Arihanta Institute is pleased to present a second season of its popular Voices in Vegan Studies (ViVS) speaker series. The series has a twofold focus: to bring influential work in Vegan Studies into conversation with the Jain community and scholars of Jainism, and to introduce broader audiences to the ways Jain philosophy and practice meaningfully connect with contemporary veganism. At Arihanta, we understand Vegan Studies as an interdisciplinary field that brings together Animal Studies, Food Studies, Race Studies, Gender Studies, Environmental Studies, and related areas of inquiry.

 

In 2026, ViVS returns with a strong and diverse lineup of speakers offering perspectives from anthropology, neuroscience, philosophy, grassroots organizing, and food science and development. Talks will be held on the first Monday of each month from February through November. All events are free and open to the public, and aim to foster thoughtful, accessible dialogue across disciplines and communities.

 

Arihanta professor and Vegan Studies Initiative lead organizer, Jonathan Dickstein will host and moderate the sessions. Each lecture is 40-50 minutes followed by 30 minutes of Q&A.

 

Please register for each of the speaker series events individually from the Series page.