Source: The Hindu

http://www.thehindu.com/2006/10/15/stories/2006101508800300.htm

Governor R.L. Bhatia has called upon the Centre and the State Government to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Jains in the country.

He was inaugurating a seminar on Jainism in Kerala organised by the Bharatvarshiya Dig. Jain Mahasabha and the Wayanad Jain Samaj at Puliyarmala, Kalpetta North, on Saturday.

Mr. Bhatia said the State Government should take steps to promote the heritage of the Jains (these include the temples at South Kanyakumari and another at Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad). The matter would be taken up with the Union Ministry of Culture and Tourism, he said.

He said the five cardinal principles of Jainism, essentially non-violence, were getting more and more relevance in society. Jainism taught how different types of people could coexist harmoniously in a society. Its contributions enriched the socio-cultural life of Kerala, Mr. Bhatia said.

The Governor released a book "Jaina Dharmam Keralathil" authored by P.D. Padma Kumar by handing a copy to Harshendra Kumar of Dharmasthala.