Bengaluru (Karnataka, India), April 19, 2016: The Government of Karnataka will constitue a peace award in the name of Lord Mahavir and will be presented to an individuals who has strived hard for establishing peace and will be non sectarian. The chief minister of Karnataka Sri Siddaramaiah announced this at Mahavir Jayanthi (Janmakalyana) celebrations held at the banquet hall of Vidhana Soudha (the seat of the state legislature of Karnataka).
When the CM says “Jai Jinendra” – Sri Siddaramaiah began his address by saying “Jai Jinendra” the word used by Jains for saluting among themselves and the crowd was all appreciation to him and for close to a minute everyone started saying “Jai Jinendra” and the CM maintained silence. Later on, the CM again said “Jai Jinendra” and was reciprocated back from the audience in chorus. Sri Siddaramaiah continued his address and again said “Jai Jinendra” before concluding his speech.
Grants for Printing Kannada Jain Literary Works – Replying to the requests from noted Jain scholar Sri Hampa Nagaragaiah the Chief minister announced that the state Government is willing to grant as much funds required for printing Kannada Jain literary works. He felt it is the duty of Government to respond to such requests as this will facilitate the propagation of Kannada Jain literature among the common people.
Request for “Prakrit University” – Responding to another request from Prof. Hampana about establishing an independent “Prakrit University” in Karnataka the Chief minister assured to consider this request seriously.
Reservation for Jains – Responding to a request from one of the audience about reservation for Jains the CM said that it is a sensitive issue and will be considered. – Nitin H.P. & Jain Heritage Centres News Service