Golapurva Digambar Jain Community Hosts First State-Level Family Meet in Chhattisgarh

‘Purkhouti’ Family Directory and ‘Jain Charitra Bodh’ Book Released During Kshamavani Celebration in Bhilai

(SDNA) Bhilai, Chhattisgarh: Celebrating community unity, family bonds and the preservation of Jain cultural heritage, the Golapurva Digambar Jain community organised its state-level family gathering at Sanmati Palace in Risali, Bhilai. Marking a significant milestone, the event was held for the first time at the state level since the formation of Chhattisgarh.

The programme featured a Kshamavani celebration, the release of the community’s family directory ‘Purkhouti’ (2026), and the launch of ‘Jain Charitra Bodh – Part 1 (Children’s Education)’. Members from different regions of the state came together to strengthen social relationships, exchange ideas and reaffirm their commitment to preserving Jain traditions and values.

Several prominent representatives of the Jain community attended the gathering, including Shreyans Jain Sagar, National General Secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Digambar Jain Golapurva Mahasabha; vice-presidents Devendra Luhari Sagar and Vinod Jain Kotma; and publicity minister Rajesh Jain Ragi Bakswaha, who also serves as secretary of the Reshandigiri–Nainagiri Jain pilgrimage trust committee. Other notable attendees included Rajesh Jain of Rajesh Super Bazaar, Anil Jain of Durg, Sunil Jain Saprem of Dongargaon and Sudesh Jain of Mahavir Furniture, Rajnandgaon.

A Day of Family Bonding, Cultural Activities and Community Participation

The gathering continued from morning until evening, offering a variety of activities designed to encourage interaction across generations. The programme included registration, refreshments, family introductions, sports competitions, a drawing contest and a collective Garba performance.

Community members also shared meals during the afternoon and evening, creating opportunities for families to connect in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Following the ceremonial invocation, the guests unveiled portraits and lit the ceremonial lamp. Representatives from different regions subsequently addressed the gathering, sharing their perspectives on community development and social responsibilities. Participants were felicitated, while winners of various competitions received prizes in recognition of their achievements.

The stage proceedings were conducted by Pandit Anekant Jain Shastri of Bhilai, alongside CA Kshitij Jain and Prasuk Nahar.

‘Purkhouti’ to Preserve Ancestral Heritage and Strengthen Family Connections

One of the highlights of the event was the release of ‘Purkhouti’, the community’s 2026 family directory. The publication aims to preserve the traditions, values and knowledge passed down by previous generations while improving communication and familiarity among families within the Golapurva Digambar Jain community.

Built around the guiding message “Connect, Know and Grow,” the directory seeks to bring community members closer and ensure that their shared heritage continues to inspire future generations.

The publication was jointly released by the dignitaries on stage along with the Saprem family of Dongargaon, including Sunil–Sulekha Jain and Sujit–Mamta Jain. The family has contributed towards the principal idol of Lord Ajitnath at the grand Jain temple in Dongargaon and a vedika at the temple currently under construction at the Parasnath Deshna site of the Reshandigiri–Nainagiri pilgrimage complex.

‘Jain Charitra Bodh’ Book Focuses on Values-Based Education for Children

The event also witnessed the release of ‘Jain Charitra Bodh – Part 1 (Children’s Education)’, authored, compiled and edited by Pratishthacharya Pandit Rishabh Jain Shastri of Nawapara Rajim, Raipur.

The book is intended to help children understand Jain principles, character development, cultural traditions and ethical values. Its publication represents an effort to introduce younger generations to the moral and spiritual foundations of Jainism through educational material.

Together, the two publications added an important literary and educational dimension to the gathering, linking family history and community identity with the responsibility of nurturing values among children.

Contributors and Achievers Felicitated

Organisers honoured the guests, publication sponsors, families associated with the book releases, contributors to the directory and members of the organising committee.

Lucky-draw winners were also presented with prizes, along with participants who excelled in sports and other competitions. The recognition highlighted the collective effort behind the event and encouraged greater participation in future community initiatives.

Community-Wide Effort Behind the Event’s Success

Numerous community members contributed to organising the gathering and preparing the publication.

From Bhilai, the contributors included Engineer Vijay Jain, Anand Kamal Jain, Prateek Nahar, CA Kshitij Jain, Pandit Anekant Jain and Deepak Jain. From Durg, the contributors included Anil Jain, Pandit Ashish Jain, Dharmendra Jain, Satish Kumar Jain and Animesh Jain.

Other contributors included Pandit Nitin Shastri of Raipur, Manish Jain of Bilaspur, Seth Saurabh Jain of Dongargaon, Sudhir Jain of Rajnandgaon, Munendra­garh’s Ravi Kumar Jain and Jinendra Jain of Baloda Bazar.

Special support for the publication came from the families of Sunil Kumar Jain and Sujit Kumar Jain Saprem of Dongargaon, Rajesh Jain and Mukesh Jain of Rajesh Super Bazaar, Bhilai, Hemant Jain of Durg and Seth Saurabh Jain of Dongargaon.

A Meaningful Step Towards a More Connected Community

The Golapurva Digambar Jain community’s state-level family gathering emerged as a significant initiative to strengthen interpersonal relationships, preserve cultural traditions and encourage the exchange of knowledge across generations.

The release of ‘Purkhouti’ and ‘Jain Charitra Bodh’ gave the event a lasting purpose beyond the celebrations, reinforcing the importance of documenting family heritage and passing Jain values on to the next generation.

The gathering conveyed a broader message: a community grows stronger when its families remain connected, its traditions are preserved and its children are guided by education, character and ethical values.

(SDNA – SD News Agency)