Jain Center Los Angeles CA 1988 07 Jain Bhavan Inauguration

Author(s): Jain Center So CA Los Angeles
Publisher: USA Jain Center Southern California

Page 11

JAIN CENTER OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Jain Center Youth Council (JCYC)
The Jain Center chartered the youth council or JCYC in 1982 with the objectives of teaching Jain- ism to Jain youngsters, providing a forum for fellow- ship and community service, and preparing future leaders of the Jain community.
During the past seven years, several camps have been held and the attendance at these camps has been excellent. These camps offer a well-balanced program of religious instruction, general discipline, and both indoor and outdoor recreational activities. They are three to four days in duration and are held in a nice resort area.
Initially, a Jain religion and Gujarati language class was conducted once a month by Dr. Niranjan Shah at the residence of Rajen and Rajul Mehta. During the last 18 months, however, it was conducted twice a month by Girish Shah and Mahendra Khandhar at the residence of Divyakant and Sarla Sheth with about 35 youths in attendance. Due to the tremen- dous response and enthusiasm for this class, it has now become necessary to have two classes to accommodate more than 60 youths. These classes are held twice a month on Sundays at the Jain Bhavan.
With the completion of the Jain Bhavan which has two class rooms and a library, it is anticipated that the JCYC will flourish even further. The Jain Center and the JCYC can take pride in their progress so far and look forward to a bright future.
Mahavir Mahila Mandal
JCYC has its own committee to plan and organize its activities. The past presidents (in chronological order) were: Piyush Mehta, Shishir Shah, Hema Doshi, and Amit Kothari. The 1988 committee includes: Ajit Shah (president), Nirav Shah (vice president), Seema Mehta (activities), Sandeep Shah (treasurer), Megha Shah (secretary), and Suketu Khandhar, Maulin Shah, Rajiv Gala, Amit Shah and Anand Sheth as members-at-large.
The Mahavir Mahila Mandal was chartered under the auspices of the Jain Center of Southern California on October 4, 1981. Vasantben Shah took the lead in initiating it with a Snatra Puja at the home of Urmilaben Gada. The primary objectives of the Mahila Mandal are to help develop fellowship amongst the Jain ladies and to promote the celebration of religious festivities such as Snatra Puja, Panch Kalyanak Puja, Navanu Prakarni Puja, Ambel Oli, Gautam Swami Ekasna, etc. Approximately 10 to 12 such occasions are organized every year. The Mahila Mandal is planning to expand its activities to include Samuh Samayik, Simandhar Swami Ekasna, Vishsthanak Ekasna, etc. The anniversary of the founding of the Mahila Mandal is celebrated annually on Kartaki Poonam and includes Pat Darshan of Palitana. The activities and affairs of the Mahila Mandal are presently managed by Ilaben Shah, Vasantben Shah, and Manjulaben Sheth.
Activities of the JCYC include: participation in children's program during Paryushan; essay competition with emphasis on religious topics; rendering service and assistance during Jain Center meetings; day camps (shibirs) with visiting Jain Munis and scholars; overnight camps during summer and December, and various social activities such as picnics and outings.
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