**Executive Summary**
The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) organized a national seminar on April 23, 2026, in Indore to recognize the Jain community's contributions to India’s economy, education, and philanthropy. The event focused on aligning Jain principles with the "Viksit Bharat 2047" vision and highlighted government schemes like PM VIKAS designed for community empowerment. Key action items included the ongoing efforts by the NCM to safeguard the sanctity of the Sammed Shikharji Hill pilgrimage site.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Economic and Philanthropic Contributions**
* Jain entrepreneurs are recognized for powering the economy through trade, industry, and innovation while creating significant employment opportunities.
* The community’s philanthropic footprint includes the establishment and management of hospitals, dharamshalas, gaushalas, and community kitchens that serve the public with dignity.
* The community is credited with shaping India’s economic landscape through longstanding commitments to education and charitable institutions.
**Integration of Jain Principles in Nation Building**
* The core principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-possession), and Anekantavada (respect for diverse views) are identified as essential for national harmony and sustainability.
* Jain values are considered deeply relevant to contemporary ethical, environmental, and intellectual discourse.
* The "Viksit Bharat 2047" vision incorporates these community values to foster a sustainable and harmonious society.
**Government Empowerment Initiatives**
* The PM VIKAS (Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan) scheme is being utilized to focus on skill development, entrepreneurship, and education for Jain youth.
* The Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) aims to empower Jain institutions and enhance their participation in national economic growth.
* State-level MSME schemes are also being leveraged to strengthen the community's economic contributions.
**Institutional Support and Safeguarding Interests**
* The NCM is actively engaged with the Government of Jharkhand to protect the sanctity of Sammed Shikharji Hill, a sacred pilgrimage site.
* The Commission remains committed to addressing the specific concerns and safeguarding the interests of the Jain community through inclusive development.
**Impact Analysis**
**Jain Youth and Entrepreneurs**
**Impact**
They are identified as primary beneficiaries of government schemes focusing on skill development and economic participation.
**Action Required**
Utilize the PM VIKAS and PMJVK schemes to enhance skills, drive innovation, and increase participation in the formal economy.
**National Commission for Minorities (NCM)**
**Impact**
The NCM acts as the central mediating body between the community and the government to resolve heritage and religious concerns.
**Action Required**
Continue active engagement with the Jharkhand government regarding the protection of Sammed Shikharji Hill and oversee the implementation of inclusive development programs.
**Academic and Knowledge Institutions**
**Impact**
Institutions like Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya are positioned as partners in documenting and promoting the Jain community's socio-economic impact.
**Action Required**
Conduct further research and deliberations on the "Jainism and Indian Knowledge System" to offer insights for sustainable living and ethical nation-building.
Key Entities Referenced
National Commission for Minorities (NCM): The statutory body that organized the national seminar and works to safeguard the interests of minority communities.
PM VIKAS: A central government scheme focused on skill development, entrepreneurship, and education for empowering minority communities.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK): A multi-sectoral development program implemented to provide infrastructure and empower minority youth and institutions.
Viksit Bharat 2047: The national vision for a developed India by 2047, used as the strategic context for the Jain community's contributions.
Indore, Madhya Pradesh: The central location where the National Seminar was hosted in collaboration with local government and academic partners.
Ministry of Minority Affairs
NCM Organizes National Seminar on the
Contribution of Jain Community to the Indian
Economy, Education and Philanthropy
Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju addressed the seminar
through video message; highlighted Jain principles of
Ahimsa, Aparigraha and Anekantavada for Viksit Bharat 2047
Minister of State for Minority Affairs, Shri George Kurian
elaborated on PM VIKAS and PMJVK for empowering Jain
youth and institutions
Minister of MSME, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Shri
Chaitanya Kumar Kasyap elaborated on the government
schemes empowering Jain community
Posted On: 23 APR 2026 7:32PM by PIB Delhi
National Commission for Minorities (NCM) with Knowledge Partner Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya,
Indore, today organized a National Seminar on “The Contribution of the Jain Community to the Indian
Economy, Education, and Philanthropy” at The Marriott, Indore, Madhya Pradesh.Attended by leading subject specialists, scholars, academicians, industrialists, Vice President JITO,
philanthropists Shantilal Mutha, Girish B. Shah, students and Jain community members also attended the
seminar.
Addressing the gathering through a video message, Shri Kiren Rijiju, Hon’ble Union Minister for
Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, said that philanthropy defines Jain society. “Hospitals,
dharamshalas, gaushalas, and community kitchens serve all with dignity. Jain entrepreneurs also power
India’s economy, creating jobs and driving innovation while supporting education, healthcare, and rural
growth,” he stated.
The Union Minister added that the community is contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 of
Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. “The Government recognises these contributions. Through
PM VIKAS and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram, we are empowering Jain youth and institutions.
Jain principles of Ahimsa, Aparigraha and Anekantavada teach harmony, sustainability and respect for
diverse views—values our nation needs today,” he said.
Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State for Minority Affairs, graced the seminar as Chief Guest. He
elaborated on various government initiatives aimed at empowering minority communities, including the
PM VIKAS scheme. He highlighted how these programmes focus on skill development, entrepreneurship
and education, enabling greater participation in economic growth. He emphasized the Government’s
commitment to inclusive development by creating opportunities that strengthen livelihoods and promote
social and economic upliftment across communities.
Ms. S. Munawari Begum, Member, NCM, appreciated the Jain community’s commitment to service and
upliftment, noting that their contributions continue to strengthen the social fabric of India. Shri Berjis
Desai, Member, NCM, said that Jain values of non-violence and pluralism are deeply relevant in today’s
world and their economic and philanthropic contributions set an inspiring example for all communities.
Smt. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, National Commission for Minorities, in her welcome address and
concluding remarks, stated that the Commission has been actively engaged in addressing concerns and
safeguarding the interests of the community. “The Commission has actively engaged with the Governmentof Jharkhand regarding matters concerning the sanctity of Sammed Shikharji Hill, one of the most sacred
pilgrimage sites of the Jain community,” she said. She reiterated the Commission’s commitment to
promote inclusive development.
The inaugural session was also addressed by Shri Chaitanya Kumar Kasyap, Minister of MSME,
Government of Madhya Pradesh; Dr. Rakesh Singhai, Vice-Chancellor, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya; Shri
Shantilal Mutha, Founder, Shantilal Mutha Foundation; and Shri Kamlesh Sojatia, Vice-President, Jain
International Trading Organization.
Technical Session–I on “Contribution of the Jain Community to the Indian Economy, Education and
Philanthropy” was moderated by Prof. Rajnish Jain, HoD, Centre for Jain Studies, DAVV, Indore. The
session featured addresses by Dr. Jitendra Bhai Shah, Former Director, Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Institute for
Indology, Ahmedabad; Shri Shantilal Mutha; Dr. Ashok Badjatiya, National President, Digambar Jain
Mahasamiti; Shri Girish J. Shah, Member, Animal Welfare Board of India; and Shri Rajneesh Jain, Vice-
Chairman (Minority Wing), JITO. Speakers highlighted the significant role of the Jain community in
shaping India’s economic landscape through trade, entrepreneurship, industry and underscored their
longstanding contributions to education and philanthropy, including the establishment of schools, hospitals
and charitable institutions.
Technical Session–II on “Jainism and Indian Knowledge System” was moderated by Prof. Renu Jain,
Former Vice-Chancellor, DAVV, Indore. The session featured addresses by Prof. Shalin Jain, University of
Delhi; Prof. Bhagchand Jain (Retd.), Jain Vishwabharti, Ladnun; Dr. Navin Kumar Srivastav, Associate
Director, International School for Jain Studies, Pune; Prof. Phoolchand Jain, Former Head,
Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, Varanasi; and Dr. Indu Jain, Founder, Jain Dharma Rakshak
Foundation. The deliberations focused on core principles such as Ahimsa, Anekantavada, and Aparigraha,
and their relevance in contemporary times. Speakers highlighted how Jain thought enriches ethical,
environmental and intellectual discourse, offering valuable insights for sustainable and harmonious living.
The Valedictory Session was graced by Secretary National Commission for Minorities and Secretary,
Ministry of Minority Affairs, Dr. Srivatsa Krishna. This session highlighted the importance of recognizing
and strengthening the contributions of the Jain community in nation-building through economic enterprise,
education and philanthropy.
***AK/MR
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