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 33

The Planning Years: 1982 - 1983
Shree Kalyanjibhai Mota
1982 was the third year since the Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) was formed. The excitement was already building for our own Jain Bhavan. Subsequently, members keenly interested for the Jain Bhavan gathered in presence of Gurdev Chitrabhanu and made commitments pledging over $80,000 to jump start the project.
Building Plans: We reached a significant milestone at this gathering for several reasons. The large pledges enabled the Executive Committee to set the target of about $250,000 to have our own Jain Bhavan. The community committed to build Jain Bhavan free and clear from any debt. The Building Committee began working to develop plans and locate a suitable place that could accommodate our changing needs.
Educational Activities: While the Building Committee was busy, the bigger task was to visualize, plan and develop the religious, cultural and social activities to fully utilize the Jain Bhavan and to pass the rich religious and cultural values to our children. The plans for Jain Center Youth Council (JCYC) were developed and children's classes started. Since its inception, attendance in the religious as well as language classes increased significantly. These activities enabled our children to perform at many of our temple events. The offsite religious camps became exciting and successful for children as well as teachers.
Religious and Community Activities: The Mahavir Mandal that started in 1980 was progressing in conducting various types of Poojas. The community provided full support to flourish their activities. Religious discourses and Swadhyays were conducted at various member homes and community centers. Every year attendance during Paryushana increased since the birth of JCSC, and Tapscharya by adults as well as children began to rise.
Children activities - social, cultural as well as religious - were integrated during the lectures of numerous dignitaries. Variety of social events such as community picnic and dandiya ras were planned to develop closeness in the community.
The Executive Committee members represented several areas of the Los Angeles basin and various parts of India. They all felt their participation fulfilling and rewarding.
Jains should be represented in the encyclopedia, like its' neighbors Buddhism and Hinduism,
- Mansi Shah (16)
Jain Education Intemational