Jain Monk Who Recalled 1,000 Questions Warns Of Academic Pressure, Says Learning Must Go Beyond Memory

Mumbai: Jain monk Ajitchandra Sagarji Maharaj, who can recall 1,000 questions, believes that the pursuit of academic excellence can have a more significant impact than mere examination scores. In May 2024, Sagarji accomplished a 650-year-old memory feat by retaining and reciting 1,000 questions posed by an audience in Mumbai. However, the monk attributes the significance of the feat to the pressures placed on young minds rather than the limits of human memory.

Sagarji, during his stay at a Jain upashray in Borivali during Chaturmas, stated that the problem lies in the selection system. Children may be driven by peer pressure and parental ambition, leading to overwhelming pressure as they strive to pursue difficult dreams.

Nearly 50,000 children have participated in the Saraswati Sadhana program, initiated by Sagarji. The program includes reciting the Saraswati mantra and gradually progressing to meditation over a month-long period. Over 20,000 children have also attended online classes conducted by the Saraswati Sadhana Research Foundation.

Many participants, such as Malay Shah and Dr Labdhi Shah, believe that the practice of Saraswati Sadhana has helped them maintain a balanced journey in their academic and personal lives. For some, the benefits extend beyond academic performance, with improved mental well-being and a different approach to challenges.

The Saraswati Sadhana Research Foundation emphasizes that the purpose of the project is not to achieve exceptional memory performances but rather to promote overall well-being. The foundation collaborates with medical professionals to study the neurological aspects of meditation and chanting to understand their possible applications in improving cognitive abilities.