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."
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