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Young Jain of the YearAward Winners' Alumni
Minal Shah - 1996 1. YJ for me was a great life-time learning experience that has broadened my horizons in many ways. Coming over from Kenya in 1990, I felt that I had lost many of my friends. Well, I joined YJ and made many new friends and still keep in touch with them. As a graduate from university, joining the committee and supporting events as a volunteer helped boost my confidence in public speaking, juggling many activities, team work and time management.. I met new people e.g Sadhvi Shilapiji, Acharya Chandanaji, Shree Chritrabhanuji, Michael Tobias etc. On a personal note, YJ enforced by belief in Jainism, allowing me to experience the depth of Jainism and deepen my interest in Jainism. 2. Now, I am a mother to a lovely little girl, Tulsi, and I also work as a part-time community pharmacist in Stanmore. Both roles are equally demanding, but life would be boring without them! 3. I am currently not involved with YJ actively, but enjoy reading the newsletter and attending the Paryushan events and events where Tulsi can attend. I enjoy reading Jainism books and listening to stavans when time allows me.
Priti Shah - Winner 1997 1. Helped me really understand Jain dharma. YJ has also helped given me opportunities to participate, lead, think creatively, share, contribute and make fantastic friends. 2. I run my own business. 3. I'm still involved with Young Jains, particularly enjoying working on developing workshop/interactive session to share the wisdom and beauty of the faith.
Ketan Varia - Winner 1998 1. YJ has given a great introduction to Jain values and its significance in today's world. I have gained real insight from the different events and speakers that YJ has run over the years as well as long lasting friends. Most importantly the initial years of involvement with YJ helped me have confidence to be myself. 2. I have my own business in consulting as well as sitting as a non-executive on a hospital trust. 3. I continue my involvement with YJ as a non executive and continue to be inspired by Young Jains, even though the 'Young' title no longer fits!
Devi Savla (nee Devi Shah) - Winner 1999. I. YJ not only has given me a lot of spiritual guidance, but I have been able to understand more about the life we all live and how Jainism fits into that awareness. I feel that YJ really does reach out to make people aware of the Jain values and how to live them in the Western World but only if people want to know. 2. Currently I am a working part time mum in Central London for the pharmaceutical industry. I'm working as a medical sales representative for a company called Schering-Plough Ltd. 3. None currently - but having said that I support them as much as I can even if that means taking time to just do the simple things like a quick email of hey well done on that event, or great article in the newsletter.
Paras Shah - Winner 2000 No information available.
Shital Shah - Winner 2001 1. YJ as an organisation has given me opportunity to further my skills in Computer Studies, also provided team working skills, good opportunity to meet fellow people. I have gained team working skills, enhancement of communication skills, web-design and development skills, I have also made friends and contacts. 2. After my time with YJ, I am now a Finance Officer with Harrow Association of Disabled People. I am a disabled person but am a really an outgoing and quick learning person. 3. Currently I do not have any involvement with Y).
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