USA
University of Texas at Austin Launches Distinguished Professorship in Jain Studies, Celebrates Community Support: On July 19, 2025, in a major step toward expanding the academic study of Jainism in the United States, the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) celebrated the launch of the Tirthankar Sumatinath Distinguished Professorship in Jain Studies at a high-profile event held at the Jain Vishwa Bharati Center in Houston.
The ceremony drew attendees from across Texas, including six representatives from UT Austin’s Department of Asian Studies and the College of Liberal Arts. Distinguished guests in attendance included Samani Jain spiritual leaders, philanthropic donors, Mr. D.C. Manjunath, Consul-General of India in Houston, Houston City Council Member Tiffany Thomas, and Dean of Liberal Arts David Sosa. Leading scholars of Jainism and a diverse gathering of well-wishers also graced the occasion.
The establishment of this distinguished professorship underscores a growing global movement by Jain communities to support academic research and education in Jain philosophy, ethics, and history. UT Austin is the latest in a series of top-tier institutions to benefit from this surge of interest and philanthropy.
“We are deeply honored to receive this generous endowment that strengthens our commitment to the study of South Asian religions,” stated representatives from the Department of Asian Studies. “It will enhance our faculty, enrich course offerings, and expand research into Jain traditions.”
The endowment was made possible through the vision and generosity of several notable donors:
- Jasvant and Meera Modi (Vardhamana Charitable Foundation)
- Swatantra and Bimla Jain Charitable Foundation
- Dr. Sulekh C. Jain
- Dr. Prem Jain
- Alok and Ritu Jain
This professorship is expected to catalyze new research, courses, student initiatives, and public programming at UT Austin, placing Jain studies at the forefront of academic inquiry in the United States.
With this new academic position, UT Austin continues to advance its mission to foster global understanding and scholarly excellence in world religions—powered by community collaboration and visionary philanthropy.
