Mohini Jain Family Foundation’s president and founder, Mohini Jainhas donated $1.5 million to the University of California, Davis, to for the study on Jainism, that is considered as one of the world’s most revered and ancient philosophies.
This will make Mohini Jain as the Presidential Chair for Jain Studies in the Department of Religious Studies as part of the university’s study of Indian religions and the interdisciplinary field of South Asia studies broadly, a UC Davis press release said.
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“Jainism is a very ancient and important religion and philosophy that champions truth, nonviolence and a multiplicity of viewpoints,” Jain said. “In our multicultural, global world, it is important to escape boxed-in points of view,” she said. She also said that she is hopeful that the impact of the chair at UC Davis will help in broadening of minds and a renew the focus on dialogue and peace.
“This gift will further diversify and strengthen our expertise in world religions and is another step toward UC Davis serving as a leader in India religions and Asia studies globally,” said Archana Venkatesan, chair of the religious studies department and associate professor of religious studies and comparative literature.
Jain has an extensive background in education and philanthropy and had a successful career as a high school science teacher for 18 years, retiring from Davis Senior High School in 2008. She has been a founding member of the Tiffany Circle of the American Red Cross Yolo County Chapter and on the Board of Advisors for the Davis Schools Foundation, Yolo Community Foundation, and India Association of Davis.
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She has also served on the Board of Directors for Optivision, a high-tech Silicon Valley company. She is a trustee on the UC Davis Foundation Board and a member of the foundation’s executive committee.
Mohini holds a Master’s degree in Botany from University of Delhi and a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology from SUNY Buffalo.
By Premji
