Dr. Samani Amal Pragyaji

Dr. Samani Amal Pragyaji, a disciple of HH Acharya Mahashramanji, is a distinguished scholar and professor at Jain Vishva Bharati Institute. She holds a Ph.D. in the impact of Preksha Meditation on forgiveness and has led many meditation camps and talks worldwide. She serves as Assistant Director at the Bhagavan Mahavir Research Centre and edits the journal Tulsi Prajna. Her global engagements have taken her to the UAE, UK, USA, Singapore, Vatican City, Rome, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Nepal, where she continues to share the timeless values of Jain philosophy and nonviolence.

Deesha Didi Ajmera

Deesha Didi began her spiritual journey through studies under Param Gurudev and has served as a Pathshala teacher with JSMW and Look n Learn Online. She has been active in Young Jains of America (JAINA entity) and continues to grow by teaching and learning Jainism in the U.S.

Shri Narendrabhai Nandu

Shri Narendrabhai Nandu, lovingly called “Bha,” is a respected Jain vidhikar and pravachankar with over 30 years of service. He has performed over 200 Pratishthas and 50 Anjanshalakas around the world and continues to guide Jain communities in India and abroad. He has performed over 50 Anjanshalakas and 200 Pratishthas globally, with notable events in cities like Detroit, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Antwerp (Belgium), London and beyond. He gives discourses during Paryushan across various parts of India and the USA and he is known for his commitment to Jain rituals, fundraising efforts, and spreading spiritual wisdom through discourses and events.

Shri Jaykumar Upadhye

Jaykumar Upadhye is a respected Prakrit scholar and retired professor with over 20 years of teaching experience. He holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in Prakrit and has written five jain religious books including Shri Shantinath Pooja Vidhan, Shrutsavardhini, DasLaxna Dharma on Jain rituals and philosophy. He has published numerous research articles and conducted seminars on various aspects of Prakrit and his contributions to Jain literature and language studies are widely recognized.

Shri Harshilbhai Mehta

Harshilbhai has spent the past 18 years performing Jain pujas, anjanshalakas, and pran pratishtha vidhis as both a vidhikarak and sangitkar. He has led Paryushan aaradhanas and over 50 pratishtha ceremonies around the world, including in London, Australia, Antwerp, Dubai, and Africa—most recently at JSMW. Professionally, he is a respected professor, teaching CA, CS, and MBA courses at various institutions.

Shri Moxitbhai Mehta

Moxitbhai is an accomplished Sangit Visharad in Vocal Indian classical music and is known for his Dharmik Swadhyay (spiritual discourses) and musical performances. Professionally, he works as an engineer at an IT company based in San Jose, USA, with offices in Vadodara, India.

Shri Pramod Patel

Pramod Patel, a third-generation Bay Area native, has been involved in Jain Dharma (Shrimad Bhakti) activities since childhood. His family’s Jain group has been active in the region for over 75 years. Pramod bhai has played a key role at JCNC, including during the Jain Bhawan construction, serving as Vice President and holding various Religious and Board positions. For nearly 25 years, he has led Shrimad Bhakti and Swadhyay programs. He lives in the Bay Area with his wife Roshni and daughters Jeenali and Agna, and enjoys reading philosophy and playing golf in his free time.

Shri Viragbhai Shah

Viragbhai Shah, age 26, comes from a deeply spiritual family with eight family members having taken Diksha. A Tapovan graduate with a solid academic background, he is well-versed in Jain rituals and has quickly become a respected youth mentor. In just over a year at JCNC, he has inspired many through his deep knowledge and dedication to Jain values.

Adhyapak Jayeshbhai Khona

Adhyapak Jayesh Khona is a respected Jain scholar and educator who has inspired audiences in over 200 cities through spiritual talks and workshops over the past 30 years. He has taught Jain philosophy at UC Berkeley and Santa Clara University, conducted rituals globally, and mentored young leaders. His contributions include social projects like a Gaushala in Kerala and the world’s first 14 Raj Lok-shaped bird house in Kochi. He recently led the rare Diksha ceremony of Shri Rishibhai in Mumbai. He is a true ambassador of Jain values, compassion, and wisdom.