Jain Digest 1997 04

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

Page 22

"There is nothing more powerful than an idea. No weapon can destroy it; no power can conquer it, except the power of another idea"
YJA Holds Executive Board Meeting
YJA held an executive board meeting in Dallas, Texas
Gurudev Chitrabhanuji has spent his life spreading
the weekend of January 31, 1997. In addition to meeting new Jainism around the world. He has always paid special attention faces and seeing old friends, the thirteen board members to bringing Jain Philosophy to young people in a way that they succeeded in having a productive meeting, resulting in new can grasp. Therefore, the Jain Youth Association of New York projects and the enhancement of old ideas. (JYA) chose the 25th Anniversary of Gurudev Chitrabhanuji's YJA has taken on another worthwhile project; the sale arrival in America to be the most appropriate time to recognize of keychains depicting the Jain Om symbol. In addition, the his contribution in educating today's youth. They decided to board is selling books in English that detail Jain philosophy. hold an essay competition by focusing on his book. The These books and videos depicting cruelty to sacred animals will competition Gurudev Chitrabhanuji: Jain Wisdom for the be available at the JAINA convention this summer in Toronto. Youth.
YJA continues its Foster Focus and People to People The adult advisors of JYA, Panna Shah and Chhaya program through which cities either take on local service projects Kapadia formulated the essay rules and criteria with the help of or involve their community as an aide to the national Balbhadra Bruce Costain who has a doctorate degree in Jainism organization. New ideas for Foster Focus projects have been and has practiced Jainism for many years. JAINA president developed, including the encouragement of school boards to Manibhai Mehta enthusiastically made it an JAINA event. include a vegetarian meal plan, creating local speaker sessions Panna Shah and Devendra Peer sponsored this event. about animal rights, and institute a pen pal system across North America.
The guidelines for this contest were very demanding. They required the contestants to enhance their knowledge about Gurudev Chitrabhanuji's influence in the United States. The contestants were required to read several of Gurudev Chitrabhanuji's books, and then write a formal paper on them.
The competition was open to all throughout the USA. While essay writing is a tough challenge, several motivated youth
The executive board held elections. The following officers were elected: Ravi Gada and Raju Shah, Co-chairs; Jill Shah, Finance; Anish Sheth, Fundraising; Kavita Jhaveri, Events; Gaurav Kapadia, Public Relations; Dina Mehta, Records; Shilpa Shah, Membership.
Young Jains Honor Gurudev Chitrabhanuji
Lastly, YJA has formulated the bid application for cities enthusiastically took part in this event. The competition was interested in hosting YJA's biennial convention during the judged by Balbhadra Bruce Costain, Neela Shah and Girish B. summer of 1998. If interested, please contact any of the board Shah. The winners will be awarded their prizes at the JAINA members. Hope to see everybody at the JAINA convention this summer in Toronto!
convention in July '97.
JANA '97 Essay Competition
If you would like to volunteers, facilitate discussion groups, or be an academic panel members, or if your youth community would like to hold an event in Toronto (i.e. discussion, art show, cultural program), please contact:
E-Mail: <oznog@pathcom.com> or Mail to:
Hemant Shah 28 Carmel Ct. North York, ON M2M 4B4
Canada
If you have internet access, please visit the JAINA '97 website at:
www.yja.edu/yja/events/convention/97convention.html
20 Jain Education International
Ages 7-10
1st Place - Jimit Shah 2nd Place - Ashnoo Nanavati Ages 11-14
1st Place Kanan Kapadia 2nd Place - Shalin Shah
3rd Place - Amit Shah&Ridhi Shah Ages 15-18
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
JAIN DIGEST
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Saumil Mukhatyar
Gaurav Kapadia
Sapan Mukhatyar
March 1997 www.jainelibrary.org