JVB London - Farewell Programme (Mangal Bhavana Samaroh) for Samani Pratibha Pragyaji and Samani Punya Pragyaji @ HereNow4U

About three hundred well wishers including representatives of Jain organisations in the United kingdom bid farewell to Samani Pratibha Pragyaji and Samani Punya Pragyaji at a function held at London JVB Centre on Saturday, 30th September 2006.

During the function, many individuals recalled their own personal experiences of their contacts with the two Samanijis. These included how the advice and guidance from the Samanijis had made a difference to their lives, individually as well as to their families.

The representatives of Jain organisations cited examples of how the Samanijis worked in partnership with them to foster unity in the Jain community by emphasising the many virtues, which they shared in common, and by ignoring the superficial divisive arguments. Other speakers also reminded the audience of the Samanijis participation in inter faith activities as well as involvement with educational establishments from schools to universities.

In her speech Samani Pratibha Pragyaji mentioned how during her over three years stay in London, she was overwhelmed by the affection and kindness shown by Jains as well as non-Jains and support she received when the London centre was in its infancy in early 2003. She also recalled how the arrangement of their daily meals known as “Gochri” is now booked weeks in advance. Through such acts of piety, Samani Pratibhaji said that for Punya Pragyaji and herself, London would always carry special memories.

Appropriately the two ladies who had been very close to the Samanijis, Smt. Sayerji Choraria and Smt. Kiranji Sethia recited in Marawadi (a Rajastanti dialect) very poignant “vidai geet” (farewell song). The song moistened the eyes of many in the audience.

Samani Punya Pragyaji and Samani Sambodh Pragyaji recited spiritual songs befitting the occasion. Many speakers recollected Samani Punya Pragyaji’s fluent Gujarati and her melodic voice.

Samani Prasanna Pragyaji, the new head of the JVB London mission reminded the audience about the ethos of Saman and Samani movement contained in the adage - “Tinnanam Tariyanam” i.e. “Practice thyself and help others to do”. This gives the strength to the JVB and earns respect from all those who come in contact with the Samanijis.

During the event, Shree Harshadbhai Sanghrajka on behalf of the Institute of Jainology and Shree Sampatji Sethia on behalf of the JVB presented certificates to the participants of the 2005 Prakrit Language Summer School.

Smt. Ninaji Choraria was the compère for the function.