New York: A $1 million gift from a few donors in North America established a new professorship in Jain studies at the University of Texas at Austin (UT-Austin). The Tirthankar Sumatinath Distinguished Professorship in Jain Studies is the 24th endowed professorship created by JAINA's Academic Liaison Committee (ALC) and will be housed within the university's Department of Asian Studies.
The announcement was celebrated at an event on July 19 at the Jain Vishwa Bharati (JVB) Center in Houston. The gathering included six UT-Austin faculty members, along with nearly 100 members of the Jain community, donors, diplomats, and civic officials from across Texas and the United States. The ceremony began with a recitation of the Navkar Mahamantra, the central prayer of Jainism, by four Jain nuns. Dr Swatantra Jain, Chairman of JVB, recognized the major donors whose collective contributions made the professorship possible.
This professorship is particularly significant as it completes a lineage of 24 endowed positions established by the ALC, mirroring the 24 Tirthankaras, or spiritual teachers, of Jainism. The ALC's founder, Dr Sulekh C Jain, highlighted the growing global interest in Jainism and its core values, such as Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekantavada (tolerance for multiple perspectives), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness and sustainable living). These principles have influenced historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr Jain noted that the first endowed professorship in Jain studies was established in 2010 at Florida International University. Since then, Jain studies programs have expanded to 55 universities in 13 countries. In 2025 alone, the ALC has funded new programs at the Claremont School of Theology, the Arihanta Institute, and the University of Arizona, as well as new PhD research and a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Oxford.
The new professorship at UT-Austin will be overseen by Professor Donald R Davis, who chairs the Department of Religious Studies. The position will facilitate year-round courses and research opportunities, offering students and scholars the chance to study Jain philosophy and its practical applications. The curriculum will cover topics like ethics, non-violence, environmentalism, peace studies, and sustainable development.
Speaking at the event, UT-Austin faculty members, including College of Arts Dean David Sosa and Professor Akbar Hyder, praised the philanthropic gift. They emphasized that the professorship will support a variety of learning methods, from academic studies to field visits and seminars, to prepare students for real-world leadership roles. They also noted the university’s plans to extend the program's outreach beyond the campus to local high schools, junior colleges, and the interfaith community.
DC Manjunatha, the Honorable Consul-General of India in Houston, congratulated the initiative, sharing how he was personally influenced by ancient Jain sages. He also cited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent call to action on Navkar Mahamantra Divas, urging people to follow Jain teachings for a more sustainable life.
Dr Jasvant Modi, a major benefactor and President of the Vardhaman Charitable Foundation, reflected on the evolution of the Jain community in the diaspora. He explained that early settlers focused on building temples, but the focus has now shifted toward creating knowledge centers. This new professorship, he stated, is an investment in peace and a way to nurture compassionate global citizens for future generations.
Dr Manish Mehta, Vice-Chair of the ALC, added that studying Jain philosophy provides a science-based understanding of ethical living. He believes this ancient wisdom, which dates back 5,000 years, can help modern students navigate the balance between development and environmental stewardship. The philosophy encourages a deep respect for all life and an appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living beings.
