JAINA Convention 2013 07 Detroit MI

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

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JAINA Ratna Award 2013
Ms. Lata Champsee Toronto, Ontario, Canada
First female President of JAINA and the longest serving editor of Jain Digest - Lata Champsee is a community activist and a social worker, who has championed the cause of Jainism and the upliftment of women and seniors within immigrant communities for over thirty years. Lataben has been actively involved with JAINA for over 18 years in different capacities such as Director, Regional Vice President, Secretary, the Editor-in-chief of Jain Digest for 10 years. She is the First female to serve in these positions.
Lataben is a well-respected individual, and a person of impeccable commitment with integrity and credibility. Her leadership skills, goal-oriented strategies, self-confidence, perseverance and broad vision for community needs have made her what she is. She is a trustee and past president of AWIC (Association of Women of India in Canada) Community and Social Services and director of YWCA. She is member of Board of Directors and past president of Jain Society of Toronto.
Her enormous contribution to these causes are reflected in many outstanding and prestigious awards including Outstanding Achievements in Volunteerism by Ontario Government. JAINA Recognition Award, KOJAIN Appreciation Award, Jain Society of Toronto recognition Award, AWIC Lifetime Achievement Award.
A well known philanthropist, Lataben has been a tireless fund raiser for causes that are near and dear to her heart. She has raised $25,000 for construction of school following the earthquake in Kutch/Gujarat, $30,000 for Latur Earthquake, $50,000 for PRIDE India (focused on uplifting disadvantaged women in India), $30,000 for the purchase of breast cancer diagnostic equipment for the Nargis Dutt foundation and was one of the few Indian women to visit Haiti following earthquake and actively engage in relief work. A role model in volunteerism, she has encouraged many more to follow her footsteps.
Jainism: The Global Impact
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