Acharya Chandanaji received the Padma Shri
Padma Shri Acharya Chandna: A Jain sadhvi who pursues spirituality through a non-conformist path In 1987, Chandna, an 86-year-old Jain lady, became the first to hold the title of Acharya. She was also the first Jain sadhvi to receive the Padma Shri.
Who is Acharya Chandana ?
On January 26, 1937, Chandana was born into a Kataria Bhil family in the Maharashtrian village of Chaskaman. Shakuntala was given the name by her parents, Manikchand and Prem Kuwar. She finished her official education in the third grade. She was persuaded to undergo initiation by the Jain Sadhvi Sumati Kuwar by her paternal grandfather.
Acharya Chandana, also known as Tai Maharaj or Chandanaji, is a member of the Amarmuni Sampradaya, the only Jain monastic lineage that has elevated a nun to the rank of Acharya as of 2013. Chandana is credited with introducing the Jain to the idea of “Seva” (or “service to humanity”). Veerayatan, a non-profit, non-governmental organization with centers in more than ten nations as of 2013, was formed by her.