Shivani Bothra
I wish to thank everyone who contributed and supported me in my research work, and also during the graduate studies at the Florida International University. My deep bow of gratitude begins with Dr. Christine Gudorf, whose continuous guidance and critical, constructive feedback has not only enhanced my thesis but also developed my analytical and writing skills. I am duly thankful to Dr. Albert Wuaku and Dr. Whitney Bauman for their inputs in improving the quality of my work. I reserve special place for my major professor and advisor, Dr. Nathan Katz, for his enthusiastic encouragement and continuous advice. I express my heart-felt gratitude to him for his compassion and unwavering confidence in me while I pursued my graduate studies here.
I have also received valuable assistance in a variety of ways, from all the professors at the Religious Studies Department, especially Dr. Oren Stier, Dr. Erik Larson, Prof. Daniel Alvarez and Prof. Steven Vose. Their motivation kept me on track to complete the work on time. I am grateful to Ms. Luz Aviles, the departmental secretary, for her consistent reminders and support in facilitating all the paper work.
I would like to express my profound gratitude to Samani Chaitanya Pragya and Samani Unnata Pragya for guiding and encouraging me throughout my graduate study here. I am grateful to the entire Jain community in Miami, for extending their generosity and warmth towards me as an international student from India.
I wish to express gratitude to Dr. Glenn D. Paige, Prof. Christopher Chapple and Prof. Tara Sethia for showing interest and providing valuable suggestions towards my study. I am also grateful to Mr. Narendra Jain, who graciously welcomed me in his home during my fieldwork in Los Angeles.
Since I conducted thirty-nine interviews and engaged in many informal conversations, I cannot thank each individual by name. I am grateful to all of them and most notably to the Terapanth monks and nuns, who took time to share their insights and expertise with me during my fieldwork in India.
I take this opportunity to thank my friends for weeding through my thesis chapters. I am indebted to my entire family in India for their unconditional support and encouragement during calm and even during crisis. Finally, I want to thank my husband, Sanjeev Bothra, for his support and for valuing and appreciating my intellectual endeavors; this study-experience was only possible with his sharing of my vision.
