Jain Digest 2002 01

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

Page 25

Regional News (cont)
CINCINNATI & DAYTON, OH
The Jain Center of Cincinnati & Dayton had the following major activities;
1.The following executive committee members were elected for 2002: Vijay Doshi, President, Kishore Parekh, Vice President, Bhavin Shah - Secretary, Hemant Shah-Treasurer, Kalpana Parekh - VP Education, Jaya Shree Baphana -V.P. Hospitality, Ramesh Shah -VP Facilities, Haren Punatar -VP Membership, Mitel Shah V.P. Youth, Dr. Surendra Singhvi and Vir Singh Jain as JAINA directors for two years. 3.At the January 2002 General Body meeting, Ms. Soha Shah and Dr. Surendra Singhvi were appointed as the co-conveners for the next JAINA convention to be
hosted in Cincinnati. Twelve committees have been appointed to plan and organize the convention on July 4-6, 2003. Anyone interested in helping the Center should contact Dr. Singhvi at 937-885-7414 or Ms. Soha Shah at 937-773-3906.
4. The Center participated in the third annual Interfaith Peace meeting on December 31, 2001, which included representatives from eight different religions in the
local area.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
The Jain Society of Greater Atlanta elected Deepak Shah, President, Madhuben Sheth vice president. Other executive committee members are: Bharat Shah, Treasurer, Anil Shah, Secretary, Sameer Shah - youth Secretary, Indravadan Bhavsar and
Niraj Shah as executive members.
The Phase II construction of the build ing has been completed. In this phase, classrooms, Library, kitchen and dining facilities were added. These additional facilities have allowed expanding activities such as yoga, language and SAT class.
COMMITTEE NEWS:
TEERTHODHAR COMMITTEE
YOU TOO CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
As a Jain, you steadfastly believe that serving the poor is a supreme form of Bhakti, but the pursuit of American dream leaves no time for such work. Here is an inspiring story of a 22-year-old Niyati Sheth.
A senior at University of Central Oklahoma majoring in Opera Performance/Pre-medicine she has been active in YJA as their Oklahoma City representative for six years. She is President of her music fraternity - Sigma Alpha Iota and performed abroad in countries such as Italy, England and Ireland with choir and chamber ensembles/ active in Presidential leadership council.
At the JAINA convention in Chicago last July, she met me and I spoke to her about the school and medical clinic Teerthodhar Committee was helping to build in Lachhawar - Birth place of Lord Mahavir at an estimated cost of $90,000 under the guidance of Acharya Chandanaji. Aachrya Chandnaji has reported that by April 25th, they would have 10 rooms ready. This would have classes up to 8th standard. They will continue working to expand the school to hold classes up to matriculation. Their current enrollment is over 700 students. There is plan to educate women. Children will also be taught love for animals, ahimsa, cleanliness and abstinence from bad habits.
JAINA has contributed over $20,000, but we are still looking to raise additional $70,000. For more information, please refer to last issue of Jain Digest. Aacharya Chandnaji mentioned that entire Jain Samaj is celebrating 2600th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Mahavir, but to her knowledge nothing comes close to building school at Bhagwan Mahavir's birth place. Veeraytan is formally inviting all Jains to attend the inauguration of the school. All arrangements will be made for lodging and boarding. You will get the privilege of visiting Rajgir, Pavapuri and Shikharji. The whole town of Lachhawar is looking forward to meet Jain Sangh who has done so much for them.
Niyati decided to help. She set a goal of raising $15,000. She planned a 2-day Yoga & Meditation workshop featuring Shree Amrendra Muni for Mid October. But the September 11 tragedy forced cancellation of the camp and no future date was set. No one asked for a refund of the registration fee and she convinced others to contribute for her project. She raised $5,100. In a town with only four Jain families this young girl, in spite of the obstacles created by the September 11 tragedy persevered, juggled her education, hobbies, family and social life to achieve a noble goal. She is still continuing her efforts to meet her goal - she has unique idea of helping her favorite charity when she needs to give a gift to someone. Niyati sends the intended dollar amount to the charity fund. The charitable organization sends thank you card to her friend. The recipient of the card gets exposure and awareness of the good cause. The idea mushrooms and the cause get more funding and more supporters. Teerthodhar committee will send Gyan Daan gift cards on your behalf to anyone who wants to donate for this school. You can send these cards to your friends and families for any occasions. Donations received from you will be tax deductible and we will send acknowledgment card to your recipient You both will be blessed for Gyan Dan to students of Tirthankar Mahavir School. $100 will pay for books and supplies for one student for one year and teachers salary for three months. $500 will pay for education and one sewing machine, $1000 will buy them a computer. $5000 will pay for library project.
For more information on the Tirthankar Mahavir School, please visit http:// home.hot.rr.com/jaintirth/. or contact Kirit Daftary Phone: 254-776-4209 (Resi), Email: netrat@att.net
JAIN DIGEST SPRING 2002/23 www.jainelibrary.org