Jain Digest 2003 01 Vol 22 No 1

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

Page 7

TRIUMPH OF HUMAN SPIRIT OVER NATURE'S FURY(Cont.)
· JAINA is donating Rs 2,51,00,000 (Two Crorers and fifty one lac Rupees) for the Nagar project. The financial help from JAINA went only to the 250 families who were classified as low income families. Other 875 families will benefit from the hospital, dental clinic, primary and secondary school, a science center, a computer center, community prayer hall and the library.
Seven thousand people attended the key handing over ceremony by Governor of Gujarat Shree Sundersinh Bhandari who was the chief guest of the day. A member of parliament and many state and local elected officials were also present. Gurudev
Shree Chitrabhanuji was the special invited guest who blessed all the new owners and talked of the duty of the privileged ones to help the needy. In addition to Dhirajbhai, JAINA was represented by Pramodaben Chitrabhanu, Lataben Champsee - regional Vice President, Bachubhai Ajmera Chairman of World Community Service and Dilip V Shah, Chairman of the Pilgrimage Committee.
Dhirajbhai spoke at the ceremony detailing the role JAINA played in the building of Vardhman Nagar and detailed past humanitarian projects carried out by JAINA not only in India but all over the world. He spoke about the earthquake affected Morbi- MaliaMiyana where Jaina has built primary school in Sumtinagar as well as in Samkhiali near Bhachau and donation to Rajkot Blood Bank of 400 beds and 400 wheel chairs. He ended his remarks by saying that in providing this help, Jains overseas are only paying interest on the investment made by the motherland in educating them.
After the key handing over ceremony, Lataben Champsee of Toronto Canada laid the foundation stone for the school that will be built on the site. As you know, Jain Society of Houston presented a check of Rs. 11,90000/- to Vardhman Nagar Association, for Dental Clinic on Feb.2.2003 in presence of Governor Sundersinh Bhandari. The groundbreaking ceremony of this was carried out by Mr. Bachubhai Ajmera, Chairman of WCS. This
donation was obtained with the help of Shri. Uday Jain , Regional V.P. of JAINA from SOUTHWEST.
Kantibhai Shah, President of Vardhman Nagar Owners Association thanked everyone for coming and reminded everyone of the need to continue to work together as only thirty five percent of the work is finished and a lot remains to be done. Lastly he
invited everyone for Swamivatsalya lunch. Joy was the order of the day as people lined up to shake hands of the proud new owners of homes.
The next day, thirty five more families from BHUJ were identified as needing help in getting homes. They approached Gurudev Chitrabhanuji with their request for assistance. After listening to their plight, Gurudev was the first one to contribute for this additional project and asked JAINA to see if they can be accommodated too. After consultation with other committee members, JAINA has indeed agreed to help these families too. They will have to be settled few miles away from Vardhman Nagar under the supervision of Bidada Sarvoday Trust as all the homes in Vardhaman Nagar have been allocated.
You and me can't bring back those who left this world because of this massive natural calamity, but let us continue to help those who are fighting for survival. As Jains, we can do no less. JAINA thanks all the Sanghs and individuals who donated generously as well as many Sanghs and the individuals who have carried out Gujarat earthquake relief work independently.
Photos on Page 4 clockwise: Governor of Gujarat, Sundersinh Bhandari handing over the keys to the victims of earthquake, Dr. Dhiraj Shah, handing over keys to the victims of earthquake, US Consul visiting Vardhmannagar along with other Leaders in Jain Community, A Snatra Pooja prior to key handing over ceremony. A row of houses in Vardhmannagar
Photos on Page 5: Top Lataben Champsee, Regional VP of JAINA from Canada performing ground breaking ceremony of the school at Vardhmannagar. Bottom Bachubhai Ajmera, Chairman, World Community Services performing ground breaking ceremony of Medical, Dental clinic in Vardhmannagar.
JAIN DIGEST. Spring 2003/5
Jain Education Interational 2010_03