Jain Digest 1999 04

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

Page 19

Celebrating 25 Years
Jain Society of Toronto
by Keshav Chandaria
In 1974, J.D.Shah called meeting of the Jains in Greater Toronto and established Jain Society. During the year they had paryushan parva and samvantsari pratikaman and first ever picnic was held at Center Island. Mr. Jayant Thacker became the first life member.
In 1975, J.D. Shah was re-elected as President of the Society. Manubhai Shah brought "Mahavir Swami” pratima from India. With this pratima, Gharderasar was established at Remilaben and Talakchand Doshi's house. Samayak was introduced during that year.
In 1976, Shan Jain became the President. Society started celebrating Diwali.
In 1977, Vasant Seth was elected President and Society's constitution was established. Paryushan Parva for 8 days was celebrated.
In 1978, under the presidency of Kirti Shah, Jain Society got approval of Charitable organization. The main motive and goal of the Society was to maintain unity of all Jains at the Society. Life membership started increasing. It came to 75 in year 1978.
In 1979, during the presidency of Sudhir Gandhi newsletter communication was improved, membership also started increasing and Society started recognizing the services of the members.
In 1980, during the presidency of Shan Jain, members started thinking of having their own place for Jain Society. All Jain festivities were observed.
In 1981, under the Presidentship of B.N.Shah people who had Tapasya were honoured. Sushil Muniji, Ghitrabhnuji and others learned people started visiting Toronto often and everyone were requesting to have a small place of worship of our own.
In 1982, momentum to have our own place started under the Presidentship of Shan Jain at insistence of Sushil Kumarji. Pledge by Naresh Jain of $5000 boosted to have our own accommodation
In 1983, under the Presidentship of Ramnik Kothari, people started looking for suitable building and accommodation which can help Jains to be together. Ramesh Jain, living in Etobicoke spotted property at Parkland Ave. and informed Motibhai Champsee who is in the Real Estate business. Few people went to see the property and had a Jain meeting. It was decided to acquire 247 Parklawn Ave. Fund Raising Committee was established and Ramesh Jain, Moti Champsee, Talakchand Doshi, Naresh Jain, Keshav Chandaria, Mohanlal Mehta and Manhar Sheth took the initiative to raise funds for the property. We had approximately $30,000 in funds. Chandaria Family gave it a boost by putting another 50% of the amount. Once momentum was created, decision to acquire 247 Parklawn Ave. was taken on 6th October, 1983. Shanti Shah carried out all legal work.
This building was renovated and converted to our requirement and named Jain Centre. Officially, we moved into it on 27th Nov 83.
First pathshala was established by Lalit Pansar and Balbhadra. Board of Trustees was established during that year and following Trustees were elected: Keshav Chandaria, Naresh Jain, Mohanlal Mehta, Ramesh Jain, Manhar Sheth. Keshav Chandaria was acting as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees.
In 1984, under Ramnikbhai Kothari, Sub-Committee for building maintenance was formed and celebrities started coming to lecture. Induben Dhanak's program was first organized at the Society
In 1985, Pravinchandra Shah became President. Constitution was amended to bring more amicability amongst the members of the Society.
In 1986 and 1987 during the presidency of Dinesh Jain, monthly Samayak was established and 365 days worshipping in temple was initiated with the commitment of 23 families.
In 1988, under the Presidentship of Ramnik Kothari feasibility study of the expansion of the temple was done by the Trustees and record amount of $15, 000 was collected, during Mahavir Janmakalyanak celebrations. Extensive preparation started to boost 5th bi-annual Jaina Convention to be held at Toronto.
In 1989, under the Presidentship of Dinesh Jain and Ramnik Kothari as the Convenor, 5th bi-annual Jaina Convention was hosted in Toronto from 1" July to 3rd July, 1989 and also the movement started to have a bigger place.
In 1990, under the Presidentship of Mahendra Mehta, Jains were very happy with the building and the facilities and were proud of Jain Centre but the population was increasing. Trustees of Jain Society, Moti Champsee started looking for another bigger accommodation. We looked at so many places but 48 Rosemeade was introduced to us by Mahendra Vora and the price seemed to be very reasonable. It was decided on 16th Feb'90 to purchase this property at $1 million. Again, Trustees along with prominent members of the society went to many people and got the pledge for this property. Moti Champsee wrote a cheque of $100, 000 for deposit and missing number at the time of taking occupation was provided by Ramesh Jain's family. With enthusiasm and togetherness of the Jain Society, we took the possession of this property on 4th Sept.'90. It was opened to public on 23 Sept'90, after necessary renovations 247 Parklawn was sold. During that period, Mahavir puja, Snatra puja, Samayak puja and bhakti was established each Sunday of the month.
In 1991, JAINA awared the 'Most Progressive Jain Society Award' to Jain Society and we started taking extensive part in Jaina. Also, created new position for women and youth representative in Executive Committee. Further amendment to the constitution was done,
Continued on page 23
JAIN DIGEST. SUMMER 1999/17
Jain Education Intemational