UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 28 marked the opening of a new Multi-Faith Reading-Prayer Room in the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center, made possible by a gift from Vijay Agarwala and Neena Agarwala, and their family.
Vijay Agarwala is former senior director of research computing at Penn State. Neena Agarwala, a Penn State alumna, earned a degree in molecular and cell biology before completing her doctor of medicine degree. She also completed a residency in gynecology and obstetrics at Penn State.
The new space is located within the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development, a unit in the division of Student Affairs.
Penn State community members, alumni, partners and members of the Agarwala family attended the ceremony, which recognized the importance of the project as a significant contribution to the University’s spiritual and academic landscape.
The Reading-Prayer Room is dedicated to supporting the study and practice of four Indian-origin Dharma, philosophical and spiritual traditions: Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism. In addition to serving as a contemplative space, the room reflects a commitment to interfaith dialogue, ethical learning, and collaborative research.
"The central thesis for this facility — a reading and prayer room — is that even in the age of AI (artificial intelligence) that is here and upon us, discussion-based learning, with 10 people in-person sitting around a table and having access to a rich collection of scholarly books, can be very effective for ethical and spiritual development,” Vijay Agarwala said.
Building on this vision, the new space will feature a curated collection of more than 1,000 scholarly works to support exploration of the four traditions. The room is also envisioned as a platform for collaboration with academic units such as the College of the Liberal Arts and the School of International Affairs, encouraging faculty and student research on spiritual and ethical development in a global context.
Brian Patchcoski, associate vice president of Student Access, Community and Success, said Agarwala’s vision will benefit both current and future generations of Penn State students.
“We are deeply grateful to Vijay, Neena and their family for their generosity and support in shaping a space that affirms Penn State’s commitment to religious and spiritual diversity,” Patchcoski said. “This Reading-Prayer Room will not only strengthen our ability to foster belonging, dialogue and exploration across faith traditions, but will also serve as a space where students, faculty, staff and visitors can reflect, learn and find community.”
“Over 5% of Penn State undergraduate and graduate students are from Indian origins, many of whom identify with one of these four faiths,” Vijay Agarwala said. “Depending on where they grew up, they may or may not have had an opportunity to engage deeply with their own spiritual heritage. This space is a way to reconnect, to learn and to grow.”
Agarwala retired in 2014 as senior director of research computing at Penn State, where he played a key role in advancing the University’s research computing and data infrastructure. He earned his graduate degree in engineering science from Penn State and has long been an advocate for ethical learning and cultural understanding.
The Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development, located in the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center, offers a safe, welcoming, inclusive environment, and aims to promote appreciation and respect of religious and spiritual diversity. Learn more about the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development webpage.
Penn State Student Affairs supports holistic student success through advocacy, education, engagement and care. With more than 30 programs and units, Student Affairs helps students thrive in and out of the classroom, discover community and belonging, build leadership skills and create lasting memories. All programs and events are open to all students, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or other protected class. Student Affairs is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Learn more about Student Affairs programs at studentaffairs.psu.edu.
Gifts like Agarwala’s advance the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.