University of California Santa Barbara
1. Bhagvan Vimalnath Endowed Chair in Jain Studies
Established in 2021, the Bhagvan Vimalnath Endowed Chair in Jain Studies develops a curriculum and teaches students Jainism and the importance of ahimsa (nonviolence), aparigraha (nonpossessiveness) and anekantavada (plurality of views and beliefs) and the way these concepts can support awakening of the modern society, towards peace, social harmony and sustainability.
The Bhagvan Vimalnath Endowed Chair in Jain Studies had a support of $1 million jointly from the Jain Vardhamana Charitable Foundation represented by Drs. Modis, along with Rita and Dr. Narendra Parson representing the Narendra and Rita Parson Family Trust, and Raksha and Harshad Shah representing Shah Family Foundation.
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2. Bhagavan Vimalnath Lectureship in Jain Studies
Preceding the Bhagvan Vimalnath Endowed Chair, the Modis, Parsons and Shahs had partnered with the Jain Center of Southern California and the Jain Temple of Los Angeles to establish a Lectureship in the same name in 2019. It came as a welcome gift for the religious studies department at UCSB as it aided its focus on a comparative study of religions. Students have been exploring the practical significance of implementing the basic pillars of Jainism.
Position Bhagwan Vimalnath Lectureship
UC Santa Barbara
Major Contribution