05/11/2025
$3.00 Million Gift to Rice University Advances the Study of Jainism in Texas
and beyond.
Houston, Texas, USA — October 25, 2025:
A group of visionary Jain donors from India and the United States and the Academic Liaison Committee (ALC) of the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA), partnered with Rice University in Houston, Texas, to establish the Tirthankar Shantinath Endowed Professorship in Jain Studies.
An elegant inauguration ceremony took place on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the Jain Vishwa Bharati (JVB) Center in Houston. The celebration was attended by more than 100 members of the Jain community, university faculty, philanthropists, and civic leaders.
This newly endowed position, the 34th endowed chair or professorship at Rice University will reside within the School of Humanities, a hub of interdisciplinary study at one of America’s leading research universities. Established in 1912 and situated on a 300-acre campus in the heart of Houston, Rice University maintains close collaborations with the Texas Medical Center, business institutions, and global think tanks.
The new Bhagwan Shantinath Professorship will strengthen Rice’s offerings at the intersection of philosophy, ethics, public policy, medicine, artificial intelligence, industry, and environmental studies.
Celebrating a Historic Milestone.
Hosted over the Diwali weekend, the event began with the Navkar Maha mantra, Jainism’s core prayer, recited by Samanijis Aarjav Pragyaji and Swati Pragyaji of JVB Houston.
Mr. Swatantra Jain, Founder and Chairman of the JVB Houston Board of Trustees, welcomed attendees, noting that “the JVB Center has made history by hosting two back-to-back academic inaugurations within three months first the Tirthankar Bhagwan Sumatinath Distinguished Professorship at UT Austin in July, and now the Tirthankar Bhagwan Shantinath Endowed Professorship at Rice University.”
Mr. Jain, also a major donor, recognized thirteen families from the U.S. and India whose collective contributions of $1.5 million, matched equally by an anonymous donor to Rice University, (thus totaling $3.00 million) made this permanent endowment possible. The professorship honors Tirthankar Bhagwan Shantinath, the 16th of the 24 revered spiritual teachers (Tirthankaras) in Jainism who illuminate the path of purification and liberation.
Remarks and Messages of Gratitude and Vision
Hon. D. C. Manjunath, Consul General of India in Houston, graced the event as Guest of Honor, commending the donors for promoting Jain principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Anantanand (respect for multiple perspectives), and Aparigrah (non-possessiveness)—values deeply needed in today’s world.
Dr. Sulekh C. Jain, Past President of JAINA, Founder of ALC, and long-time Houston resident, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Anne Chao, whose $250,000 grant a decade ago laid the foundation for Jain Studies at Rice University. He acknowledged Rice University’s continued recognition of Jainism’s importance and its generous matching commitment.
Dr. Jain highlighted the partnership’s long history, beginning with postdoctoral fellows Dr. Brianne Donaldson (now at UC Irvine) and Dr. Shivani Bothra (now at Cal State U Long Beach), whose work was made possible through the Chao Family Foundation. He also honored Dr. Chao’s late father, who earned his Ph.D. in Buddhism from Banaras Hindu University, emphasizing the shared academic and spiritual heritage between India and Asia.
Rice University’s Commitment to Jain Studies
Dr. Anne S. Chao, Founder of the Chao Center for Asian Studies, reflected on the center’s mission to promote the understanding of Asian histories, religions, and cultures, as well as the contributions of Asian Americans. She commended the Jain community for their dedication to fostering peace and scholarship, noting that this professorship would enrich Rice’s global humanities offerings.
Dr. Anne Chao, Founder of Chao Family Foundation, addresses the gathering. Picture Courtesy - Manish Jha
Professor Kathleen Canning, Dean of the School of Humanities, recognized Dr. Anudeep Jain, a Houstonian who serves on the School’s Advisory Board, for his leadership in facilitating the endowment. She reaffirmed Rice University’s long-term commitment to teaching and research in Jain philosophy, ethics, classical languages, wellness, peace studies, environmentalism, and sustainable development.
Inspiring Reflections from Visionary Donors.
Dr. Jasvant Modi, President of the Vardhaman Charitable Foundation and lead donor of the Shantinath Professorship, congratulated both the Houston Jain community and Rice University for their collaboration. Drawing inspiration from President John F. Kennedy’s 1962 speech at Rice University announcing America’s mission to the Moon, Dr. Modi remarked, “Just as that vision transformed human progress, this new Jain Studies program will usher in a new era of peace, compassion, and knowledge for the world.”
Community Voices and Interfaith Harmony
Master of Ceremonies Ms. Rashu Jain, a proud JVB Houston graduate, guided the program featuring congratulatory remarks and reflections from distinguished guests including:
Sheroo Mukhtiar, CEO of Interfaith Ministries of Houston.
Shri Jugal Malani, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Shri Jagdip Singh Ahluwalia, Executive Director of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston; and
Prominent industrialist Mr. Vijay Goradia.
Rice alumni—Dr. Anudeep Jain, Dr. Vandana Jain, Dr. Anusha Gandhi, and Mr. Pranav Mehta—shared personal stories of how Rice’s academic environment shaped their professional and spiritual journeys.
Professor Gregory Clines of Trinity University and Dr. Manish Mehta, Vice-Chair of ALC, also addressed the gathering. Dr. Mehta detailed the collaborative process behind creating endowed professorships and thanked all donors and institutional partners for making this milestone possible.
L-R: JVB Samaniji Aarjav Pragyaji, Samani Swati Pragyaji, Dr. Anne Chao, Dean Kathleen Canning, Shri D C Manjunath, Mr. Swatantra Jain, Dr. Sulekh Jain and Dr. Anudeep Jain. Picture Courtesy - Manish Jha
A Celebration of Learning and Light
Samani Aarjav Pragyaji delivered an enlightening discourse on Jain literature and timeless wisdom, emphasizing how the principles of Right Knowledge, Right Faith, and Right Conduct can transform individuals and communities toward greater peace and purpose.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Mr. Gaurav Jhaveri, President of JVB Houston, followed by a delicious Jain lunch enjoyed by all attendees.
Highlights of the JVB Houston’s celebration and excerpts of all presentations may be viewed in this four-minute video captured by JVB Graduate Sanemi Jain:
https://youtu.be/Hrz3skmRIDc
Attendees hosted at JVB Center in Houston for the celebration of inauguration of Tirthankar Shantinath Endowed Professorship in Jain Studies at Rice University in Houston, Texas, USA. Picture Courtesy - Manish Jha
Jain Vishwa Bharati Houston celebrated the establishment of the Tirthankar Shantinath Endowed Professorship in Jain Studies at Rice University on October 19,...
