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10th Anniversary Celebration
AINI
MERIU
RICA
It has special throughout this country. One can see details from the Boston Directory & Jain Digest quarterly periodicals. More than 5000 Jain families settled here. 69 Jain Centers are on the list. Jain Temples are at several of these Centers. Many elders are here and day by day are likely to increase. Bhavna, Snatra pooja, festivals, lectures, celebration of Mahavir Jayanti, Paryushan parvadiraj parva, etc. are several occasions, on which day, a great get together takes place. Aged parents do observe certain vows at home (Ayambil, Ekasana, Fasting, Samayik, Prati Kraman, etc.). This reminds us of our wonderful Religion. People are not only here for the Dollar, but they are also here to spread and observe their Religion.
Of course it is not possible to attend daily lectures or poojas in the morning but on weekends and extended weekends one can go to Jain Temples such as, Siddhachalam. It is very good to see our fellow Jains going together, on buses, from one place to another to attend religious activities. Sangh-Yatra shows unity among Jains. People come in contact due to Religious activities and this makes their other problems easy.
Someone may think the future of Jainism in this highly developed, modernized nation, but there is no question of any kind of Doubt for the future growth of Jainism in America. A federation is already established which meets often with Jain youths and take take an active part with them. Coordination of elders and youngsters is very nice to see.
All this says to us, Jainism has a bright future in America. Scholars and Saints are attracted to visit the U.S.A. and Canada. Jain social groups have their activities and "Chaturmas" for the first time in America.
It is exactly one hundred years since Mr. Virchandbhai R. Gandhi came to Chicago (1893) to attend a religious function. Let us all decide to take an active part for our religion. Jainam Jayati Shashnam!
Kantilal Shah (Salot)
Trustee Jai-Jinendra
Navrangpura Sangh
Jain Education International
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