Jainism offers invaluable insights into social justice and political progress, yet its principles remain often under-appreciated in these fields. The ancient traditions of Jainism provide significant contributions to addressing contemporary issues such as war, poverty, violence, and social inequality—pressing challenges that continue to affect societies in the 21st century. The teachings of Jainism, particularly the principles of ahiṃsā (non-violence), anekāntavāda (non-absolutism), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness), offer a holistic framework for understanding and mitigating these complex societal problems. These teachings, while ancient, are remarkably relevant today, providing a foundation for the kind of transformative social and political change that our world so urgently needs.

 

It is this very relevance that motivates my academic pursuit. My background in political science, influenced deeply by the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., ignited my commitment to social justice. Raised as a Jain, I recognized the striking alignment between Dr. King’s philosophy of nonviolence and justice and the core Jain values of ahiṃsā, anekāntavāda, and aparigraha. Despite this personal connection, I have observed that many followers of Dr. King’s teachings do not always see the intersection between his philosophy and Jainism. They may not recognize that, in embracing his principles, they are also, in essence, students of Mahavira. This intersection of Mahavira’s and Dr. King’s teachings highlights the enduring relevance of Jain wisdom, showcasing how these ancient ideas can address and resolve modern challenges.

 

My desire to pursue graduate studies at the Arihanta Institute is rooted in my goal to explore and further this intersection, where the teachings of Mahavira can offer solutions to contemporary issues. This program presents a unique opportunity to deepen my understanding of Jainism’s universal principles, which speak directly to the struggles faced by individuals across diverse faiths, races, genders, social classes, and other demographic categories. By studying Jain teachings in greater depth, I aim to contribute to the promotion of a more just, compassionate, and equitable world—one that is grounded in timeless wisdom, yet deeply responsive to the needs and realities of the modern era.

 

 

I have always sought to pursue educational paths that diverge from conventional expectations. While my community predominantly emphasizes careers in Medicine, Sciences, and Engineering, I chose to study Political Science for my undergraduate degree. This decision was further shaped by my involvement with Young Jains of America (YJA) and the Jain Center of Southern California, where I use my academic background to promote social justice and political empowerment. Now, as a student in the MA program at Arihanta Institute, I am eager to continue raising awareness about the program within my Jain community.

 

As the 2023-2024 West Regional Coordinator on the YJA Executive Board and a member of the Daytime Programming Committee for the 2024 Convention, I worked to constantly bring many teachings and insights of Jain academic studies to my Jain youth peers. I strive to help the community see that pursuing an MA in Engaged Jain Studies is not only achievable but also deeply aligned with our values. Through my involvement in various YJA initiatives, I love integrating Jain studies into the broader conversation, raising awareness about its relevance and potential to motivate American Jain youth to see the critical alignment Jain studies has in every other sector or field.

 

Through my work in politics, I continue to see the critical connection between Jain teachings and solutions to the pressing problems people face. By applying the knowledge and principles I am gaining at Arihanta Institute, I aim to contribute meaningful solutions to contemporary social and political challenges, integrating Jain ideals of non-violence, compassion, and social equity into modern political frameworks.

 

 

As a Jain I have been immersed in Jain teachings, culture, and traditions throughout my life, attending Pathshala at the Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) for over 15 years. My upbringing as a vegetarian and my active involvement at JCSC were pivotal in my decision to adopt a vegan lifestyle at the age of 15. In addition, I have previously served in various leadership roles within Young Jains of America (YJA), furthering my education and engagement with Jainism, a commitment I continue to strive toward.

 

A transformative experience in my academic journey occurred during my undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where I took two courses offered under a Jain Chair. These courses provided an opportunity to engage in research, which culminated in my Senior thesis on the intersection of social justice and Jainism. This research was later summarized in a paper that was published in the university’s undergraduate research journal, and I had the privilege of presenting it at the university’s prominent research symposium. This experience significantly deepened my interest in Jainism and its connections with disciplines such as political science.

 

Having grown up within the Jain-American community and primarily studied Jainism through Pathshala, my academic exposure to Jainism allowed me to explore the tradition more deeply and address questions that had long remained unanswered. My focus on social justice in my thesis was driven by a desire to understand how the Jain tradition intersects with contemporary issues, fostering a profound respect for both the tradition's teachings and its engagement with broader societal concerns.

 

 

Having recently completed my undergraduate degree, I am in the early stages of my career in politics and public policy, and I remain open to various career paths, including education, law, and government. My current aspiration is to continue my work in political organizing and public policy, with a particular focus on integrating social justice and Jain teachings into political processes. My involvement in politics began in 2020, when I was responsible for faith-based outreach to the Jain community during a political campaign. This MA program has only deepened my understanding of the social justice aspects of the Jain tradition but has also helped me navigate the political dimensions of engaging with the Jain community in political organizing.

 

Jain principles provide a framework for social justice that extends beyond theory into daily practice. As I pursue career opportunities in the social justice sector, the core Jain values of non-violence, non-possessiveness, veganism, diversity of viewpoints, and truth are increasingly relevant. These principles align closely with my professional goals, offering a strong foundation for advancing social justice in both policy and practice. This intersection between Jainism, social justice, and my career aspirations made the MA – Engaged Jain Studies program at Arihanta Institute and Claremont School of Theology the ideal step for my personal and professional growth.