South Asia Mail
On April 16, 2010, the Stadium Club of Florida International University (FIU) in Miami glowed with an elegant aura of Jain traditional decor and a colorful gathering of the Jain community. The multicolored sand art, the intertwined garlands, the traditional lamp, the cultural saris and classical tunes of tabla and flute just added glamour to the hall.
The occasion was to celebrate the official establishment of Bhagwan Mahavir Professorship of Jain Studies at FIU. The community has organized this initiative under the umbrella of a national foundation - Jain Education and Research Foundation (JERF), with the goal of expanding these across US.
The event was kicked off with chanting of Navkar Mantra. Samani Mudit pragya, Amit Pragya & Unnat Pragya sanctified the event by their presence. Establishing a Jain academic center has long been a dream of the Jain community, and on this day, FIU clinched the bragging rights of being the first in history by making this dream a reality. "FIU is internationally open, and we appreciate Jain community’s confidence in us" said President Rosenberg, marking the beginning of the partnership between the Jains and the FIU.
Samani Charitra Pragya, the pioneer of this initiative, shared her story of four years long journey at FIU that culminated into creating this unique professorship. She admired the support received from the Department of Religious Studies and Jain community all over USA and the academic expertise of Dr. Dipak Jain from Kellogg School of Management.
While accepting the nomination as the first Bhagwan Mahavir Professor of Jain Studies, Dr. Nathan Katz articulated the impact of Jain principle of nonviolence on the world over the past two millennia. He recognized the initial efforts undertaken by local Jain Community who helped bringing up Samani ji at FIU, and building the network with Jain Vishva Bharati University.
The community was fortunate to have received blessings from two living icons of nonviolence, His Holiness Acharya Mahapragya and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
H.H.Acharya Mahaprajna said, “ I consider establishment of the Bhagwan Mahavir Professorship of Jain Studies at Florida International University would be a new step towards addressing contemporary issues of consumerism, economic crisis and environmental degradation of our modern day society.”
H.H.Dalai Lama mentioned, “ Jainism and Buddhism are like twins who have delivered the message of oneness and nonviolence to the world.”
Dr. Dipak Jain, Chairman of the Board of JERF, said, establishment of this Professorship is a step from "success" to "significance". Jain values can play a pivotal role in shaping business ethics in today's world.
An alluring video produced by Sara Pattison with the images of Jain temples, testimonials from faculty and students about Jainism, and Meditation, and inspirational story of six Leshya enacted by students heightened the spirit of the audience.
The finale of the event was signing of the gift agreement by Dr. Dipak Jain, Chairman of JERF Board and Sapan Bafna, President of JERF Executive Committee on behalf of JERF and by President Mr. Rosenberg, Dean Furton and VP Mr. Conrad on behalf of FIU.
Following the signing ceremony, the Jain community presented a ceremonial check to the university. FIU Stadium club was filled with directors, chair and faculty professors and students of many departments. Members of the Jain Community from Orlando, Tampa,West palm beach, New Jersey, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington D.C., Kentucky and more traveled long distances to become part of this memorable event. A delicious vegetarian dinner was awaiting for the guest at the conclusion of the event.
JERF advisory council, Board of directors, executive committee & volunteers performed the Inaugural & felicitation of the ceremony. Jain literature and H.H Acharya Mahaprajna’s books were gifted to all FIU officers and dignitaries. A set of Jain literature consists of Agam, Jain dictionary and others were donated to FIU library. Everybody put their heart and soul to make this event a great success. The JERF commends the generosity of the donors across the country.
JERF is born of a vision and look forward to make a difference.