Jain Center Los Angeles CA 2008 09 Pratishta Souvenior

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

Page 62

THE MAKING OF JCYC
Mahendra Khandhar
The Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) was established in September 1979 followed by the inauguration of the Federation of Jain Organizations in North America (JAINA) in May 1981 in Los Angeles. Since the inception of JCSC, families had discussed the idea of creating a Pathshala/Jainshala to educate the youths. Several issues and concerns surrounding the creation of a Pathshala emerged, including the lack of an independent space, uncertainty regarding how many parents would be motivated to send their children to the classes, the far distances that parents would have to travel, and issues regarding the frequency of the class, language, syllabus and who might volunteer to become a teacher.
The community sought the guidance and blessings of its spiritual leaders, including Pujya Acharya Shri Sushil Kumarji and Pujya Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji. Both supported the concept and encouraged the idea of children's activities and Pathshala. The first Pathshala class was held at the residence of Rajen and Rajul Mehta, with about 20 children. The teachers included Dr. Niranjan Shah, Girishbhai Shah and Mahendrabhai Khandhar. The class, held every Sunday morning, went over the basics of the Jain philosophy, along with lessons written by Dr. Ratibhai Dodhia and published by the Boston Jain Center. The group eventually became known as the Jain Center Youth Council, or JCYC.
In later months, JCYC class moved to various residences in the community, including those of Divyakant and Sarala Sheth, Inder and Nirmal Jain, Pujya Sushil Muniji's Ashram in Long Beach and some parks. Ultimately, JCYC class location was settled at Rajen and Rajul Mehta's place in Cerritos, for several years. The attendance increased from 20 in 1982 to about 70 in 1988. At this point, given the success of the class, the Pathshala was moved to our newly erected and inaugurated Jain Bhavan.
The spiritual leaders had also suggested to organize winter camps during the holidays and recommended joint camps with other groups. The first children's Christmas camp was held jointly with the Northern California group in December 1981 in San Luis Obispo with Pujya Shri Chitrabhanuji. There were about 50 children, 25 each from Southern and Northern California. It was a great success.
The second children's Christmas camp was held in December 1982 in Lake Arrowhead, followed by a third children's camp which featured Balbhadraji (Bruce Costain of Toronto, a disciple of Pujya Chitrabhanuji). There were about 60 children. The fourth camp was held jointly with the Phoenix group in December 1984 in Parker, Arizona. There were 30 children from LA and 20 from Phoenix. After that, the Christmas camp for JCYC children was an annual event that the students (and parent volunteers) eagerly and excitedly looked forward to. Given the popularity of the camp, attendance was limited to about 60 students, due to the constraints of the facilities. The camps were held at various places, including San Bernardino mountain retreats, Big Bear, Idyllwild and Hemet.
Classes during the camps were taught by Girish Shah, Mahendra Khandhar, Dr. Kirit Gosalia and Kishor Parekh. Every year, the teachers prepared 100-page religious texts to use as teaching tools. The texts consisted of various themes, including the Nine Reals (Nav Tattva), Six Substances (Chha Dravya), Samayik, Pratikraman, Sutras, Stavans, Prayers and short stories. Besides classes, there were many other activities conducted at the camps, including cultural shows, skits, singing, music, hiking, snow play and fun games. Food was prepared by many volunteers (mostly parents).
I hope to someday become a Pathshala teacher and pass on my knowledge of our religion to the next generation.
Shalini Dangi, 12