Jain Center Minnesota MN 2007 07 Pratishtha

Author(s): Jain Center Minnesota USA
Publisher: USA Jain Center Minnesota

Page 67

October 31, 1989 with the State Of Minnesota. By-laws were enacted and first Board of Trustees were elected: Ram Gada, Kusum Shah, Vinod Shah, Iswar Bhakta and Dhanendra Shah. Regular monthly meetings and Pathshala continues. Paryushan Parve celebration with first pratikaman in English for youths started. First fund raising of $2107 from 15 families was a fabulous amount in those days, showing great enthusiasm expressed by the pioneers. Achievements From the inception of the JCM our actions and practices were aimed for Jain unity, youth and adult education, scholar interaction, interfaith participation, charitable activities and celebration of festivals. • JCM stressed unity of Jains among Sangh members who may belong to different Jain traditions.
(Digambar, Swetambar, Sthanakvasi, Terapanthi, or Srimad Rajchandra follower, etc). However each tradition rituals/practices are respected in appropriate manner at different times and events. Our unity strength lies in Jain philosophy. All education material in English was made available from JAINA and other sources. Discussions and communication are conducted in English to benefit all adults and youth. Some exceptions apply for bhajans, poojas, and sutras which may be in Ardha-magdhi, Sanskrit, Hindi or Gujarati. We have invited several learned speakers from different traditions. Our emphasis was on philosophical tenets rather than rituals which may change as per time, place,
Gachchha, guru and local conditions. • We enjoyed celebration of Paryushan/Dashlakshan festivals with a common Ksamapna
(forgiveness) day, Mahavir Jayanti/Nirvan day, Ahimsa day, etc. • Sponsorship in lieu of “Ghee Boli” (auction for JCM fundraising during Sapana or Poojas events
was introduced and well received by the membership • Historic decision was made to raise all the Jain Temple and Pratishtha funds with pre-scheduled
sponsorship amounts for various events for greater participation by all. i JCM practiced open communication with the membership, held annual elections and elected new
Trustee Board as per JCM By-laws and encouraged everyone for leadership positions particularly to women and youth.
Jain Education - Pathshala: In 1990s, Pathshala for youth was a very successful activity with three levels of classes. Youth were encouraged to participate at Young Jains of America (YJA) Conventions. These activities at their forming years have made a permanent impact on their lives. Refer to "Reflections" articles written by these past Pathshala students in this Souvenir Book. Last few years we have more young children who require special attention from teachers like Abha Bhow in past and now from Manisha Shah who is doing a great job. Jaina Education Committee has been an excellent source for different level of curriculum books in English.
JCM as Source of Information Exchange: JCM maintains large numbers of books, audio/video tapes, dvds, on Jain philosophy/religion topics in English, Hindi, and Gujarati. We act as a source for Jainism related inquiries from students.
Ram Gada visits churches, schools, and community organizations to talk about Jainism which is not known in community at large. His lectures at Hindu Mandir since 1987 and participation in Interfaith activities have helped to impart understanding of Jainism.