Jain Study Center NC Raleigh 1999 08 Twenty Years

SR No.: 528542
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Study Center NC Raleigh
Publisher: USA Jain Study Center NC Raleigh
Publication Year: 1999
Total Pages: 122
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, USA_Souvenir Jain Center NC Raleigh, & USA
File Size: 15 MB

Page 61

Before we knew it, we were part of the regular monthly meetings on Sunday. I noticed that if we show our children the value of the meetings, then they will come to the meeting without any hesitation. We have three children Rajasi , Rima and Rakesh and they all enjoyed the JAINA youth and family conventions. They always come with us regardless of my religion. I always enjoy the company and the principles of Jains. I also enjoyed the yearly Pratikraman and the English Pratrikraman for the people who want to do a short version. Like my daughters said to Pravinbhai (our guruji), this was the best thing they ever did, a few years back, becoming a regular part of the Pratikraman. I also started to sing some of the stavans and also started to learn that 'michchhami dukadam' means forgive me if I ever hurt your feelings. This is an excellent Center and they have countless dedicated people involved.
Rakesh goes to Cary Elementry School in Cary. Purnima works for a major airline and Jagat Parikh works for Nortel in Research Triangle Park, NC.
MEMORIES....
by Ameet Shah
One of my first experiences with the Jain Study Center of North Carolina was attending Samvatsari Pratikraman when I started high school in Durham. Surrounded by new people and friendly smiles, I felt quite at home with the new group of people. At first I was a little surprised that the youth were not going to perform the same traditional pratikraman rituals as the adults. The special English version was shorter and much easier to understand, allowing the youth an opportunity to fully capture the true essence of what pratikraman means and why we do it
The Jain Center is blessed to have great people such as Pravin Shah. He has taken an active role nationally to promote Jain education not only for youth, but all those seeking to learn more about Jainism who were often restricted by language barriers. I remember seeing many publications around the country with the Jain Center of North Carolina written on it showing the immense contributions that the community as a whole has made to the study of Jainism.
After being elected to the Young Jains of America executive board and learning that the other Southeast Regional Coordinator, Dina Mehta, would be moving to the Triangle area, I wanted to host a regional convention in the Raleigh. This would allow youth from all over the region to learn more about Jainism and meet other youth such as themselves who could share the same ways of thinking and of life. I approached the Jain Study Center of North Carolina with a proposal and sought their help. Without hesitation, the group lent its support. The adult community was instrumental in making the Second Southeast Regional YJA Convention, held over the Thanksgiving holidays in 1998, a tremendous success. Since youth numbers were scant, the adult members adopted a leadership role in making sure food, security, accommodations and speakers were taken care of. A harmonious relationship, with both adults and youth, was able to make this convention a grand success. I made many friends that I continue to keep in touch with, even today.
The Jain Study Center of North Carolina, over the years, has been a wonderful center for learning and development for both youth and adults. The past twenty years have been productive for the group. Hopefully, the future will be bright, holding many promises for furthering Jainism in North America.
Ameet Shah is a YJA co-chairperson and is currently in his final year at Duke University,
Jain Education Intemational