Tribute to the legend – Dr. Sagarmalji Jain

Homage to Prof. Sagarmalji Jain

(1932 – 2020)

On 2nd December 2020, the soul of Dr. Sagarmal Jain departed the material body under the observance of the vow of Santhara.  His demise, is a loss immeasurable in the field of Indology, Prakrit and Jainology. Leaving behind 50 years of legacy of selflessly imparting and contributing to the field of ancient Jain philosophy and history, he also was a beacon light for 50 students, including Sadhu’s and Sadhviji’s, for completing their PhDs. A Karmayogi and Gyanyogi in true sense, Dr Sagarmalji Jain leaves behind an impact which shall inspire many for generations to come!
His life story, is an example of a life lived meaningfully well.

Dr. Jain was born in the year 1932 in an Oswal Jain family which was engaged in commerce. As his fate had for him, he had to join his family business after completing his 8th standard in school. But young Sagarmal had this deep thirst and inclination towards knowledge rooted deep within him. Despite being engaged in various familial and business responsibilities, he courageously made up his mind to carve a different path in life for himself. He voyaged on a journey of seeking knowledge and pursued further studies at the unlikely age of 30. 

He joined the Christian College in Indore and pursued M.A in philosophy and graduated with the prestigious first rank in his division. Soon, despite having a well established business, he chose to start teaching. From 1964 – 1989 he taught at various colleges in Madhya Pradesh. 

From 1979 – 1997, he was the Director of the prestigious Parshwanath Vidyapeeth in Varanasi. During his tenure, 

• He held several academic positions and over 25 Ph.D. degrees have been awarded under his supervision. 
• He had authored more than 25 books and 150 research articles, edited 160 books, and participated in numerous seminars in India and abroad. 
• He was the General Editor of the Encyclopedia of Jaina Studies.

Dr. Sagarmalji Jain had also done the mammoth task of delivering Jainism to foreign countries. He lectured on Jainism in Chicago, Raleigh, Houston, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, Los Angeles, Phoenix, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Toronto, New York, Canada, London etc. 

He also gave lectures on Jain Yoga at London University.

After his retirement he established Prachya Vidyapeeth at Shajapur, Madhya Pradesh which has a collection of 12000 books on Indology.

As if these intellectual feats and milestones were not enough, Dr Jain went on to,

• be the Editor of Shramana Quarterly Journal.
• write 67 books in Hindi, English and Prakrit language
• In a gap of about 40 years, gave 59 people a PhD on Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism. 

Dr. Jain has also taught Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan while staying in Hamidia College.
Jain philosopher, thinker, writer Dr. Sagarmalji Jain was rightly selected for the Presidential Award two years ago in 2018 for his outstanding contribution to rare natural language and literature. Later on April 4, 2019, he was awarded with this award by Vice President Venkaiah Naidu. 

Dr. Jain has taught 300 Jain sadhus-sadhvis by 2020. 42 saints learnt in the presence of Dr. Jain.

Some of his important books include

•  Arihant Parshwa aur Unki Parampara
• Jain Philosophy of Language
• Jain Dharma ka Yapariya Sampradaya
•  An Introduction to Jain Sadhna and many more…

Octogenarian Acharya ShriSagarmal Jain ji stands tall and unique among contemporary scholars of eminence. Born to learn and teach a generation of saints & scholars, house holders and the recluse, he kept alive Jinavani. Parsvanatha Research Centre, Varanasi, his dream child, is unique. There are not many of his stature and commitment.

With his demise, the Jain community has lost a precious gem. We at Veer Shasan Sevak Trust pay our heartfelt respects to Sagarmalji whose life and literary work has inspired us and we pledge to carry forward his work and prestigious legacy toward popularizing Jain Studies.

• Rushab R. Bhandari.