Since antiquity, according to religious studies scholars, two of the world’s oldest traditions, Hinduism and Jainism, co-existed on the Indian subcontinent. They share many spiritual practices, philosophical paradigms and ethical principles while simultaneously maintaining their unique, independent identities.
Inspired by the work of the Endowed Chair in Jain and Hindu Dharma at Fresno State, over ten new philanthropic partners added gifts to the fund to ensure that Jain and Hindu Dharma studies are taught in perpetuity. After hearing about an opportunity to increase funding for the program, Ms. Sudha Bhatt from Bakersfield reached out to her network and successfully spread the word, resulting in the new pledges of support.
During a recent virtual meeting, the group shared their joy about the growth of the program and outreach conducted under Dr. Veena Howard’s leadership. They also welcomed the new Peace and Conflict Studies professor, Dr. Raja Rosenhagen, who will teach Jain and Hindu Dharma courses and partner with Endowed Chair Dr. Veena Howard with programming.
“We are so grateful to the unprecedented number of generous donors who have collaborated to create and enhance this remarkable gift,” said Dr. Honora Chapman, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. “The initiative continues to represent a unique opportunity for Fresno State’s students to learn how they can change their own lives and the world through pursuing Jain and Hindu enlightenment in their studies while putting nonviolence and peace into action.”
In 2020, over two dozen families, individuals and foundations came together to create the Endowed Chair in Jain and Hindu Dharma at Fresno State. The groundbreaking partnership between the Jain and Hindu communities and the University underscores a mutual commitment to educating current and future generations of students about the principles of nonviolence, dharma (virtue, duty), justice, pluralist philosophy, the interconnectedness of all beings and care for the environment through Hindu-Jain texts, philosophies and traditions.
“Because of the beautiful Peace Garden and what it represents here, we feel California State University, Fresno, is the rightful place for this endowed chair. This is the first joint chair in the two traditions, not only in North America but most probably in the whole world. This is historic.” said Dr. Sulekh Jain, of Las Vegas in 2020.
There are now 34 philanthropic partners supporting the Endowed Chair in Jain and Hindu Dharma at Fresno State, solidifying the uplift of all as a community-supported effort.
“Like two rivers running parallel and at times intertwined create a rich ecosystem, Hinduism (traditionally known as Sanatana Dharma) and Jainism (Jain Dharma), originated on the Indian subcontinent, for over three millennia serve as a model to building pluralistic and peaceful relations,” explained Dr. Veena Howard, chair of the philosophy department and Endowed Chair of Jain and Hindu Darma. “Mahatma Gandhi was a product of both Jain and Hindu traditions and teachings. Gandhi was born in a Hindu family but was strongly influenced and molded by Jain friends, monks and Jain vows.”
The Endowed Chair in Jain and Hindu Dharma is housed in the Department of Philosophy in the College of Arts and Humanities and is an integral part of the University’s religious studies program. Dr. Veena Howard, an expert in Jain and Hindu Dharma traditions, was appointed the chair in 2021.
The endowed chair supports Jain and Hindu scholarly endeavors for students, including scholarships, stipends and research funds. For the professor who holds the chair, the funds may support research and academic publications, conference travel and campus-sponsored events.
The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State 