Jain Digest 1994 03 Vol 10 No 01

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

Page 14

JAINA HELPS VICTIMS OF EARTHQUAKE
The World Community Service of JAINA has raised more than $76,000 to help the victims of a devastating earthquake which caused the loss of 30,000 lives and destroyed 52 villages of Latur and Osmanabad districts of Southeast Maharashtra.
Members of the World Community Service visited both districts personally during December 6 to 9, 1993. The visit was organized by Diwaliben Mohanlal Mehta Charitable Trust, Bombay. The chairman of the World Community Service of JAINA was accompanied by Mr. P.C. Jain, Chief Executive Officer of the Trust.
The group visited about 28 villages in Latur and Osmanabad districts affected by the eqrthquake. After travelling through the region and spending a lot of time with the victims of the earthquake, one can see the fear still written on the faces of the survivors. Aftershocks and tremors continue
Feeding the young victims of earthquake was one of the immediate help provided by JAINA. Dr. Dhiraj Shah is serving
the food.
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to plague the people. Our group also felt the tremors on the 8th of December while spending time with the survivors in their temporary shelters.
The State Government and voluntary organizations performed magnificently at the onset of the disaster offering immediate and intermediate relief under the most difficult circumstances. Now, almost everyone has pulled out except for a few dedicated voluntary organizations. Meetings were held with these voluntary organizations on the site as well as in Bombay. These organizations included Rotary International, Lions Club International, Swaminarayan and many others. After talking to all of these groups, JAINA has decided to join hands with the Lions Club International.
The Lions Club has adopted a village Kawatha, Umergaon Taluka, Osmanabad District. It is located 45 miles south of
Latur. JAINA will contribute 50% of the cost of the Primary School. This will amount to US $17,500. The school will be named 'Kawatha Primary School' donated by 'Federation of JAINA.' JAINA will also contribute 50% of the cost of 50 houses. The standard house size will be 250 sq. ft. The cost of construction will approximately be US $42,500. The cluster of these 40 houses will be named 'Jain Nagar' donated by 'Federation of JAINA.'
JAINA would like to thank the more than 300 individual donors for their generous contribution. JAINA would also like to thank Jain Centers of Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Raleigh, St. Louis and San Francisco for their generous contribution for this noble endeavor.
Destroyed water tank by earthquake at village Kawatha.
Scene of desruction by earthquake at village Kawatha.
JAIN DIGEST
633
MARCH 1994 www.jainelibrary.org