Jain Center Los Angeles CA 1998 07 10th Anniversary of Jain Bhavan

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

Page 130

Personal Perspectives of Members on Impact of Jain Center in Their Lives
Priyanka Doshi, age 13
Jain Center has impacted my life in many ways. I learned in depth about my culture and religion from attending Gujarati and Pathshala classes. My parents taught me a lot about our ancestors and Jain religion but going to Jain Center has helped me appreciate this and made my beliefs stronger.
It was very hard for me to adjust as a Jain in this country with so many different cultures and totally different beliefs. Going to Jain Center has helped me cope with my uncertain feelings. I have made lots of friends who were going through the same feelings. Sharing my feelings with them and the teachers made me proud of my culture and gave me support that I am not alone. Most Americans do not understand my views and feelings, but I can share these with my friends at Jain Center. Before I started going to the Jain Center couple years ago, I was afraid to tell my American friends that I am a vegetarian, as I did not want to be different, but today I proudly brag that I am a vegetarian.
Overall, I am glad that we have this magnificent Jain Center in Southern California.
I am a Jain, and I will be for the rest of my life.
Manisha Parekh (15)
Jain Education Intemational