Dr. Jasvant Modi and Vardhaman Charitable Foundation support $1 million gift to establish the Jain Studies Professorship at UT-Austin, marking a historic milestone for Jain education in the West.
(PRUnderground) August 12th, 2025
Vardhaman Charitable Foundation, led by Drs. Jasvant and Meera Modi, along with Jain Community members, announced a $1 million gift to the University of Texas at Austin to establish The Tirthankar Sumatinath Distinguished Professorship in Jain Studies. Housed within the Department of Asian Studies in UT-Austin’s College of Liberal Arts, the professorship becomes the 24th of its kind globally, symbolizing the completion of the sacred lineage of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras.
The announcement was celebrated at a special event hosted by the Jain Vishwa Bharati (JVB) Center in Houston, where over 100 community members, dignitaries, and six UT-Austin faculty gathered. The event opened with a recitation of the Navkar Mahamantra by Samanijis from Houston and Miami, emphasizing Jainism’s foundational values of Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekantavada (tolerance), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness).
Dr. Jasvant Modi, a longtime supporter of Jain academic initiatives, stated, “This ALC collaboration with UT-Austin fulfills our call for action to invest in peace, nurture compassionate global citizens, and shape resilient communities for generations to come.” His vision aligns with UT-Austin’s mission to create leaders who integrate ethical and philosophical insights into real-world impact.
The professorship will offer year-round courses and research opportunities that integrate Jain values with subjects like ethics, sustainability, peace studies, and organizational leadership. The position will report to Professor Donald R. Davis, Chair of the Department of Religious Studies, who joined UT faculty members in expressing gratitude for the gift, noting its power to expand Jain studies to broader audiences through academic and community outreach.
Additional remarks from UT-Austin’s Dean David Sosa and Professor Akbar Hyder highlighted how the partnership will elevate critical inquiry into Jain teachings on campus and beyond.
This professorship adds to a growing global network of Jain academic programs, including recent initiatives at Claremont School of Theology, University of Arizona, and Oxford University, all supported by the Jain Academic Liaison Committee and VCF.
For more news and information on Dr. Jasvant Modi, please visit https://drjasvantmodi.net/.
For event highlights, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYbZGVbgel0.
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Original Press Release.
