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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline DECEMBER 22, 2023 | The Indian Eye 30

NEWSMAKERS OF THE WEEK

Selected stories about Indian diaspora from our website www.theindianeye.com

DR. JASVANT MODI BELA BAJARIA
Jain Studies Programs in US Netflix executive

gets a Pledge of $13 Million features in ‘World’s 100 Most

Powerful Women’

r. Jasvant Modi, a retired Los Angeles gastroenterologist and philan- ndian American Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix is one of the
thropist, has recently pledged $13 million to establish Jain Studies at “Forbes World’s 100 Most Powerful Women of 2023’, a list that “spotlights
Dvarious colleges and universities throughout the United States. This Ia dynamic array of leaders ……..marking significant strides in women’s
initiative is coordinated with the Vardhamana Charitable Foundation, found- global impact.” Forbes says that this year’s list, “while highlighting women’s
ed by Dr. Modi and his wife, Dr. Meera Modi. advancements, poses critical questions about the state of their power.”
As per the release, this investment is the sum total of a large number of Bela Bajaria was appointed the Chief Content Officer of Netflix in Jan-
individual gifts spread across educational institutions and is part of a broader uary 2023. Previously, she was Head of Global TV and VP of Content, man-
effort to increase awareness about Jainism among U.S. college students. Dr. aging the content streamed across Europe, the Middle East, Türkiye, Africa,
Modi believes that knowledge of Jainism will lead to greater tolerance and India, Asia, and South America like ‘La Casa de Papel’, ‘The Witcher’ and
respect for non-Western traditions and enrich the experiences of students Emmy® winner ‘Squid Game’. Bejaria has been conferred with many hon-
who find enlightenment in Jain teachings. ors including THR’s Women in Entertainment list, Variety’s LA Women’s
“We have a unique opportunity to educate young individuals who will Impact Report, TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2022, and Fortune’s
shape our future,” says Dr. Modi. “Introducing them to Jain principles of Most Powerful Women in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
tolerance and respect is essential in an age where such principles remain She moved to US as an 8 - year-old from London. “In the late seventies,
undervalued and untaught.” my parents came here to chase the big American dream. They opened car
Currently, 28 U.S. schools, including the University of Chicago and the washes and I worked with them over weekends. Having grown up around
University of Wisconsin-Madison, have committed to developing Jain stud- that environment has instilled a great sense of responsibility,” says Bajaria.
ies programs, as per the release. This effort aligns with the global mission And she not only values these life lessons but credits them for her success.
of the International School for Jain Studies, which opened in India in 2004. “I didn’t realise it until many years later when I was at CBS, Universal and
As per Dr. Modi his philanthropy is an extension of his medical career now at Netflix, I run everything like it’s my own business. These are all my
and noted, “In philanthropy, I found the opportunity to impact lives on a mini car washes, just in a very large corporation,” she laughs.
larger scale. Sharing Jainism’s ancient wisdom is crucial in today’s world.” Continued on next page... >>

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