VCU Hosts Leaders of the North American Jain Community to Consider New Partnerships

By Mike Porter

Leaders of North America’s Jain community visited Virginia Commonwealth University recently to consider opportunities for building new partnerships with the university.

Jainism is an Indian religion that embraces non-violence toward all living things.

On Nov. 13, VCU representatives met with leaders of the Federation of Jain Associations in North America to discuss the university’s research reputation, diverse population and international partnerships.

“We are working to identify a series of initiatives that will allow us to begin working together and implementing specific activities that build the foundation for further development,” said David Bromley, Ph.D., professor of religious studies and sociology.

Initiatives include developing a Jain student organization, creating online resources about Jainism through the Partnership for Understanding World Religions and Spirituality website, incorporating the study of Jainism into religious studies courses and a lecture series.

Bromley said the Jain community is also very interested in VCU’s efforts to establish an India Chair in Democracy & Civil Society.