18
MAKING OF LA- JAIN CENTER PATHSHALA
(Mahendra Khandhar)
Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) was established in
September 1979 and Federation of Jain Organizations in North America
(JAINA) wasinauguratedin May1981 inLosAngeles. Eversince theJain
Center organization was started, there was always sometalk ofstarting
Pathshala or Jainshala for our children. Many pros and cons were
discussed. Not having our own building was a major obstacle. Number of
parents who would be motivated to send their children to Pathshala was
another concern since JCSC wasin its infancy. Los Angeles being a wide
area, traveling long distance was a major factor, The other topics that were
discussed were frequency of classes, language, syllabus and religion
teachers.
We sought guidance and blessings of our spiritual leaders, Pujya
Acharya Sushil Kumarji and Pujya Gurudev Chitrabhanuji. Both supported
the conceptand encouraged the idea ofchildren's activities and Pathshala.
TheyevensuggestedtoorganizewintercampsforchildrenduringChristmas
holidays and recommended holding joint camps with students from other
centers. Camps will provide fun, excitement, change andinspirationto the
children and theirparents. Thefirst children's winter camp washeldjointly
with the Northern California group in December 1981 in San Luis Obispo
with Gurudev Chitrabhanuji. There were about 50 children, 25 each from
Southern and Northern California. It was a great success, Everybody
enjoyedthecamp.
Based on the success of the winter camp, in a meeting at Dr.
Chunibhai's residence, JCSCpresidentKalyanji Motatookthe initiative. He
was very keen on starting Pathshala. In 1982 the Executive Committee
approvedand established achildren's auxiliary oftheJain Centerand named
it Jain Center Youth Council (ICYC). The charter ofPathshala included
growth, comradeship, service to community, future leadership development
andtorchbearerofourreligious-social-cultural heritage, GirishC. Shahand
Mahendra Khandhar were nominated to lead JCYC and the annual winter
campsduringChristmasholidays.
ThefirstPathshala classwasheldattheresidenceofRajenand Rajul
Mehta, with about 20 children. Dr. Niranjan Shah, Girish C. Shah and
