Shravanabelagola, October 22, 2005: Renowned Jain writer and the president of the All Karnataka Jain Literary conference Dr.Ham.Pa.Nagarajaiah called for conducting annual Jain literary fairs at the district levels so as to revive the interest among the masses in the study of Jaina literary works. He was delivering his presidential address at the All Karnataka Jain Literary conference held at Shravanabelagola as a part of the Mahamasthakabhisheka celebrations of Lord Bahubali.
He stressed upon the need to build a well equipped library focusing on the religious, historicial and literary heritage of Jainism. He opined that this would be a beckon light to the younger generations and tourists visiting Shravanabelagola. Further he elaborated in detail the interests generated amongst the scholars of the western world in the study of Jainism.
He called upon the pontiffs of the Jain monasteries to organise at least one literary functions so as to revive and encourage the literary forms. Though the contribution of Jain writers to Kannada language is stupendous, he felt that there is lack of publicity about the same.
He applauded the efforts of Swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji the pontiff of the Shravanabelagola Jain Mutt in encouraging and reviving Jain literary forms. – Jain Heritage Centres News Service (JHCNS)