Claremont School Of Theology, Jain Community Celebrate Agreement In Interfaith Education

Photo: CST leaders Dr. Kah-Jin Jeffrey Kuan, Bishop Grant Hagiya, and Rev. Patricia Farris prepare to sign an agreement establishing an endowed professorship in Jain Studies.

India-West Staff Reporter

BUENA PARK, CA – The Claremont School of Theology (CST) celebrated a historic milestone with the signing ceremony for the establishment of The Bhagwan Chandraprabha Endowed Professorship in Jain Studies. Held at the Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC).

Rev. Patricia Farris, Chair of CST’s Board of Trustees, emphasized the significance of the endowed professorship. “It will foster the exchange of ideas, generate new scholarship, and train future leaders in the study of the ancient Jain tradition,” she noted.

President Emeritus Rev. Dr. Kah-Jin Jeffrey Kuan called CST’s relationship with the Jain community “one of the greatest honors and joys” of his academic career, celebrating the day as “the culmination of a long friendship.”

Rev. Farris also reflected on CST’s evolution: “Founded as the first ecumenical seminary of The United Methodist Church, CST’s mission expanded to interfaith engagement—embracing partners from Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Jain traditions.”

Since 2011, the Jain community has supported CST through scholarships for students to study Jainism in India via the International School of Jain Studies (ISJS), as well as by funding conferences and sponsoring annual courses.

CST President Grant Hagiya underscored the broader impact: “In a world fractured by polarization, Jain values like forgiveness, compassion, and justice are vital. Today represents a shared vision of belonging and unity.”

The endowed professorship was made possible through contributions from 20 families and foundations, coordinated by Dr. Nitin Shah and Dr. Jasvant Modi. President Emeritus Dr. Kuan and his wife, Mrs. Valentine Toh, also generously contributed.

The event drew over 100 attendees, including key leaders from the Jain community.Notable figures included Dr. Jasvant Modi, lead donor and past president of JCSC; Dilip Shah and Mahesh Wadher, former JAINA presidents; Dr. Parveen Jain, CEO of the Arihanta Institute; and adjunct professor Mrs. Sushama Parekh.