Jain Digest 1987 02 Vol 07 No 01

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 13

The Jain nucleous of intellectuals that sprang from the historical hostel, in particular, one Jeevandhara Kumar, a well known professor of surgery in the province, visioned that education is an integral part of the growth of the community and a condusive environment is necessary. "The general public in democratic fashion needs to establish and operate an institution for Jain students", Dr. Kumar observed it in the early stages of the whole idea. An Ad-hoc committee was formed and Mahavira Vidyarthi Nilaya Mysore was registered with the Government of Kamataka on 17 January 1979.
The project cost was estimated at RS 600,000 including the cost of the land. Some funds were raised and an acre of land near Mysore University Campus was bought. Broad objectivtives were outlined in the constitution of the organization. It is to formulate a scheme to encourage and to come out social, religious, cultural and educational activities of all the Jain Communites of the region by constructing and managing Students Hostel for Jains, Shelter Rooms for piligrims and other related activities. To subscribe to the idea and to become a member of the organization, any Jain of any linguistic background or tradition, he or she could opt to become Maha Poshak for RS 8001 (the cost of a room or whichever is higher), life member for RS 1001 or ordinary member for RS 101. And these members form the general body of the organization.
Present status of the project is that the main floor has been almost complete except for auxillary structures such as kitchen - dining and washrooms. In fact the project needs immediate funds to complete these and to plan on the second phase of the second floor.
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MAHAVIRA VIDHYARTHI NITAYA
North American Jains, both in USA and Canada, have our own priorities and projects. However, can we afford to forget and ignore the basic issues with which most of us have wrestled as kids at our school or hostel? Therefore, this appeal has been made to Jains in North America to seek support in the srides of fellow Jains back in India. It does not take much. But the thought and helping hand indeed are warranted. Your kind attention is required.
"In particular, Jains who hail from this region of Mysore, need to show their support to this project" Dr. Jeevandhara Kumar declares, and adds, "This is a worthy cause and the Jain public is responsible for it. We seek support from you as a Mahaposhak or a Life Member. Please take a step with us".
You could send your contributions here to c/o S.A. Kumar, Editor Jain Digest, 4665 Moccasin Trail, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4Z 2B3. Contribution acknowledgements will be made by Mahavira Vidyarthi Nilaya, 17 K.R. Circle, Mysore-1 India. If you wish you could send directly to this address. Your contributions are tax deductible in India for your nominating names.