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get involved and learn first hand about the health issues, hospitals and the socio-economic conditions in India. By becoming personally involved Tushar saw how much can be accomplished when the community and volunteers pull together to help with such a noble task. He recommends that everyone to visit and work at institutions like these.
The Veerayatan's Eye Hospital (Netra Jyoti Deva Mandiram), which has performed more than 30, 000 free eye operations to date, was the brain child of Gurudev Upadhaya Amar Muniji. It was constructed under the direction of Acharya Chandanaji and Sadhvi Chetnaji Maharaj is the manager. For details about the medical camp at Bidada please see the March, 1994 issue of the Jain Digest, pp-14.
MIDWEST Manubhai Doshi Regional Editor
Chicago, IL
The newly elected officers of the Jain Society took office on January 1, 1994. The center has continued to attract people from all over the area. Snatra Pooja and Digambar Pooja are performed every Sunday morning. Sthanakwasi friends come together on the first Sunday of every month for Samayika and the chanting of Namokar Mantra. Shrimad Bhakti is held on the third Sunday of every month in the Jnanmandir. Panchakalyanak and other
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poojas are performed frequently with the active participation of the ladies from the Mahavir Mahila Mandal. Arti and Mangal Dip are performed every evening in the temple and in the Juanmandir (Temple of Knowledge).
Religion classes began in January. Four separate classes are conducted for children. The classes are based on age and are conducted in accordance with the course outline prescribed for each class. In addition, there is a class for adults with an emphasis on the essence of Jainism. All classes are conducted simultaneously from 11:00a.m. to 12:00 noon after common prayer which is held from 10:50 to 11:00 a.m. About 100 children and 25 adults have been taking advantage of these classes. A class in Gujarati began in May.
During Chaitri Oli arrangements were made for Ayambils at the center on April, 17 and 23, 1994. More than 150 people observed Ayambil.
The 2592nd birthday of Lord Mahavir was celebrated on April 24, 1994. More than 1,200 people attended. A speaking contest for children was the main part of the program. The theme was the impact of the Jain Center in your life. The thirty children who participated were divided into three age groups. By the manner in which the children expressed this theme, one can state that the Jain Center is going to play a very significant role in preserving Jain heritage. Prizes of $51, $31 and $21 were awarded to the top three participants in each age group. The following children were the recipients:
JAIN DIGEST
For Private & Personal Use Only
LJ
Age 5-9
1st prize - Shital Shah 2nd prize - Shashin Shah 3rd prize Nina Mehta Age 10-13
1st prize Amishi Sandesara and Tina Shah 2nd prize - Jay Shah
3rd prize- Rena Shah Age 14-19
1st prize - Darshan Mehta 2nd prize - Parshwa Shah 3rd prize Smiti Parekh
In addition, $5 was presented to every participant by Rajendra Shah. The program ended with Arti and Mangal Dip followed by dinner.
On hearing the sad news of the passing away of Acharya Shree Sushil Kumar Ji on April 22, 1994, the center sent a telegram to his Ashram in New Delhi. A resolution to that effect was passed on April 24, 1994. In addition, Kausagga and two minutes silence were observed, praying for the bliss of the departed soul.
More then ninty people participated in observing the 93rd anniversary of Shrimad Rajchandra's Samadhi on May 1, 1994. Followers enthusiastically recited Atmasiddhishastra and chanted the Smaran Mantra. The program concluded with Arti, Mangal Dip and dinner.
A drive was undertaken to collect useable clothing for distribution in India. With the cooperation of the Indiraben Doshi Memorial Trust, 106 parcels of clothes were sent to Baltimore for shipment to India.
June 1994 www.jainelibrary.org
