I consider establishment of the Bhagwan Mahavir Professorship of Jain Studies at Florida International University a new step towards addressing contemporary issues of our modern day society.
Since time immemorial, Jain philosophy has developed principle of non-absolutism (Anekant) as means of exploring truth from a multitude of perspectives. This principle uncannily speaks to the modern world, which is learning to live with multiculturalism and multiple ideologies, and is extremely relevant in building a harmonious society. Jain code of conduct promotes the virtues of non-violence and non-possessiveness as key to addressing present day issues of consumerism and environmental degradation.
I believe the benefits of research in Jain philosophy and code of conduct through this professorship at FIU will reach not only the American society but will be guiding community at large across the world. I applaud this effort of Samani Charitra Pragya, Samani Unnat Pragya, and the Jain community and wish them success.
Acharya Mahapragya March 17, 2010
On April 16, 2010, the Stadium Club of Florida International University (FIU) in Miami glowed with an elegant aura of Jain traditional decor and a colorful gathering of the Jain community. The multicolored sand art, the intertwined garlands, the traditional lamp, the cultural saris and classical tunes of tabla and flute just added glamour to the hall. The occasion was to celebrate the official establishment of Bhagwan Mahavir Professorship of Jain Studies at FIU. The community has organized this initiative under the umbrella of a national foundation - Jain Education and Research Foundation (JERF), with the goal of expanding these across US.
The event was kicked off with chanting of Navkar Matra. Physically Samani Mudit pragya and Samani Amit Pragya sanctified the event by their presence. Establishing a Jain academic center has long been a dream of the Jain community, and on this day, FIU clinched the bragging rights of being the first in history by making this dream a reality. "FIU is internationally open, and we appreciate Jain community's confidence in us" said President Rosenberg, marking the beginning of the partnership between the Jains and the FIU.
Samani Charitra Pragya, the pioneer of this initiative, shared her story of four years longjourney at FIU that culminated into creating this unique professorship. She admired the support received from the department of Religious Studies and Jain community all over USA and the academic expertise of Dr. Dipak Jain from Kellogg School of Management.
While accepting the nomination as the first Bhagwan Mahavir Professor of Jain Studies, Dr. Nathan Katz articulated the impact of Jain principle of nonviolence on the world over the past two millennia. He recognized the initial efforts undertaken by local Miami Jains who helped bringing up Samani ji at FIU, and building the network with Jain Vishva Bharati University. The community was fortunate to have received blessings from two living icons of nonviolence, His Holiness Acharya Mahapragya and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
See report: www.herenow4u.net/index.php?id=72122
Dr. Dipak Jain, Chairman of the Board of JERF, said, establishment of this Professorship is a step from "success" to "significance". Jain values can play a pivotal role in shaping business ethics in today's world.
See report: www.herenow4u.net/index.php?id=72122
An alluring video produced by Sara Pattison with the images of Jain temples, testimonials from faculty and students about Jainism, and Meditation, and inspirational story of six Leshya enacted by students heightened the spirit of the audience.
The finale of the event was signing of the gift agreement by Dr. Dipak Jain, Chairman of JERF Board and Sapan Bafna, President of JERF Executive Committee on behalf of JERF and by President Mr. Rosenberg, Dean Furton and Mr. Conrad on behalf of FIU.
Following the signing ceremony, the Jain community presented a ceremonial check to the university. Members of the Jain Community from Orlando, Tampa, New Jersey, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington D.C., Kentucky and more traveled long distances to become part of this memorable event. A delicious vegetarian dinner was awaiting for the guest at the conclusion of the event.
See report: www.herenow4u.net/index.php?id=72122
JERF advisory council, Board of directors, Executive committee and Volunteers felicitated President Rosenberg, Dean Robert Furton, Dr. Nathan Katz, VP Bob Conrad, Robert Callahan with Jain Literature. Jain research is facilitated by donating diverse Jain Literature to the Dean of library. Program was made special by the passionate Jains, who put their heart and soul to make this event successful. Preksha Meditation Club volunteers served the event too.
The JERF lauds the generous donors rolled over from all over the country for this higher purpose. JERF is born of a vision and look forward to make a difference.
