Arihanta Institute Gets $1M Modi Family Endowment For Vegan Studies

India-West Staff Reporter

SAN JOSE, CA –  Arihanta Institute has announced the creation of its first-ever endowed professorship, made possible by a landmark $1 million gift from Drs. Jasvant and Meera Modi and Dr. Namrata Patel.

The newly established Tīrthaṅkara Śreyāṃśanātha Endowment for Professorship in Vegan and Animal Advocacy Studies will further strengthen the Institute’s commitment to promoting compassion, non-violence, and Jain values through education, the organization noted.

The Modi family, nown for their philanthropy in Jain education, joined hands with Dr. Patel, a dedicated advocate for compassionate living.

This endowment will support the Vegan Studies Initiative (VSI) at Arihanta Institute—an innovative program that explores veganism and animal advocacy as expressions of empathy and non-violence.

“The VSI empowers individuals with the wisdom to embody empathy in everyday life for all living beings who share our planet,” said Jasvant Modi. “We are honored to support this visionary initiative that uplifts two causes very close to our hearts: the promotion of a vegan lifestyle and the advancement of Jain education.”

Prem Jain, Chair of the Institute’s Fundraising Committee, emphasized the broader significance of the gift. “Kindness toward animals is a fundamental human value,” he said. “This endowment leapfrogs our multi-dimensional teaching efforts—empowering individuals to adopt a lifestyle rooted in non-violence and compassion toward others, the environment, and oneself.”

The endowment marks a major milestone for Arihanta Institute, reinforcing its role as a leader in Engaged Jain Studies, a field that merges ancient wisdom with modern application.

“Our mission is to democratize Engaged Jain Studies through transformative education, critical research, and scholarship in compassion, non-violence, and spiritual depth accessible to all, no matter where they are,” said Dr. Parveen Jain, Founder and CEO of Arihanta Institute. “Through initiatives like the VSI, we seek to inspire conscious living that honors all life, bridges ancient insight with modern challenges, and empowers individuals to walk the path of ahimsā every day.”

Founded in 2022, Arihanta Institute is in California, committed to advancing education and research in Jain principles of non-violence and compassion.