose urgent questions. At the same time, the global rise of materialism, consumerism, and technological dilemmas such as AI ethics, bioethics, and environmental sustainability call for renewed application of Jain principles. The challenge before us is not only to preserve Jain heritage but to reimagine it for the 21st century—to make Jain values meaningful in modern lifestyles, to bridge generational divides, and to ensure that Jainism continues to offer guidance for global peace, justice, and ecological balance.

The 5th International Jain Conference seeks to explore these three dimensions—Contributions, Achievements, and Contemporary Challenges—through scholarly presentations, panel discussions, and cultural programs. It will provide a unique platform to document the past, celebrate the present, and envision the future of Jainism in a way that inspires both the academic community and the global Jain society.

Many scholars and community members are eagerly awaiting this significant gathering, which promises to be a milestone in uniting knowledge, culture, and practice for generations to come.