2025 - Acharya Shri Mahapragya | Commemorative Coin

A commemorative coin of ₹100 will be issued to mark the 105th Birth Anniversary of Acharya Shri Mahapragya. The Ministry of Finance has issued the gazette notification on July 24, 2025.

Acharya Shri Mahapragya was one of the most revered spiritual leaders, philosophers, and thinkers of modern India. Born on June 14, 1920, in the small village of Tamkor in Rajasthan, he joined the Jain Terapanth religious order at the tender age of ten. Under the guidance of Acharya Tulsi, his spiritual and intellectual journey blossomed, eventually leading him to become the tenth Acharya of the Terapanth sect in 1994. Throughout his life, he remained committed to the values of non-violence, spiritual discipline, intellectual inquiry, and social harmony.

Acharya Mahapragya’s contributions to Indian spirituality were profound. He emphasized the need for inner transformation as the path to social change, drawing from the core Jain principles of ahimsa (non-violence), anekantavada (multiplicity of viewpoints), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness). His teachings found expression through the launch of the Preksha Meditation system, a spiritual practice designed to achieve inner peace, self-awareness, and holistic health. It blended ancient Jain wisdom with modern techniques, making it accessible and relevant for contemporary seekers.

In addition to being a spiritual teacher, Acharya Mahapragya was also an erudite scholar and prolific writer. Fluent in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Hindi, and other languages, he authored more than 300 books on subjects ranging from philosophy and meditation to economics and politics. His thoughts on non-violence as a tool for conflict resolution were both timely and transformative. He was also the guiding force behind the Ahimsa Yatra, a movement started in 2001, during which he traveled thousands of kilometers on foot to spread the message of peace, harmony, and ethical living across the country.

Acharya Mahapragya's influence was not confined to religious boundaries. He was widely respected by leaders of various faiths, as well as by policymakers and social reformers. He played a critical role in national dialogues on ethics and morality and collaborated with figures like former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on issues of education and national development. His vision of “non-violent economics” proposed a moral framework for socio-economic systems, urging a shift from greed-driven models to ones based on compassion and sustainability.

His life was a living example of the principles he espoused. Walking barefoot for decades, leading a life of austerity, and refusing all forms of material comfort, he showed that spiritual leadership is rooted in personal practice and discipline. Even in his advanced age, he remained intellectually active, spiritually vibrant, and socially committed.

Acharya Shri Mahapragya passed away on May 9, 2010, in Sardarshahar, Rajasthan, leaving behind a legacy of thought, action, and transformation. His teachings continue to inspire millions across the globe and remain a beacon of hope in a world striving for peace and purpose. Through his life and message, he reminded humanity that true strength lies not in power, but in self-mastery and compassion.