Jainism studies just got a major boost in the form of a
grant made to the US University. Mohini Jain, who is a philanthropist of Indian
origin, recently made a grant of about $1.5 million to the University of
California Davis which would be used in order to propagate advance studies in
Jainism. The university plans to make a formal announcement in this regard on
21st February.
As is the process, the University would establish a ‘the Mohini Jain Presidential Chair’ for Jain Studies under its already existing Department of Religious Studies. This would, as planned, lead to the University becoming a leader when it comes to the Indian religion studies and Studies related to South Asia.
Jain aims to broaden the minds and initiate a peaceful dialogue on Jainism Studies with this grant. She was quoted as saying, "In our multicultural, global world, it is important to escape boxed-in points of view."
Whoever holds the newly- established chair, would have the following responsibilities –
·Helping in the development of curriculum in Jain studies
·Offering graduate courses in Jainism to students
·Pursuing a vigorous research agenda on Jainism studies
·Giving public lectures
·Contributing to the overall development of religions of the country and South Asia studies initiative at UC Davis by participating in community outreach.
Archana Venkatesan, who works as the chair of University’s Religious studies department, said, "This gift will further diversify and strengthen our expertise in world religions and is another step toward UC Davis serving as a leader in India religions and Asia studies globally."