Veerayatan’s Pujya Acharya Chandanaji who created a revolution in the field of education by combining Service-Education-Spirituality conferred with Padmashree Award.
There was a wave of happiness in the entire Jain community as the news of the Government of India's awarding Padmashree Award to Acharya Pujya Chandanaji, the founder and inspiration of Veerayatan on 26th January 2022 Republic Day, spread like wildfire.
26th January was the 86th birth anniversary of Acharyashri and this could be considered as the best gift to her. This service movement that started from Bihar has spread to Meerut, Agra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Nepal.
India’s Prime Minister Hon’ble Narendra Modiji had a telephonic conversation after the prestigious award was conferred to Acharyashree who has been instrumental in the education revolution by working on a mission of social service for 50 years to bring a change in the lives of thousands of underprivileged, orphans and poor. The synopsis of her conversation with PM is presented here:
Commencement of Shri Chandana Vidhyapeeth Jain school in UK in 1995
The dream of Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth Jain School (SCVP) of Veerayatan outside India on foreign land was the first time fulfilled in 1995 in the UK by Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji was realised by the vision of Pujya Chandanaji (Pujya Tai Maa). In this school, teaching the values of Jainism in English medium keeping in view the diversity of western society attracts thousands of children and youth through contemporary experimental questionnaire education methods based on compassion.
First Jain lady to be conferred with a national award
On this occasion, Dr Vinod Kapashi OBE said, “The announcement of the Indian Government awarding the title of Padmashree to Pujya Acharya Shri Chandanaji has created waves of joy among the people of Britain, especially the citizens of the Jain community. It is a matter of pride for everyone. For the first time, a Jain lady is conferred with a national award like this. Pujya Chandanaji has not only spread the philosophy of Jain religion in a proper manner but has successfully enlightened people by a revolutionary task of social service by taking the responsibility of executing massive humanitarian activities.
“The eye hospital, schools, colleges and other activities in Bihar; the highly appreciated service provided post-Nepal earthquake and similarly several activities after the earthquake in Gujarat’s Kutch displays is the witness of her power of management skills and exquisite spirit. She has won the hearts of the Gujarat people by establishing more than 11 colleges, several hospitals and service centres. When she came to Britain she established the first Pathshala along with her disciple Shilpaji Maharaj. The Pathshala still runs perfectly. We also congratulate her and pray for her long life as she completes 85 years of age and enters the 86th year.”
