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| Dr. Samani Pratibha Pragya |
Jain Vishva Bharati London
On Saturday 29 July 2017 JVB London celebrated Gyānotsav to honour the remarkable achievement of Dr. Samani Pratibha Pragya ji who was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) from the School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS), UK.
Her research was on Preksha Dhyana & Modern Jain Meditation under the supervision of Prof. Peter Flugel who commended the dedication and perseverance of Dr. Samani Pratibha Pragyaji to undertake the rigorous academic challenges whilst adhering to the strict rules of the Jain monastic life.
To mark this historic occasion, His Holiness Acharya Mahashraman who is the 11th head of the Terpanth sect, blessed 5 Samanis to attend the spiritual celebrations. Prof. Samani Kusum Pragya ji, Samani Satya Pragya ji, Samani Punya Pragya ji, Samani Rohini Pragya ji and Samani Unnata Pragya ji all described how the foresight of Acharya Tulsi empowered the community of Jain monks and nuns to study and in particular how Samani Pratibha Pragyaji overcame significant challenges to pursue the PhD.
Prof. Peter Flugel and Dr. Ingrid Flugel both commended Dr. Samani Pratibha Pragyaji and mentioned she was an inspiration to all other research students.
On behalf of One Jain, Mr. Nemubhai Chandaria commended Dr. Samanji Pratibha Pragyaji’s achievement and applauded the dedication and support of Respected Samanijis to the entire community.
Dr. Samani Pratibha Pragyaji gave a brief overview of her research which involved studying the evolution of Preksha Meditation from ancient time to the middle ages and its current manifestation developed by Acharya Mahapragya embracing science, astronomy, various philosophies and ideologies.
Hon. Virendra Sharma MP, Sachin Shah (Head of Harrow Council), Navin Shah (London Assembly Member), Dr. Mohan Kaul (Chair - UKIGB), Councillors & representatives of various religious organisations graced the occasion.
Over 400 people attended the event to mark this historic occasion.