Jain Spirit 2005 12 No24

SR No.: 529004
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains
Publication Year: 2005
Total Pages: 102
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, UK_Jain Spirit, & UK
File Size: 21 MB

Page 19

STELLA SPELLER
started reading at the age of four. From the beginning, he has been attending the accelerated programme for academically gifted students." But it's not all about the academics, Rohit goes on to say. "Bonny's favourite pastimes include playing with Lego, swimming, tennis and playing with his younger sister! He is very knowledgeable and proud about his Indian and particularly Jain heritage. He is a strong proponent of vegetarianism and has a major influence on his friends and classmates in this regard."
A DAY OF NOWLEDGE
The amount of times you have to spell out the word Jain' to newcomers to the faith, and even the word, is astounding.
"J.A.N.E.?" "No, J.A.I.N. You know like RAIN but with a J." It is usually followed by a puzzled look from a friend/colleague or perplexed silence on the other end of the phone line. Does any of this sound familiar?! So, it seems only apt that 12-year-old Bonny Jain would be an award winning speller.
Bonny Jain - watch this space!
Born in Rajasthan, he and his parents Rohit and Beena moved briefly to Scotland and are now settled in Illinois, USA, with addition to the family, fouryear-old Riya. The star speller has been placed fourth nationally in the 17th National Geographic Bee held in May this year, and also 28th nationally in the 78th National Spelling Bee held in June. And it's not just spelling. Bonny is an all round go-getter having participated in the Midwestern Talent Search organised by North-western University every year since fourth grade and he has been the gold medal winner with the highest composite score for the last two years. He is also first chair violinist in his school orchestra and is one of the editors of his school's newspaper. And all this by the time he has just completed seventh grade in Wilson Middle School in Moline.
new, bright and airy Jain Vishwa Bharti (JVB) centre was opened in Cricklewood, London on 26 June. JVB
had been running classes in Prakrit for 25 people all over the summer and to mark the graduation of the 25 students, a programme of Pragya Diwas was held. Prakrit is the original language of Jainism and Jain scriptures, and this unique course was open to the public. Pragya Diwas means 'a day of knowledge' and began with a few words of wisdom by Chief Speaker, Shri Atmanandji, Head of Koba Ashram. Samani Punya Pragyaji opened her composition with 'Shri Ri Di Ke Dayak Nayak', bestower of wealth, self-discipline and intellectual power. She then presented a speech as a contributor of equanimity, uplifting the plane of consciousness.
THE DISPATCH AND THE ROCK ISLAND ARGUS MOUNE, ILLINOIS
The Prakrit Summer Course students commemorated the day with an onthe-spot quiz on Prakrit language and literature. The quiz was a very close competition between the individual teams. It was such an enjoyable day, with an audience just as involved as the quiz the participants themselves! •
PREKSHA BHANDARI
His father, Rohit puts it down to being
an old fashioned book worm. "Bonny • has been an avid reader since he
Bonny Jain at the 2005 Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Mark Bowen/Scripps National Spelling Bee.
EDUCATION DEDICATION
The Jain Story Book (JES 202) is Dr. Pradipbhai and Darshanaben's 160page illustrated book and consists of 39 stories selected from various Jain literatures covering all segments of historical time period.
The First Step of Jainism (JES 203_is the work of Sudhirbhai and Anitaben. Both are Pathshala teachers and their Jain education website www.anekant.org contains many fun games, teachers' aids and other educational material. They compiled the colourful 144-page book from scratch to cover all aspects of Jain philosophy, ethics, conduct, health and nutrition, yoga and environmental topics.
r. Pradip and Mrs. Darshana Shah of Chicago, Illinois, and Mr. Sudhir and Mrs. Anita Shah of Woodbridge,
Connecticut, are 24-hour Jains. Through sheer time, skill and effort they have done an outstanding job of compiling the two most important Jain Pathshala books for level 2 students. Both couples are dedicated to Jain education and Pathshala activities. Using any of their spare time, they have clocked up more than 1000 hours over the past one year to accomplish the preparation of these two books.
The First Step of Jainism
To find out more about purchasing the books or downloading a copy, plus other Pathshala material, visit the education committee sources on www.jaina.org
For more information on The Jain Story Book and The First Step of Jainism, please contact Anita@anekant.org
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