Drs. Jasvant and Meera Modi have established a $1 million professorship in vegan studies at the Arihanta Institute, promoting Jain values and animal advocacy through education and scholarship.
Indian American philanthropists Drs. Jasvant and Meera Modi, alongside Dr. Namrata Patel, have made a significant contribution to the advancement of vegan studies and animal advocacy by establishing a $1 million endowment at the Arihanta Institute. This initiative is rooted in Jain principles of nonviolence and compassion.
The endowment, named the Tīrthaṅkara Śreyāṃśanātha Endowment for Professorship in Vegan and Animal Advocacy Studies, marks a pivotal moment for the Arihanta Institute, which was founded in California in 2022. This professorship will support teaching and scholarship through the institute’s Vegan Studies Initiative, an online academic program that connects Jain philosophy with contemporary discussions on ethics, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare.
Dr. Jasvant Modi expressed the initiative’s goal, stating, “The initiative empowers individuals to practice empathy in everyday life toward all living beings.” He emphasized the family’s commitment to both vegan education and the broader advancement of Jain studies.
This development reflects a growing trend among Jain and Indian American philanthropic communities to integrate South Asian religious and ethical traditions into mainstream academic and public discourse in the United States. The Arihanta Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, offers online courses and public programs focused on engaged Jain studies, veganism, ecology, and compassion-centered scholarship.
The Vegan Studies Initiative includes courses on animal ethics, climate change, biodiversity, and food systems. Additionally, the institute hosts conferences and speaker series featuring scholars and activists from various disciplines, fostering a rich dialogue around these critical issues.
Dr. Jasvant Modi, who hails from Godhra, Gujarat, was raised in a large Jain family that emphasized education, discipline, and religious values. His upbringing was marked by the influence of his father, a schoolteacher and later a school inspector, and his mother, who managed the household and cared for their six children. This background instilled in him a deep commitment to Jain principles of compassion and nonviolence.
Throughout his life, Dr. Modi has dedicated much of his wealth to philanthropy, believing that his success was made possible by the support of others. Together with his wife, he has contributed over $30 million to various charitable causes in the United States and India.
In addition to their philanthropic efforts, the Modis have built a successful medical career in Los Angeles, later expanding into healthcare management, real estate, and long-term care facilities. Those who know him describe Dr. Modi as someone who has created opportunities for himself, particularly as an immigrant facing challenges in a new country.
A significant focus of Dr. Modi’s philanthropy has been the promotion of Jain studies on a global scale. He has established endowed academic chairs, professorships, fellowships, and research programs at numerous universities across the United States, Europe, and India. His support extends to community and religious institutions, including the expansion of Jain temples in Southern California.
In India, the Modis have funded various educational initiatives, including student hostels, girls’ schools, rest houses for Jain monks, and infrastructure projects in Gujarat. Dr. Modi has articulated his goal of preserving Jain values for future generations while also enhancing education, healthcare, and opportunities for those who may lack access.
Prem Jain, chair of the institute’s fundraising committee, highlighted that the new endowment would bolster educational programs that promote lifestyles rooted in compassion toward animals, the environment, and society. Dr. Parveen Jain, founder and chief executive of the Arihanta Institute, noted that the organization aims to make engaged Jain studies accessible through research and education that connect ancient teachings with contemporary global challenges.
This new professorship is expected to play a crucial role in advancing the conversation around veganism and animal advocacy, fostering a deeper understanding of these issues within the framework of Jain philosophy.
According to The American Bazaar, the establishment of this professorship is a testament to the Modis’ commitment to philanthropy and their vision for a compassionate world.