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REGIONAL NEWS..
SOUTHWEST Jadavji Kenia, Regional Editor
Phoenix, AZ
Jain Center of greater Phoenix organized its 6th Annual Jain Camp "Jainism in the next Millennium" during February, 2000 at Camp Shadow Rim Ranch in Payson. Sixty eight Jain members attended the camp. There were sessions on Happiness, Jain Universe, Soul's relationship with matter and Karma Theory.
Separate sessions were held for children and adults. Pathshala teachers Kirit Gosalia,
SOUTHEAST
Varsha Shah and Mital Gosalia conducted Surendra Shah, Regional Editor
the above sessions. Children 18 years and under participated in essay writing compe tition. The topics were "Practice of Jainism in day to day life" and "Why one should be compassionate to others". Debate moderated by Mahendra Shah on "Parent-Child Relationship" was well participated. Other activities included session on Body Mechanics by Lata Desai, Mital Gosalia and Varsha Shah. Kusum Savla shared her knowledge of Yoga with the group. Ashok Jain and Piyush Shah lead Team building activities. Center would like to thanks all the volunteers. Special thanks to Asha Jain for coor
dinating camp activities. Jain Center of Greater Phoenix Email address is jain_phoenix@hotmail.com (Bhakti Gosalia at (623) 561-2148)
DALLAS, TX
44 teenagers gathered for Thanksgiving Convention of 1999 entitled Back to the Future. The Jain Youth Groups of Tulsa, Houston, Lubbock, and Dallas congregated to remember their Jain roots. This convention united the Jain principles and practices from the venerable past into our modern world. Knowledgeable speakers, such as Dr. Gada, Dr. Gosalia, and Shardaji, explained relevant aspects of core Jain philosophies, Jain Eras, Role of Thirthankars, Soul, and Jain Meditation. Introspective discussions were then organized to utilize these Jain principles into the daily lives of Jain Youth.
workshops such as the Snaatra Puja and Six Essentials workshops, analyzed traditional Jain practices to assist Jain Youth to integrate these practices into their lives. Overall, the convention provided a place of reflection for young Jains to discover what aspects of Jainism they wanted to carry with them into the new millennium. Some internet enthusiasts are working on a web page. Check out www.dfwjains.org after mid-March. JSNT contact is current president Kirit Daftary at 254-776-4209.
8/JAIN DIGEST. SPRING 2000
Jain Education International
Atlanta, GA
Jain Society of Greater Atlanta held elections for the Society held on December 12, 1999, the following were elected: President: Madhuben Sheth Vice President: Shirish Gandhi General Secretary: Hitesh Shah Treasurer: Bharat Shah
Members: Anil Shah and Rajesh Shah Youth Coordinator: Virbala Jain Sapanaboli was conducted on Mahavir Jayanti during Paryushana Parva celebrations and about $35,000 was collected. Lectures by Rajmohan Gandhi (grandson of Mahatma Gandhi) and Janice Leosko (University of Texas at Austin) are planned in upcoming months. Dr. Narendra Shah and Surendra Shah participated in the Parliament of World Religions held in Capetown, South Africa in December.
Raleigh, NC
Jain Study Center of North Carolina (Raleigh, North Carolina) Mr. Pravin and Arti Shah attended the Parliament of World Religions at Capetown, South Africa. Mr. Pravin Shah made several presentations on Jain theory of Karma that were very well received by Jains and non-Jains alike.
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Orlando, FL
The Jain Society of Central Florida, Orlando has selected a new committee for the year 2000. The new members are as follows:
President: Bhupendra Shah 407-352-0225 Treasurer:Bakul Kamani 407-345-4973 Secretary: Hina Shah 407-330-1413 New Trustee : Suryakant Dawawala Existing trustees :Kishor Tolia, Kumud Mehta The permanent address for the Society is C/O. Rajendra Mehta,
1689 Grange Circle, Longwood, FL 32750
NORTHEAST
Dinesh Chheda, Regional Editor
Essex falls, NJ
Gyan Pancham, Dev Diwali/Kartaki Poonam, and Maun Ekadashi were celebrated at Caldwell Derasar during November/December. Members, particularly students were briefed about the importance of Gyan Poojan in their lives and its aaradhana eliminates Gyanavarniya Karma. Monthly Pooja, Samuh Samayik and Pathshala classes at two locations are continuing with very good response from members. Regular Swadhayay classes are held on Friday evenings and they are given by local Jain Scholars. A Health Fair was a great success. More than 15 doctors had volunteered their services for EKG, Blood Tests, Dental Care, Diet guidelines, children's health, Bone Marrow donation drive etc. Bone Marrow donation has yielded one match for a fortunate person. For more information contact President Diwakar Shah at (908) 7540891.
Cherry Hill, NJ
The executive committee and the board of trustees will present the Temple extension plan and seek approval of the general body to proceed with the construction on 27th February, 2000 meeting. The plan was
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