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((ODD)
OPEN
July 31, 2006
Dear Sadharmik Bothers, Sisters and Youngsters:
JAI JINENDRA,
I am very happy to report to you that, the Grand celebration of the Pratishtha Mahotsav during June 10 to June 19, 2005 was a great success, now we have successfully celebrated the first anniversary of the Pratishtha Mahotsav from June 15 to June 18, 2006
This outstanding center has been built with the foresight of united Jain Community, inspiration and place for all Jains and is a symbol of unity in diversity. Planning and construction of this temple was done with the deep thought of unity and togetherness of all Jains now and for our future generations. Primary goal is unity of all Jains. On Behalf of the Jain Center of America I sincerely thank one Sadharmik brother member and his family as construction coordinator who achieved this goal.
Many visitors have visited our Temple during and after Pratishtha Mahotsav and written many admiring comments in the Temple visitor note book of which a few are published in this souvenir. These comments from visitors all around the world reflect an example of Jain unity at our center. I urge all members to continue to be united with their open mind and heart.
On behalf of the Jain Center of America I thank all Acharyas, Bhattarakaji, Gurujis, Sadhvis, Pundits and scholars who blessed the occasion and helped us to make the Pratishtha Mahotsav a grand success.
This Souvenir will be a life long memory to all of us as it contains photos and names of the members who have participated in the Pratishtha or Bharai of Pratimajis and names all participants who have donated $501.00 and more towards any one ritual or any one event.
On behalf of JCA Board of Trustees and Executive committee I thank all members who have generously donated for the Pratishtha Mahotsav, towards the construction of the temple and those who gave loans to JCA for timely completion of the construction. We request them to continue their generosity in the future, which will allow us to maintain this Temple in proper condition to pass our rich religious heritage to our future generations.
We are thankful to Convener, Co-Conveners, past Board of Trustees and past Executive Committee, all Committee Co-coordinators and committee members, all volunteers, without them this would not have been possible to make celebration of the Pratishtha Mahotsava grand success.
I thank all members and their families of the Jain Center of America who has participated in the Pratishtha Mahotsav for the success.
My special thanks to C. J. Kothari who has spent unaccountable amount of time and effort to prepare this post Pratishtha Souvenir and also the great help and efforts of Ramesh V. Shah.
The Ashtapad Tirth crystal mountain carving is going well in India at Jaipur and anticipated completion towards end of 2007. Pratishtha Mahotsav of Ashtapad Tirth is expected to be in 2008. Our center is blessed to have an Ashtapad Tirth, a generous donation from one Sadharmik brother and his family. This is the one of a kind Ashthpad Tirth in the world. JCA is planning to invite Jains around the world to witness the Grand Ashatapd Tirth Pratishtha Mahotsav celebration. I am requesting all members to help the Center to make this upcoming Ashtapad Tirth Pratishtha Mahotsav successful
Temple activities are increasing and all traditions are participating well. On behalf of JCA I request all to participate actively and your help in any form will be very much appreciated.
If we have made any errors or forgotten to thank anyone we ask your forgiveness.
"MICHCHHAMI DUKKADAM"
Jawahar A. Shetti
Chairman Board of Trustees
JAIN CENTER OF AMERICA - NEW YORK
