An Ocean of Gems is a commemorative volume curated to celebrate the life and scholarly legacy of Dr. Dhanesh Jain (1939–2019), a towering figure in Indian linguistics and education. Jain, widely known for co-editing The Indo-Aryan Languages with George Cardona and founding the influential educational publishing house Ratna Sagar, left a lasting mark on Indian language studies. Edited by Deven M Patel, Professor of South Asian Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, this volume brings together eight essays by prominent scholars in the fields of linguistics, language education, and cultural studies. Though diverse in focus, the essays collectively honour Jain’s intellectual vision and commitment to interdisciplinary, socially engaged scholarship. Each essay stands alone yet contributes to a shared thread, rooted in the evolution of language, cultural continuity, and educational change in South Asia. Patel’s editorial approach bridges complex scholarly ideas and broader cultural concerns.
The Book Review, Monthly Review of Important Books