In a landmark moment for civilisational and cultural outreach in the Indian subcontinent, Bangladesh witnessed the first-ever formal celebration of Mahavir Janmakalyanak, marking the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jain Darshan. The historic event was held on March 31 at the Hall Room of Itihas Academy in Mirpur, Dhaka, bringing together scholars, historians, and members of the academic community for an enriching seminar on Jain philosophy, ethics, compassion, and ahimsa.

Organised by Itihas Academy, Dhaka, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Centre for Jain Heritage Studies, the event reflected a growing effort to rediscover the region’s shared civilisational roots. The seminar was sponsored by Labdhi Vikram Jan Seva Trust (LJVST), Gujarat, India, underlining a meaningful example of India-Bangladesh cultural cooperation in preserving and promoting ancient heritage traditions.

The programme opened with welcome remarks by Professor Dr Sharif Uddin Ahmed, President of Itihas Academy, who stressed the importance of exploring lesser-known spiritual traditions that once flourished in Bengal. This was followed by an introductory address by Mukant Bishwas of the Bangladesh Centre for Jain Heritage Studies, who highlighted Mahavira’s life, renunciation, spiritual enlightenment, and the enduring relevance of Jain values such as non-violence, non-possession, and pluralism. He described the occasion as a milestone in Bangladesh’s journey towards reconnecting with its diverse religious past.

A special lecture series formed the intellectual core of the event. Eminent scholar Narayan Chandra Biswas, Honorary Professor at the Department of Sanskrit, University of Dhaka, offered deep insights into Jain philosophy’s ethical and epistemological foundations. Researcher Muhammad Tanim Nowshad focused on the historical presence of Jainism in Bengal, pointing to archaeological traces, iconographic motifs, and ancient trade routes that may have facilitated the spread of Jain ideas in the region.

The discussions also explored the challenges of identifying Jain relics in Bangladesh due to overlaps with Buddhist and Brahmanical artistic traditions. Scholars called for more field research, documentation, and interdisciplinary study to better understand Jainism’s historical footprint in the region. The event drew over 40 participants, including professors, historians, archaeologists, and researchers, and was widely appreciated for its depth and scholarly engagement.

The successful observance of Mahavir Janmakalyanak in Dhaka is more than a commemorative event—it is a symbol of the enduring power of Bharat’s spiritual heritage to inspire dialogue across borders. As Bangladesh increasingly revisits its layered historical legacy, this celebration may well pave the way for future academic collaborations and broader recognition of Jain heritage in the region