Jain Digest 1999 04

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

Page 18

COMMITTEE NEWS (continued)
AFFILIATE NEWS
JAINA Sends "Stress Test" Machine
and Used Clothes JAINA donated a "STRESS TEST" Diagnostic machine worth $30,000 for investigating heart diseases, to Shri K.V.O. Jain Mahajan Diagnostic Center of Bhuj - Kutch. No such facility is available in entire district of Kutch, population 1.2 million. This machine will help local needy people for evaluation of their heart problems and will save a trip to large cities like Bombay costing thousands of rupees, avoid unnecessary and painful travel and loss of wages. The machine was donated by Dr. Pravin Mehta of Buffalo, NY.
JAINA is also sending 100 kgs of used clothes to Diwaliben Mohanlal Mehta Charitable Trust to be distributed in many parts of India, where needed. JAINA is one of the Premier Indian - American Organizations involved in charitable projects throughout the world and particularly in India.
For more information, you may contact Mr.Bhadresh Dhila, Co-Chairman 301/587 5797.
First Mahavir Jayanti Celebrations in
India after 25 years In 1999, the 29th day of March may have marked the last Mahavir Jayanti of this millennium but it was one of the first Mahavir Jayanti celebrations officiated by Shri Chitrabhanuji in India after over 25 years. The function was held at Bhaidas Hall of Mithibai College in Mumbai. More than 2,000 people attended.
On this occassion Gurudev said, “Mahavirhood is hidden in all of us, just as gold is hidden in the gold mines. When we purify the gold from the dross and liberate the gold from restraining elements that it is bound by in nature, we begin to realize the 24 carat gold. Then it does not matter from where gold came: it is pure gold. If we understand this potential for divinity within each of us, the misidentification with the dross ends and then we can attain Mahavirhood."
Mahavir Memorial Committee Mahavir Memorial committee was established to celebrate the 2600th anniversary of Lord Mahavir in year 2001. A meeting of the members of the Mahavir Memorial committee will be held from 2:30 pm to 4pm on Friday, July 2, 1999 at the JAINA Convention, in the Quaker Room of the Pennsylvania corridor located at the lower level of the cast wing of Valley Forge Sheraton Hotel. Please plan to attend the meeting and share your ideas and what you can do for the celebration of this great event in the year 2001.
IMJM Plans Retreat in Niagara Falls
Every one is welcome to a discussion group at the annual International Mahavir Jain Mission (IMJM) retreat in Niagara Falls, Canada on Aug. 14 and 15 with keynote speaker Dr. Padmanabh Jaini and other scholars. To participate in this event or for further information please contact Leela Gudka at 416/2993627 or sgudka@sprint.ca.
HEADQUARTERS NEWS (continued)
Continued from page 6
Pravin Mehta reported on the activities of YJA. Bids are being evaluated from 4 centers for the next YJA convention. He also reported that YJA is actively participating in the JAINA Convention. He stressed need for more regional YJA conferences.
Kirit Daftary of Jirnodhdhar committee reported that Virendra Shah of Los Angeles will be the vice chairman of their committee. He also requested that the name of his committee be changed to Tirthodhdhar Committee. Dilip V. Shah seconded the change of name motion and was approved without dissent.
Prem Jain spoke of the expansion plans of their temple in San Francisco. He offered JAINA to open a permanent headquarter in their temple complex. Every one applauded the offer and an ad hoc committee was proposed by Dhiraj Shah and seconded by Mahendra Pandya to examine the feasibility of establishing a permanent JAINA head quarter and also possibly other regional offices. Dilip
V. Shah, Jit Turakhia and Jagat Jain were named to this committee.
Dilip V.Shah proposed that in view of the fact that Dhiraj Shah has been handling a lot of work related to filing USAID reports and dealing with other Jain organizations around the world and application as NGO status with the UN, he be named chairperson of a new "Governmental & International Relations Organizations Committee". The motion was seconded by Manibhai Mehta. Jit Turakhia suggested that in light of our established practice of President not heading any committee, Dhiraj Shah's committee chairmanship should begin after he leaves office as president of JAINA (July 7,99). The motion was amended and was passed unanimously.
Dhirajbhai took notice of the fact that this was the last meeting of this executive committee and he thanked all the members of the Executive Committee for their cooperation,
Executive Committee paid tribute to Munichandra Maharaj and others by observing one minute silence. Meeting adjourned at 5:45 P.M. with recitation of Namokar Mantra.
16/JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 1999 Jain Education Intemational