New Jainism Academic Competitions Seek Innovative Ideas from Near and Far
The Department of Religious Studies is instituting two prestigious academic prizes to highlight and support the study of Jainism. A formal call for submissions will be announced in fall 2021 for The Mohini Jain Presidential Chair in Jain Studies Best Graduate Essay prize and The Mohini Jain Presidential Chair in Jain Studies Best Dissertation prize, with the winners announced in spring 2022. Both prizes are supported by the Mohini Jain Presidential Chair in Jain Studies and will be coordinated by Assistant Professor Lynna Dhanani, the department’s Jain studies specialist.
The Best Graduate Essay prize recognizes the strongest essay authored by any graduate student on any topic relating to Jainism in the 2020-2021 academic year. The recognition comes with a citation and a cash award of $750.
The Best Dissertation prize recognizes the best dissertation on Jainism over a two-year period (academic years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022). The prize-winner will be invited to UC Davis to deliver a talk based on their dissertation and will also receive a citation and cash award of $1,500.
For both essay contents, submissions from across the world and from any disciplinary background are encouraged.
"We are excited to institute these prizes as a way to support new scholarship from emerging young scholars, and to grow Jain Studies beyond our campus," said Archana Venkatesan, the Chair of Religious Studies.
The prize uses the generous gift of Mrs. Mohini Jain to celebrate the depth and vibrancy of Jainism scholarship across the world. It places UC Davis at the forefront of the effort to support innovative, fresh ideas in this growing field.
“We are excited to bring Mrs. Jain’s vision to life and explore Jainism through a rich variety of lenses,” said Ari Kelman, interim dean. “Through this essay contest, and her generosity, our College is becoming a hub for those fascinating conversations.”
The official call for submissions will be available on the department's website, religions.ucdavis.edu, and will also be circulated through academic list-servs.