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CSU Long Beach appoints Shivani Bothra to Jain Studies endowed chair
She also taught “Introduction to Jainish” in the fall of 2023 and will continue to teach Jainism during the semester of 2024.
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CSU Long Beach appoints Jain Studies endowed chair / Image- Csulb.edu
Students at the California State University, Long Beach, will now be able to study Jainism courtesy of a recently created endowed chair of Jain Studies at the establishment of the Department of Religious Studies. The University has appointed Dr Shivani Bothra as the assistant professor and the Bhagwan Suvidhinath Endowed Chair in Jain Studies, a news release noted.
Reacting to her appointment, Bothra said, “The embrace of Jain Studies by the Department of Religious Studies at California State University, Long Beach is a testament to the profound impact of Jainism, standing as a formidable pillar in the study of religions.”
“It unfolds an unparalleled philosophy, affirming the unity of humanity and underscoring the paramount importance of harmonious coexistence among all beings,” she added. She also taught “Introduction to Jainish” in the fall of 2023 and will continue to teach Jainism during the semester of 2024.
Bothra, an assistant professor in the Department of Religious Studies at CSU, Long Beach, was the Bhagwan Mahavira Prakrit Fellow for the Program of the International School for Jain Studies. She also worked as a predoctoral researcher at Rice University in Houston, Texas, and as a lecturer in religious studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
The endowed chair was named after the 9th Tirthankara, a spiritual teacher in Jainism. The position was created and funded by Dr Jasvant Modi, a Los Angeles-based retired gastroenterologist, and the Shah Foundation, on behalf of Raksha and Harshad Shah.
Bothra said Dr Modi was one of the personalities instrumental in bringing in funds. “CSULB has a lot of first-generation college students who are keen to learn. It’s a great opportunity for our students to learn about Jainism and its values, and it’s so much more satisfying to see that,” she noted.
Bothra will take the Religious Studies 354 class ‘Jain Worldview: Philosophy and Ethics’ during the spring semester. Aside from Jainism, Bothra will also take classes on the role of non-violence in world religions.
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