Jasvant Modi, a resident of California, was conferred the 2023 Annual Ahimsa Award on the occasion of the 20th Annual Ahimsa Day at the House of Commons, UK. The award recognised was recognized for his contributions to promoting Jainism globally.
A retired gastroenterologist and philanthropist, Modi marked the occasion by pledging a substantial $30,000 to the Institute of Jainology (IOJ). This was part of a larger $1.5 million contribution during the festivities. The donation was earmarked for supporting research by postgraduate students at the University of Birmingham.
Modi donated an additional $10,000 gift to the IOJ as a patron. As a result, the institute relocated of a collection of books and manuscripts from the late Jain scholar, Paul Dundas, to the University of Birmingham. The collection consists of around 4,000 books.
Moreover, the University of Birmingham launched the Bhagwan Dharmanath Chair in Jain Studies during the anniversary event.
Born in Gujarat, Modi immigrated to the United States in 1975. He studied at the BJ Medical College and completed his residency in gastroenterology in Chicago, Illinois.
Reflecting on the award, Modi shared, "It is an honor to participate in a celebration of Ahimsa Day and the perpetuation of Jainism in institutions of higher learning. My commitment to spreading the message and tenets of Jainism remains unwavering, and I believe in the transformational impact of our efforts."
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