In an ongoing quest to establish a Jain studies program across the globe, Las Vegas resident Sulekh Jain, Ph.D., arranged funding from Gyan and Kanchan Jain of Toronto, Canada, to fund the first-ever endowed chair in the humanities at the University of Toronto – Mississauga. The endowment of $2.5 million from Gyan and Kanchan Jain and their family will be matched by the university for a total of $5 million. 

While scouting for a donor to establish a Jain studies program, the first of its kind in Canada, Sulekh Jain called his childhood friend, Gyan Jain of Toronto, explaining the need for such a program. “Within a few minutes of my conversation with Gyan, he agreed to donate $2.5 million to fund the program at the University of Toronto – Mississauga,” said Jain. Currently, there are over 50 Jain studies programs across the world, including one in Pakistan. Jain has been working tirelessly on establishing a program at the University in South Africa.

The contribution marks a significant step in UTM’s commitment to expanding its Centre for South Asian Critical Humanities (CSACH) and transforming the study of the global past and present. Establishing an endowed chair signifies a vital investment in the study of Jainism, along with its history, culture, philosophies, and far-reaching influence on South Asia. 

“Bringing Jain Studies to the University of Toronto Mississauga is an opportunity to cultivate a deeper understanding of Jain principles such as ahimsa, an idea that can bring peace and happiness to every living being and promote non-violence in our actions,” said Gyan Jain. 

“To be able to contribute to its growth through the endowment of the Gyan and Kanchan Jain Chair in Jain Studies is truly an honor and privilege for all of us,” said son Hans Jain.

“Jainism continues to have vital influence in South Asia and Canada and around the world,” said UTM Vice-President and Principal Alexandra Gillespie.

Jainism’s influence on the history and culture of South Asia cannot be overstated, said Ajay Rao, vice-dean of graduate studies and postdoctoral affairs and associate professor in the Department of Historical Studies. “Jains have been at the center of South Asian history and at the heart of many major transformations,” he said.  

Sulekh Jain and his wife, Ravi, flew from Las Vegas to join the announcement event held at the UTM campus.