Prakrit Jnana Bharati Internation Award

Prakrit is the ancient language of this land. It was the language of the common people as well as a widely spoken national language. The 24th Tirthankara, Bhagawan Mahavira, preached in Prakrit.

Many scholars have worked hard to edit ancient Prakrit literature, translate it into modern languages, and publish it on both national and international levels. Dr. Hiralal Jain, Dr. A.N. Upadhye, Pandit Phoolchand Shastry, Pandit Sumerchand Diwakar, and Pandit Kailashchandra Shastry are a few notable Indian Prakrit scholars. Alfred C. Woolner, Herman Jacobi, R. Pischel, J.J. Meyer, J. Hertel, W. Kirfel, and L. Alsdorf are among the many European Prakrit scholars.

In recognition of the development of Prakrit, Prakrit Literary Conferences were held twice under the guidance of His Holiness Jagadguru Karmayogi Swastishree Charukeerthy Bhattaraka Swamiji of Shravanabelagola, first in Bangalore and then in Hyderabad. These events were celebrated with great enthusiasm. During these conferences, some Prakrit scholars were honored with the “Prakrit Jnana Bharati Award.” Following these national-level conferences, His Holiness Swamiji established a Prakrit institute at Shravanabelagola.

After making all the necessary arrangements for study and research, the awarding of the “Prakrit Jnana Bharati Award” was reconstituted, and it was decided to present it annually from 2004, with an increase in the award amount. The prestigious award of Rs. 3.00 lakhs, along with a citation, is awarded every year to an eminent scholar of international recognition for their outstanding and meritorious service in promoting and advancing Prakrit and Jaina Studies. This award is presented on behalf of the National Institute of Prakrit Studies and Research and covers the awardee’s travel expenses to Shravanabelagola and back, as well as the costs of the grand award presentation ceremony. So far, awards have been bestowed on seventeen eminent scholars of international repute.

A selection committee for the “Prakrit Jnana Bharati International Award” is constituted every year.