Jain Digest 1999 01 Vol 15 No 01

SR No.: 527074
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA
Publication Year: 1999
Total Pages: 40
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, USA_Jain Digest, & USA
File Size: 7 MB

Page 6

HEADQUARTERS NEWS
Executive Committee of JAINA Meets in Los Angeles
The meeting was held at the Jain Center of Southern California and started at 10:15 A.M. on Saturday February 20, 1999. It started with recitation of Namokar Mantra by Dr. Manibhai Mehta. Minutes of the November 1998 meeting in Chicago were read by the secretary, Dilip V. Shah and were approved.
Jaya Travel & Tours of Detroit that arranged for the travel arrangements for JAINA Samet Sikhar Pilgrimage announced a donation of $2,000 to JAINA general Fund and $1,000 to the JAINA's Pilgrimage Committee.
President Dr. Dhiraj Shah reported on JAINA's activity during the last 3 months. He visited India during December and January and met with various Jain leaders and political leaders of India.
World Community service of JAINA has completed and submitted to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) application under the Child Survival Program for a grant of $400,000. This money will be used in the Nalanda District of Bihar for reducing mortality rate of children between the ages of 1 and 5 from 125 per thousand to 75 per thousand. Our partner in this project is Veerayatan and the US Embassy in India has already approved the application and we are waiting for decision by Washington.
For the Year 2001 Janmakalyanak of our Lord Mahavir, JAINA had submitted to the Prime Minister Vajpayee a request for issuance of 3 Postage stamps commemorating Lord Mahavir, Shrimad Rajchandra and Shri Veerchand Raghavji Gandhi. During his meeting with Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi, Dhirajbhai got assurances that the needful will be done.
Pramod Mahajan - Minister of Information and broadcasting, in his meeting with Dhirajbhai promised that Government of India would approve up to Five Crore Ruppees to produce a documentary on Life of Mahavir for world Wide Audience. Dhirajbhai met with Shri Deepchand Gardi and other leaders in India to discuss details of that proposal and creation of Mahavir Peace prize.
Dhirajbhai visited Ragha and Shekhadia. two villages JAINA has adopted for rehabilitation. A donation of $25,000 from KOJAIN has enabled them to dig 2 tube wells providing safe water for the villages. With the help of Jain Center of Southern California, 48 Doctors and volunteers visiting Bidada medical camp saw 18,000 patients and $65,000 was donated by Jains of North America for the medical camp and 25 Cardiac surgeries.
Treasurer Jit Turakhia sent financial report showing fund balances in various accounts and was approved by the members.
Devendra Peer, Convenor of the 1999 JAINA Convention reported on the preparation for the convention. He discussed the capacity of various halls and appealed for help on advertisements for the souvenir. He talked about various programs at the convention. He distributed a list of various activities that will be taking place.
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The executive committee approved a resolution requesting JAINA Charitable trust to give a grant of $10,000 for the Convention. Mr. Peer reiterated his earlier pledge to share 50% of any surplus with JAINA. As the convention hotel gets full, 2 new hotels will be announced. He requested JAINA to provide volunteers for food service.
The executive committee approved a budget of $5,000 for preparing a JAINA booth that will be managed by Ramesh Shah of Ohio. Membership committee reported that many centers had not yet sent their membership dues and not reported names of their Directors for the coming 2 year terms. The regional vice Presidents were requested to assist Kamlesh Shah, the chairperson of Membership Committee.
Anop Vora reported on Drive for Patrons. Many of the patrons have not yet renewed their membership. He will send out letters to all the patrons for reservations at the convention hotel.
JAINA will look at sets of 6 books from the Education Committee on Pathshala Curriculum for review by Kirit Daftary, Girtish Shah Sr. of LA, Pravin Mehta and Dr. Dilip T. Shah. Based upon Jaina's resources, a budget of $1,500 was approved for distribution of sets to all centers if the reviewers approve.
Pravin Mehta reported on YJA. The regional convention in Atlanta was very successful. They will be preparing bid packages for the next YJA convention.
Ila Mehta of North American Jain Family Assistance Program presented a detailed written report of their activity. She wants to have a liaison person in each center and invited any one interested to work on her committee to contact her.
Kirit Daftary talked of his Jirnodhdhar Committee's work. His committee has donated $900 to the Navkar Seva Kendra near Ahemdabad that looks after health of Sadhus and Sadhwis. He has invited suggestions for worthwhile projects for his committee.
The executive committee approved a request by Dhirajbhai to join "Jain Academies International Federation" as one of the founding members. Paying for annual dues of Rs. 5,000 per year was also approved.
Keerti Shah of Chicago was approved as chairman of the new JAIN DIGEST Membership Committee. His committee will undertake to signup more life members. Dr. Bipin Parikh of Chicago was appointed to the new Future Convention Planning Committee.
Saurabh Dalal reported on the possibility of Young Jain Professionals (YJP) to be a committee of JAINA. They are still discussing it and Anop Vora will act as a liaison.
The next Executive Committee meeting will be in Philadelphia May 8th and 9th. Agenda will be sent on time.