The first of its kind collaboration between the Jain Vegan Initiative and JAINA’s Ahimsak Eco-Vegan Committee, Arihanta Academy brings a course focused on veganism through the lens of applied Jainism. Throughout history, Jains have been at the forefront of promoting non-violence, with consideration of life extending to the microscopic level. Parallels can be found in ethical veganism, animal rights, environmentalism, and social justice. Those not familiar with veganism are welcome to join but prior knowledge is useful. The primary intention of this course is to serve as an introductory educational resource for those Jains who are already vegan or vegan-curious, to equip them with current, accurate information with which to promote a non-violent lifestyle.

Learning Area

Animal Advocacy and Biodiversity

Instructors

Pratik Bhansali

Pratik Bhansali is a PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering. He thinks taking a stand against any form of discrimination is something that forms basic decency. This stand should encompass all animals – humans and non-humans, and being a vegan is a mere logical consequence of this stand. He also sees the interconnections between all forms of oppression and their links with animals and their rights.

Sunny Jain

Sunny Jain, an Advisory Board Member of Arihanta Institute, is the founder and current chair of the Global Jain Network, a virtual Jain community with a reach of over 13 thousand Jains globally. He is also on the leadership team of The Jain Vegan Initiative and the JAINA Eco-Vegan Committee and previously served on the YJP Executive Board from 2018 to 2019. In his personal life, Sunny enjoys writing, blogging, and philosophy, and attests his spiritual growth and development through the practice of Jainism.

Nisha Mehta

Nisha Mehta Ivey is a New York City-based screenwriter and TV producer. She recently wrote for the new Netflix series The Fame Game, starring Madhuri Dixit, and has worked for US and international networks, including AMC, HBO, and Apple. Mehta Ivey currently serves on the board of the Global Jain Network, a digital forum that connects Jains around the world; and is an advisor for its partner organization, the Jain Vegan Initiative, designed to promote the Jain principle of Ahimsa through veganism. Mehta Ivey also serves as vice-chair of JAINA’s Ahimsa Eco-vegan committee.