BY A STAFF REPORTER
BUENA PARK, CA- A signing ceremony of an endowed Professorship in Jain Studies at California State University, Northridge was held at the Jain Center of Southern California here on Feb 23. Six officials of CSUN were present for the signing ceremony of the Bhagwan Ajitnath Endowed Professorship in Jain Studies sponsored by...
BUENA PARK, CA- A signing ceremony of an endowed Professorship in Jain Studies at California State University, Northridge was held at the Jain Center of Southern California here on Feb 23. Six officials of CSUN were present for the signing ceremony of the Bhagwan Ajitnath Endowed Professorship in Jain Studies sponsored by...

Drs Meera and Jasvant Modi. Matt Rinnert, Asst. V.P. Development; Dr. Rick Talbot, Chair, Religious Studies, College of Humanities; Dr. Jackie Stallcup, Interim Dean, College of Humanities; Professor Dr. Phyllis Herman; Suren Seropian, Director of Development, College of Humanities; and Dr. Dianne Philibosian, former Director of Communities Health represented the University. Professor Christopher Chapple from Loyola Marymount University, Dr. Harvinder Sahota were also present as was Dr. Sulekh Jain who had flown in from Las Vegas for the ceremony. The event began with JCSC president Dr. Modi welcoming all and introducing Dr Nitin Saha the emcee and JCSC Chair of External Education Committee .Dr Modi, Rinnert, Dr. Talbot, Dr. Stallcup and Dr. Jain took part in the lamp lighting ceremony. Dr. Shah then invited founder of International School of Jain Studies Dr. Jain to share his journey.
Jain said “with the progress of Jain academic education in Southern California, the greater LA area will become the Oxford or Harvard of Jain education in a year or so!” Prof Chapple then shared his views on Jain philosophy and its role in present academia. He stated that there is a great need for young people to be “gentle, truthful and authentic, have good character and be honest, faithful, and do good work. The Jain philosophy of Aparigrah (non-possessiveness) will help in this.”
Shah then requested CSUN officials to share their views. Dr. Talbot said “ The Jain tradition does not impose on other traditions which is a very important trait”. Rinnert said, “This philosophy will have tremendous impact on our students. Love and connectedness that your community has and desire to spread this is great. Its impact will be felt for decades and decades!” Dr. Modi wrapped the event up by sharing his thoughts on how the professorship at CSUN came about. Dr. Shah thanked all for attending.
Jain said “with the progress of Jain academic education in Southern California, the greater LA area will become the Oxford or Harvard of Jain education in a year or so!” Prof Chapple then shared his views on Jain philosophy and its role in present academia. He stated that there is a great need for young people to be “gentle, truthful and authentic, have good character and be honest, faithful, and do good work. The Jain philosophy of Aparigrah (non-possessiveness) will help in this.”
Shah then requested CSUN officials to share their views. Dr. Talbot said “ The Jain tradition does not impose on other traditions which is a very important trait”. Rinnert said, “This philosophy will have tremendous impact on our students. Love and connectedness that your community has and desire to spread this is great. Its impact will be felt for decades and decades!” Dr. Modi wrapped the event up by sharing his thoughts on how the professorship at CSUN came about. Dr. Shah thanked all for attending.