Jain philosophy—rooted in non-violence, ethical discipline, and the science of consciousness—has always carried quiet depth. Yet only in recent years have we begun to witness a profound global shift: a revival of Jain Studies across universities, scholarly communities, and digital learning platforms worldwide.

This revival is the result of visionary scholars, committed donors, and institutions working consistently to bring the timeless insights of Jainism into the 21st century.

1. Why Study Jainism Today?

Jainism is more than a philosophical system. It is a methodology of living:

Nonviolence in thought, speech, and action
Self-restraint and discipline
Deep understanding of the mind
Harmony with nature
A science of consciousness

Despite its richness, Jain academic presence has historically remained limited due to lack of facilities, funding, and trained scholars. Today, however, that landscape is changing.

Strengthening Jain Studies requires:

Inspiring philanthropy
Initiating academic dialogue
Signing MoUs with institutions
Supporting faculty and student mobility
Creating research journals and publications
Connecting with Jain centers locally and globally

The foundation of this revival can be seen most clearly in the efforts of ISJS and global academic collaborations.

2. ISJS: A Modern Gateway to Jain Philosophy

Founded in 2005, the International School for Jain Studies (ISJS) has emerged as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern academia.

Key Contributions of ISJS

Comprehensive academic programs
Interaction with monks, scholars, and practitioners
Visits to major pilgrimage sites
Special lectures, workshops, and supervised research
Collaborations with leading universities
Publications of journals, palm-leaf manuscripts, newsletters

Impact

1100+ overseas scholars trained
Participants from 30+ countries
Partnerships with 40 universities
3-credit global courses
22 international seminars
Support from Amar Prerna Trust, Pune
9-month residential Prakrit program equivalent to an MA
Training of young scholars through best-paper and best-book awards

ISJS has made Jain philosophy accessible to global learners, setting the stage for larger academic growth.

3. Scientific Alignment: Circadian Rhythm & Jain Practice

The 2017 Nobel Prize (Hall, Rosbash, Young) on circadian rhythms shows how internal biological clocks regulate:

Sleep
Metabolism
Behaviour

This science beautifully aligns with Jain practices such as upavāsa (fasting), disciplined routines, and mindful living—demonstrating how ancient insights hold modern relevance.

4. Global Philanthropists Driving Jain Academic Growth

The rapid expansion of Jain Studies owes much to visionary donors.

Abhay Firodia

Net worth: 3–4.38 billion (2023)
Among world’s wealthiest
Strong supporter of educational and cultural projects

Dr. Jasvant Modi

Perhaps the most influential name in modern Jain academic philanthropy. His contributions include:

Post-doctoral fellowships
Endowed chairs and professorships
Prakrit scholarships
Jain education programs
Institutional partnerships

His efforts have created a framework that universities across continents now rely upon.

5. Timeline of Jain Academic Growth (2005–2025)

2005: ISJS programs begin
2010: First endowed professorship in Jain Studies
2015: Two endowed chairs established (University of California system)
2018–2021:
- Acharya Mahapragya SOAS Scholarships
- Four Prakrit scholarships
- Scholars from Belgium, UK, Germany, India, Italy, France, Brazil, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nepal, South Africa

Together, these initiatives transformed Jain Studies into a globally recognized discipline.

6. New Academic Positions Across the World

Israel

Hebrew University: New Jain Studies post created

United Kingdom

University of Birmingham: C3-level Jain Studies position
Additional expansion in MA Philosophy (Jain specialization)

India

BHU and Deccan College (Pune) strengthening Jain archaeology and manuscript studies

Nepal

Research in Lumbini exploring Jain–Buddhist intersections

The ecosystem now includes:

9 endowed chairs
11 endowed professorships
3 positions at University of Birmingham
10 post-doctoral fellowships
7 adjunct/leadership roles
30 ongoing PhD scholars
14 core university-level Jain courses
13 Prakrit-trained scholars (Green Scholarship)

This marks Jain Studies as one of the fastest-growing academic specializations globally.

7. Major Institutions & Active/Vacant Chairs

United States

UC Davis (Presidential Chair – vacant)
UCLA (Bhagwan Adinandan Chair – vacant)
LMU Los Angeles (Bhagwan Mallinath Professor – vacant)
Cerritos College (Kunthunath Chair)
Florida Atlantic University (Bhagwan Sambhavnath Chair – advertised; $50k committed)

Canada, Italy, UK, Philippines, Brazil, Kenya, South Africa, Nepal

All have emerging or active Jain programs, courses, or collaborations.

Digital Jain Library

One of the largest global archives:

29,000+ unique articles
20,000 books
5,500 research papers
1,500 audio files

8. Training, Veganism & Knowledge Mandirs

Teaching & Training

Led a 9-month residential program in Pune, India
Training delivered in Kannada
Mobility of faculty encouraged to enrich teaching quality

Symposiums

Organized symposiums on:

Pure Jain philosophy
Applied Jain thought
Interdisciplinary research

Promotion of Veganism

Promotes vegan living as an extension of Ahimsa—aligning ethical eating with Jain principles.

Vision of “1001 Jain Gran Mandirs”

A global initiative to build 1001 knowledge temples (Jñāna-Vānas) featuring:

Jain scriptures
Digital archives
Study centers
Meditation halls

This is a visionary 21st-century movement to preserve and spread Jain wisdom globally.

“The chance to make a real difference is not someday—it is now and today.”

Scholarly Contributions

Supported works on E-Jain education including:

Āgamas
Āchāranga Sutra
Deva Drishti
Saar-Jain texts

These texts serve as foundational resources for modern learners.

Conclusion: A Global Movement Rooted in Ancient Wisdom

The revival of Jain Studies is no longer a distant hope—it is happening now.
Universities, donors, scholars, and communities worldwide are shaping a new era of Jain academic presence.

Every initiative reflects a growing understanding that Jainism offers tools for ethical living, mindful governance, ecological responsibility, and inner transformation.

This revival is not only about academic expansion. It is a reminder that Jain wisdom—when shared consciously—can become a global force for compassion, clarity, and self-awareness.

Lecture by Dr Ashok Kumar Jetawat

Dr. Ashok Kumar Jetawat is an accomplished scholar, motivational trainer, and educator with a Ph.D. in E-Governance and multiple master’s degrees (M.Tech., MBA, MCA, MSW, MAJM). With over 40 research publications and extensive experience in teaching, leadership development, and digital governance, he has trained thousands of students and professionals across India. As Chairman of the Motivational Society of Achievers, he specializes in productivity, time and mind management, study skills, stress management, and professional growth. Dr. Jetawat has received prestigious recognitions including the Rashtriya Rattan Award and the Scroll of Honour from The Institution of Engineers (India), and he actively mentors Ph.D. scholars while promoting social and educational upliftment through seminars, workshops, and community programs.

The Global Revival of Jain Studies: Institutions, Philanthropy, and New Horizons- Dr Ashok Kumar Jetawat