Berlin (Germany), October 19, 2013: The Bestowal ceremony of the Prakrit Jnanbharati International Award for the year 2010 and 2011 took place in Berlin,capital city of Germany, on October 19, 2013. The 2 awardees, Prof.Christine Chojnacki from France, and Prof.Johannes Bronkhorst from Switzerland, were present. The Award ceremony started with the pre-recorded message of paramapujya swastishri Charukeerti bhattaraka Pattacharya Ji of Shravanabelagola. Prof.Hampana recited the beginning stanza of Lord Gommatajina stuti — visatta kandatta. Prof.Monika Zin, Professor in Munich University, and Chairman of the Local Reception Committee,welcomed the gathering. Hampana narrated the background of Prakrit Award instituted by Pujya Shri.CHARUKEERTI Swamiji. Prof.Gail of Berlin University introduced Christine Chojnacki and spoke about her contribution to Prakrit Study. Chojnacki was presented with the Award and a Cash prize of 1,50,000 Indian Rupee, a citation,shawl etc. Prof.Nalini Balbir of Paris University, introduced Prof.Johannes Bronkhorst, another awardee, and underlined special features of his scholarship with special reference to Jainism and Buddhism. Prof.H.S.Shivaprakash, noted poet and Head of Tagore Chair in Germany, spoke on the need of Ahinsa (non-violence) and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), in the context of modern world. After speeches from the Awardees, Patrick Kruger, Centre for Jaina Studies in Freie University, proposed vote of thanks.
Prof. Hampa Nagarajaiah of the awarding committee has informed this in an e-mail sent to WWW.JAINHERITAGECENTRES.COM. – Jain Heritage Centres News Service