In 2009, the eminent Jain scholar and prolific writer, Prof. Padmanabh Jaini, will be a visiting professor at the school. Prof. Werner Menski, from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London sent a special message of congratulations for the achievements explaining that the fact that all travel costs are covered and there is a stipend for scholars makes a great difference as funding is in short supply in this field, and scholars need to be supported and encouraged. The community support for education is to be admired and encouraged. Dr. Prakash Shah, Reader in Law at Queen Mary College, University of London was also very impressed by the initiative and encouraged scholars everywhere to participate and help promote this unique venture. He will personally promote the school. More details about the school and applications forms are at the excellent website http://www.jainstudies.org/ and the deadline for applications for 2009 is the end of February. Jayni Gudka will be liaising with any applicants and she can be reached via email at jayni@inaphoto.com
Also launched at the event was a new book by Yogendra Jain of Boston entitled 'Jain Way of Life' which provides a very readable account of all aspects of the tradition and its modern day relevance http://www.jwol.org/ and a book entitled 'Jain Food - Compassionate and Healthy Eating' by Manoj Jain, Laxmi Jain and Tarla Dalal.