Arihanta Institute Receives Uberoi Foundation Grant to Advance Compassion Studies Initiative

01/15/2025

Arihanta Institute is honored to announce that Professor Christopher Jain Miller, PhD has been awarded a prestigious grant from the Uberoi Foundation for Religious Studies. The $20,000 grant will fund the 2025 project, “Compassion in Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism,” a cornerstone of Arihanta Institute’s Compassion Studies Initiative (CSI@AI). This transformative program seeks to advance the scholarly and applied study of compassion within the Dharma traditions while addressing contemporary global challenges through interdisciplinary dialogue and innovative education.

CSI@AI exemplifies Arihanta Institute’s commitment to rigorous academic inquiry and impactful engagement. Rooted in the philosophical and ethical frameworks of Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism, the initiative will feature:

11 Online Courses exploring compassion as a central tenet across the Dharma traditions.
A Monthly Online Speaker Series showcasing leading scholars and practitioners in these fields.
An Online Conference uniting a global community of thinkers dedicated to promoting compassion.
A Scholarly Publication synthesizing research findings to inspire further academic exploration.

At a time when global communities grapple with polarization and ecological crises, CSI@AI seeks to equip scholars, educators, and practitioners with practical tools to foster compassion as a guiding principle for personal and societal transformation.

Bridging Academia and Action
The synergy between Arihanta Institute and the Uberoi Foundation was brought to fruition through the efforts of Professor Rita Sherma, Director of the Center for Dharma Studies at the Graduate Theological Union (GTU). In August 2024, Dr. Parveen Jain, CEO of Arihanta Institute, delivered a plenary talk at the Uberoi Foundation’s AUM Conference at GTU. His address, “Arihanta Institute: A Pioneering Educational Institution for Global Studies and Research in Engaged Non-Violence and Compassion,” highlighted the Institute’s mission and unveiled the vision for CSI@AI.

This pivotal moment underscored the shared commitment of both institutions to elevate the teachings of the Dharma traditions. Following the conference, the Uberoi Foundation extended its support, reaffirming its dedication to advancing the study of these ancient traditions and their enduring relevance in addressing today’s challenges.

A Call to Action: Support the Future of Compassion Studies
The partnership between Arihanta Institute and the Uberoi Foundation represents a significant milestone, but the journey is far from over. As we launch this ambitious initiative, we invite the support of individuals and organizations who share our vision of a more compassionate world. Your contributions can amplify the impact of CSI@AI, enabling us to expand access, deepen research, and inspire transformative change.

About the Uberoi Foundation
The Uberoi Foundation for Religious Studies promotes awareness of the Dharma traditions and their cultural expressions, including music and the arts. Established to honor the legacy of Mahinder Uberoi, the Foundation supports scholarly endeavors that highlight the richness and relevance of Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism in today’s world.

www.uberoireligiousstudies.org

About Arihanta Institute
A global leader in Engaged Jain Studies, Arihanta Institute advances education, scholarship, and research to address pressing modern issues through the principles of non-violence (ahiṃsā) and compassion (karuṇā). Through inclusive and accessible online education, the Institute empowers individuals and communities to apply the wisdom of ancient traditions, fostering a peaceful and compassionate future for all.