ISJS is delighted to congratulate Leonardo Stockler, a recipient of the Bhagawan Mahavira Prakrit Fellowship (2023-24), on the successful completion of his PhD at the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo (PUC-SP), Brazil.

Leonardo successfully defended his doctoral dissertation, “To Cross the Ford: Interactions and Relationships between Renunciants and Laypeople in the Jain Tradition” which is a pioneering academic study that examines the historical and sociological relationships between Jain ascetics and lay communities. The dissertation is particularly significant as it is the first doctoral thesis in Brazil devoted exclusively to the Jain tradition, marking an important milestone for Jain Studies in Latin America.

Prof. Frank Usarski, Leonardo’s research supervisor, expresses his gratitude,
“I have once again informed the PUC directory of our wish to intensify our exchange with ISJS, drawing attention to the high quality of Leonardo’s PhD thesis, which speaks for itself. In my view, it is the best PhD thesis written under my supervision, and I am fully aware of the crucial role that ISJS has played in this achievement. I thank you deeply for this.”

Along with many scholars and institutions across the globe who have mentored Leonardo during his research, he also acknowledges his experience at ISJS Summer School (five weeks) and BMPF Program (nine months) and is grateful for the time he spent with his fellow participants and teachers at ISJS. During this period, Leonardo engaged with Jain monks and scholars in Pune, Junagadh, Nashik, and Mumbai, and experiences that formed an integral part of his doctoral research.

Reflecting on his journey, Leonardo writes,
“This work would not have been possible without the opportunity to spend an extended period in the city of Pune, India, from June 2023 to May 2024, under the guidance of the dear professors and friends of the ISJS.”

ISJS is pleased that the fellowships contributed to this landmark achievement and to the advancement of Jain Studies internationally. We are confident that Leonardo's dissertation will serve as a valuable foundation for future books, articles, and scholarly collaborations, further strengthening academic engagement with the Jain tradition in Brazil and beyond.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Leonardo and wish him continued success in his academic career and future contributions to the field of Jain Studies.