UK college launches new Jainism programme, enrollments to start from January

The University of Birmingham on Wednesday introduced the launch of a brand new educating and analysis programme in Jainism, which can open for enrollment from January 2023.

The University of Birmingham stated, being positioned in a religiously and culturally various metropolis, the native Jain group has been a part of the Birmingham Council of Faiths since its beginnings within the Seventies. (Photo: Twitter)

By Press Trust of India: The University of Birmingham on Wednesday introduced the launch of a brand new educating and analysis programme in Jainism, which can open for enrollment from January 2023.

A gaggle of Indian-origin philanthropists belonging to the Jain group, together with Dr Jasvant Modi representing US donors and Nemu Chandaria representing UK donors, made a present of USD 1.5 million in direction of the institution of the “world-leading” programme.

Rolling out from September 2023, the brand new programme options the creation of an Assistant Professorship in Jain Studies, an Assistant Professorship within the Ethics of Non-Violence, and a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Jain Studies.

“The generosity of our donors means that we have the opportunity to establish a world-leading centre of excellence in Jainism at the heart of one of the world’s most culturally and religiously diverse cities,” stated Professor Charlotte Hempel, Head of the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion on the University of Birmingham.

“I look forward to welcoming students and researchers to this tremendously exciting project, which we believe will enhance understanding of Jainism around the world over the coming years,” she stated.

Named after an apostle of unconditional non-violence, the Bhagavan Dharmanath Jain Studies programme will develop educating and analysis in relation to modern points, comparable to environmental safety, human rights and interfaith dialogue.

“I’m delighted that the University of Birmingham is launching a Jain Studies programme named after the Jain apostle Bhagavan Dharmanath, whose educating represents what I take into account to be three pillars of a contemporary democratic society,” stated Dr Jasvant Modi.

“The Jain doctrine of ahimsa (non-violence) teaches us to avoid harming of any life form; the doctrine of aparigraha (non-possessiveness) teaches us to keep only what we need for ourselves and give the rest to others; and the doctrine of anekantvad (many-sidedness) teaches us to respect everyone’s opinion. I am excited that our donation will enable academics and students at the University of Birmingham to explore subjects which are relevant to these concepts in the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion,” he said.

The University of Birmingham said, being located in a religiously and culturally diverse city, the local Jain community has been part of the Birmingham Council of Faiths since its beginnings in the 1970s.

Jainism, an ancient religion originating from India, has non-violence, self-control, compassion and non-possessiveness at its core. The Jain principle of non-violence or “ahimsa” profoundly influenced India’s vegetarianism, actions of passive resistance and, extra not too long ago, environmental engagement, the college notes.

Its tutorial staff will collectively cowl a variety of matters, together with Jain philosophy of faith, peace and battle decision, forgiveness, environmental ethics, ecology, human wellbeing, girls’s rights, animal rights and enterprise ethics.

Posted By:

Raajnandini Mukherjee

Published On:

Dec 7, 2022