Jain Digest 2004 04 Vol 23 No 2

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

Page 9

Every one takes turn to sponsor this activity. We started a Snatra puja once a month also. With the visits of various dignitaries. speakers on Jainism, Muni and Samanji it helped us remain united. The celebration of Mahavir Jayanti, Paryushana, Diwali, Anniversary of our temple and other religious activities made our bond stronger.
Mr. Rasikbhai Shah was the first President of Tulsa Jain Sangh. During 1990/1991, he laid a good foundation for our Jain community.
In 1991/1992, Mrs. Harsha Mehta was elected as the President. During that time we had a free Yoga camp for three days under the direction of Shree Triputi Bandhu. 102 people took part in this camp. Tulsa Jain Sangh donated to open an Ayurvedic Dispensary in Tithal in India. It is free clinic and open to everyone. About 20,000 cases were treated last year. TJS also sponsored a Medical Camp in Tithal.
In 1992, Mr. Mukesh Shah was elected as the President and stayed until 1994. Mr. Mukesh Shah generously gave a space about 1200 sq.ft to use as Derasar. On September 5th. 1993, we had Ist Murti Sthapana under the blessings and direction of Jin Chandraji maharaj and Mr. Vinodbhai Shah from New York was kind enough to give his time to perform this ceremony. Everything was prepared in a very short time. Approximately 500 people witnessed this ceremony. $2500 was donated to Tithal Dispensary for the modern medicine.
On the 17th October 1994 we celebrated the 1" Anniversary of our Derasar, Mr. and Mrs. Vinodbhai came from New York to perform the Puja and other activities.
Tulsa Jain Sangh stood by at the time of earthquake in Maharashtra, in India to join the hands with other two local organizations, and collected $5400 to help our Indian families which was used to build three homes near Jaina Nagar.
In 1994/1995, Mr. Kanti Shah was elected as the President. During that year the first Southwest Youth Convention was held in Houston, TX. From Tulsa 32 members had attended that convention with their family. We decided to build our own Jain Center and started the search for the land. In spite of a small community, we were united like one family that has created great interest in our young generation. We always received support from all the families for any religious or humanitarian activities. For a short period of time we mailed clothes to India, which was sponsored by Dr. Haresh Ajmera. With the rising cost we had to discontinue it. Tulsa Jain Sangh started a scholarship fund for collage bound students in this year.
1996/1997, Mr. Mukesh Shah was elected as the president. With the great support of our small community we bought land for TULSA JAIN CENTER. It was the first step towards our project. The seeds were planted. Now we have to nourish it to fulfill our dream. We invited Samanji during our most holy festival Paryushana. During his 8 days stay he blessed us and helped us to make a strong move to construct a Jain Center.
1998/1999 was a very crucial year for us. Mr. Kanti Shah was elected as the president. The land was bought and now there was time to act towards the goal. Money was the first issue. Being a small community we had handful of people who could lend their support by making pledges, but it was not enough. So we approached various other Jain Centers and JAINA to help us to construct our Jain Center. Meanwhile we processed all the paperwork to obtain the permit for the building that was not easy at all. In 1998, Tulsa Jain Sangh donated $2401 to R.M Eye
Hospital in Gujarat, India for the Cyclone relief fund.
Mr. Mukesh Shah was elected as the president during year 2000/2001. Our dream started taking shape; we had Bhoomi Pujan in the month of April and finished all the procedure as per the state law. Contract was given to start the construction of Tulsa Jain Center. We ordered the marble prabhasan from India. Tulsa
Jain Sangh donated over $25000 through JAINA to help build a school in India after the Earthquake in year 2000.
We all were trying very hard to move towards our goal, our TULSA JAIN CENTER! In 2002/2003, once again Mr. Kanti Shah carried the responsibilities as the President. We finished the construction in 2003, but we were still facing problems bringing Marble Prabhashan from India. Finally we received our Prabhashan in September 2003. The time was to plan the Pratishtha of our dream. In 2003 we held Das Disha, Nav Grah and Shilaropan in the New Building of Tulsa Jain Center. Year 2004 is the luckiest year for TULSA JAIN CENTER. With the blessings of Lord Mahavir and our dignitaries, we proudly announce the Pratishtha Mahotsav of Tulsa Jain Center, during May 29, 30 & 31 2004 and the calibration of the fulfillment of our dream which was possible because of strong united support, devotion and dedication of our Jain community.
by Kanti Shah, President, Tulsa Jain Sangh Tulsa, OK
JAIN DIGEST. Summer 2004 / 7
Jain Education Interational 2010_03