Jain Digest 2001 03 Vol 18 No 02

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

Page 20

REGIONAL NEWS (continued)
were also installed. Later in evening a program of dances and music followed.
On Sunday Shilaropan (Foundation laying) ceremony followed Navagraha pooja for the planned temple on the center building. About 500 people from Atlanta and adjoining states participated in the ceremo
nies.
The center has a large 4500 square foot assembly hall. The kitchen, dining hall, library, and study halls are to be added next. Also, a temple to house the idols is also planned. The hard work of volunteers has paid off. Mrs. Madhuben and Dr. Jagdish Sheth along with others have contributed monetarily as well as in time.
The center is centrally located in Norcross, a suburb of Atlanta. The center cost about one million dollars. The center fulfills the critical need for the permanent gathering place for the Jain community of
the Atlanta area.
WEST
Chandrakant Parekh, Regional Editor
LOS ANGELES, CA
Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) celebrated the 2600th Mahavir Janma Kalyanak on April 8. The program included a cultural program presented by Pathshala students, a lecture by Girishbhai Shah, a progress report on the new Jain Bhavan, an update on the earthquake relief fund, and a report on the onsite relief efforts by the members who had recently returned from a visit to Gujarat. JCSC has raised nearly $430,000 for earthquake relief efforts, and distributed an additional $32,000 to 32 Panjarapors in India. The outgoing members of the Board of Directors were recognized for their services. The Centennial of Shrimad Raj Chandraji's
18/JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2001 Jain Education Themational 2010-02
Nirvan was celebrated with a bhavana program on April 13. The 10th Annual Medical Camp jointly organized by JCSC and Jain Social Group was held on April 28. Medical professionals representing nearly 30 specialties were present to provide free services, tests, screening and consultations. John Muller, Chairperson, and Franki Berry, Vice Chairperson of the City of Buena Park Planning Commission were the guests of honor for the event.
Following nearly 15 months of efforts by the Architects, various consultants, the Building Committee, 15 Sub-committees, and community input, the first set of draw ings of the new Jain Bhavan was submitted to the City of Buena Park Planning Department on May 15 for plan check. If no major issues would be outstanding to gain the City's approval, the goal is to organize the groundbreaking ceremonies in August, in time for the Paryushan Mahaparva.
Information about forthcoming programs and regular activities are posted on JCSC's website at http://www.jainbhavan.com. For additional information, please contact Sumatibhai Shah, JCSC President, at 562/ 926-4075 or at sumatil@hotmail.com.
Bhakti and Swadhayay, exhibition of over 250 pictures depicting Shrimadji's life, and discussions in English on Jainism Today for young professionals and youths.
With the opening of the Jain Bhawan in August 2000, there has been a tremendous increase in the number of activities and participation. Puja, Arti, and Mangal Divo are conducted daily. In addition there are regularly scheduled monthly Snatra Puja, Bhakti Bhavana, Navkar Mantra Jaap and Swadhyays and lectures by visiting Monks and Scholars. Over 250 children and youths, ranging in age 4 to 18 years, attend the Pathshala held twice a month at the Jain Bhawan. The Pathshala, conducted by 45 teachers and volunteers, has become one of the most successful programs. In addition there are also regularly scheduled Mokshmala Youth Swadhyay and Preksha Dhyan Classes.
A comprehensive schedule of programs for various Jain traditions has been planned and posted on JCNC's website at http:// www.jcnc.org. This popular website is updated regularly. For additional information, please contact Jay Itchhaporia, JCNC President, at 408/263-8739 or e-mail: Itchhaporia@yahoo.com.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Jain Center of Northern California (JCNC) celebrated the 2600th Mahavir Janma Kalyanak from April 21-22 with a wonderful cultural program Trishla No Jayo presented by Pathshala students, and lectures by Saman Shrut Pragyaji and Sthit Pragyaji. Bhakti and Pujas were conducted in all the major Jain traditions over the two days' event. Samanjis also gave a series of lectures to both adults and youths during their two weeks' stay. JCNC will celebrate SAN DIEGO, CA the Centennial of Shrimad Raj Chandraji's Nirvan from May 25-28 in the presence of Swadhyaykar Shrimati Sudhaben Sheth and Shri Niranjanbhai Sheth from India. Planned activities for this event include
SACRAMENTO, CA
Jain Center of Greater Sacramento (JCGS) organizes a number of activities, religious celebrations, and lectures by visiting dignitaries. Members meet regularly for a monthly swadhyay. For additional information, please contact Manoj Desai at 916/ 791-4111 or e-mail: manoj.desai@neccomputers.com.
Jain Society of San Diego (JSSD) has elected a new committee, which includes Parul Kothari, Rekha Savla, Swati Vora, Jagruti Maniar, Lata Vora, Suniti Jain,