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Jain Digest
Utica, MI (2nd place); Sameer Shah, Schaumburg, IL (3rd place)
Ages 11 to 14 - Shilpa Sejpal, Burlington, NC (1st place); Vibha Lakhani, Flushing, NY (2nd place); Raj Shah, Cincinnati, OH (3rd place)
Ages 15 and up - Madhurina Shah, Bowie, MD (1st place); Sheetal Khandar, Walnut, CA (2nd place); Neelesh Kenia, Richardson, TX (3rd place).
GHABHARA OPENING at Siddhachalam on May 2, 1993. This ceremony coincided with the celebration of Mahavir Jayanti. The celebration started with Bhakti Bhavna (Devotional Songs) at night on May 1st. On May 2nd, the celebration continued with Snatra Pooja, Varghodo, Ghabhara Opening ceremony and Swapna Darshana.
Swapna Darshan is viewing of the fourteen objects that appeared in the prophetic dream to Trishaldevi, mother of Bhagwan Mahavir. In India, Swapna Darshan is traditionally celebrated during Paryushana. However, at Siddhachalam, it is a tradition since 1988 to observe Swapna Darshana on Mahavir Jayanti which is celebrated during the spring.
In a concluding discourse, Acharya Sushil Kumarji asked all Jains to join him in spreading Bhagwaan Mahavir's message of non-violence and peace throughout the world. The celebration ended with Swamivatsalya (Community Dinner) for all.
derwent some organizational changes. Its constitution has been changed to include different categories of members who will elect Trustees and members of the Executive Committee. Elections were held in January, 1993 and the new Executive Committee and the Trustees were elected by the general membership of the Jain Center of America.
Mr. Amul Shah, the newly elected President of JCA indicates that it is their goal to build in New York "a gorgeous Jain Center Complex" which will include a Shikharbandhi Temple, exhibition hall depicting Jain history in sight and sound, and a community hall for religious and cultural activities. According to Mr. Shah, JCA has received pledges of more than one million dollars for the new Jain Center Complex project.
During the coming summer months, Jain Center of America will be organizing talks on Jain philosophy by several Jain scholars who will be visiting New York.
Midwest - - Region
St. Louis Center
Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated on the 17th and 18th of April in the presence of Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji. He spoke on Jain literature and also delivered a talk on the life and teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir.
Following the talk, all the youth who regularly attended the Jain Pathshala were recognized. Also, a special recognition was given to Rahul Nayak, Ravi Nayak, Ami Shah, Rajeev Shah, and Amar Salgia who participated in the JAINA Youth Essay Competition.
Jain Center of Greater Boston Essay Competition 1993
Mahavir Jayanti celebrated by Jain Center of America
Chicago Health Fair by Dr. Bhavna Shah
Jain Center of America (JCA) located in New York City celebrated the 2591st Birthday of Bhagwaan Mahavir on Sunday, April 4, 1993. The celebration started in the morning with a performance of SNATRA POOJA at Ithaca Street-Queens temple. There was a delightful cultural program consisting of drama and Raas-Garba dances performed by the young people of the New York Jain community. Traditional Swamivatsalya (Community Dinner) for about 1800 Jains attending the celebration concluded the evening program.
Jain Center of America, which had its modest beginning in 1965 making it one of the first Jain organizations in the U.S.A., recently un
The Jain Center of Greater Boston invites essays for the annual 1993 Essay Competition for children and youths ages 7 through 25 years old. The essays can be on any topic related to Jainism, including stories from Jain scriptures. The essays should be in English.
Please attach a separate sheet to the essay containing your name, age, grade and parents' name and address. Essays must be received by September 30, 1993 at the following address: Essay Competition, Jain Center of Greater Boston, 83 Fuller Brook Road, Wellesley, MA 02181. Please call (617) 237-5997 if you have any questions.
Results of Essay Competition 1992
Ages 10 & under-Deepti Doshi, Raleigh, NC (1st place); Neha Sheth,
From left to right: Dr. Kirti Talsania, Dr. Nirmala Jain, Dr. Dilip Shah, Dr. Urmila Talsania, Dr. Vikram Shah
Under the leadership of Dr. Urmila Talsania, several physicians, dentists, and paramedical personnel participated in a very successful second annual health fair. On March
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