Dr. Mahendra Sagar Prachandia

An impressive orator and scholar Dr. Pra- chandia did his M. A., Ph. D. and D. Litt. from Agra University and Sahityalankar from Devghar (Bihar). He teaches Hindi, Pali and Apabhramsa to M. A. students. Three scholars have received their Ph. D. under his guidance on Kaviwar Bhudhardas ; Vyaktitwa Aur Kri- titwa, Ashtchap Ke Kaviyon Ki Vimb Yojna, Hindi Ki Kaviyitriyan : — Vyaktitwa Aur Krititwa.

His own literary works include Hindi Ka Barahmasa Sahitya—Uska Itihas Tatha Adh- yayan. (Thesis for Ph. D.), Jain Kaviyon Ka Hindi Kavya Ka Kavya—Shastriya Mulyankan (Thesis for D. Litt.), Pali Prakash (for M. A. course), Hindi Kahani (prescribed for B. A. course), Kavi Aur Lekhak (for Intermediate course) and Bhagwan Mahavir-Jiwan Aur Sidhanta. He is presently engaged in guiding research work on Jain Puja Kavya, Hindi Ka Jain Shatak Kavya, Jain Shabdavali Tatha Artha Vikas, Musaiman Hindi Kaviyon Ka Adhyayan, Gandhi-yugin Ahindi Kshetriya Logon Ki Hindi Sewa. He is Hony. Editor of Ahimsa Vani (Aligarh) Atmodaya (Annual) Aligarh and Mahavir Smarika, Aligarh. His articles continue to be published in journals and souvinirs.

An active and dedicated worker Dr. Prachandia is equally important in social circles. He is Director of Jain Research Academy and Anuvart Vidyapith, Aligarh; Co-Director of World Jain Mission; President of Paryushan Lecture Series Society and Anuvrat Samiti, Aligarh, Secretary of Aligarh Distt. Bhagwan Mahavir Nirwan-mahotsava Samiti; Member, U. P. State Govt. Bhagwan Mahavir Nirwan Samiti, and Vice-President of All India Jain Milan. He has been honoured with the title of ‘Vidya Varidhi’ by Jain Wisdom And Culture Society.
Dr. Prachandia was born to his parents. Sh. Indra Sain and Smt. Shivrani Devi at Dalip- pur, Distt. Mainpuri (U. P.) on Sept 12, 1932. Address : Pili Kothi, Agra Road, Aligarh (U.P.)