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JAINA PRESIDENT'S VISIT TO INDIA (DEC.25, 2004 TO JAN 25, 2005)
My trip to India was a grand success. I was able to meet with a number of Jain leaders and discussed with them the items of common interest. Here is a run down of my activities:
Jan 5, 2005: I stopped by to see Respected Shri Chitrabhanuji at his residence in Bomaby and discussed several topics such as JAINA's 25th anniversary celebrations, Samet Shikhar issue and the temple complex being built in London.
Jan 6, 2005: I attended WJC (World Jain Confederation) meeting at the residence of Shri Pratapbhai Bhogilal. Dr. L. M. Singhavi presided over the meeting. WJC is making a steady progress and expressed a desire to establish a US chapter of WJC in the States. Dr. L. M. Singhavi confirmed his intention to attend the 2005 Convention. After the meeting, Pratapbhai informed me that he was in touch with the prominent Jain leaders to resolve the Samet Shikhar issue.
Jan.7, 2005: Mahendra Mehta invited me and some of his influential friends to his residence for dinner. He discussed a number of ways JAINA can expand its humanitarian activities in India. I requested him to provide more details so that JAINA EC can make appropriate decision.
Jan. 8, 2005: I attended Jain Doctors' gathering in Kandivali West. Over 1000 doctors came from all over the world to attend this conference. Most of the speakers tried to show the connection between Medical Science and Religion. I spoke on "Unique Principles of Jain Religion" and invited all to the 2005 JAINA convention. Over all, it was a very educational experience for me.
Jan.11, 2005: I attended a 2 hour long talk of Pujayshri Rakeshbhai Zaveri at Dadar. After the talk, I saw him, Pravin Kothari, and Amit Gala and discussed the strategy of obtaining a visa for US to attend the 2005 Convention.
Jan. 12, 2005: I visited Jitendra Shah of Indology in Ahmedabad with my elder brother. He discussed a proposal to establish an Advanced Jainism Study Center that could potentially prepare new Jain scholars to meet out needs in the future. I suggested him to work out the details with Pravin K Shah and possibly try out the idea on a smaller scale in the existing facilities. I met Shri Shrenikbhai Kasturbhai Shah, leading Jain leader involved in the Samet Shikhar Issue. He said he was in contact with several leading people to resolve the issue amicably. I visited Sunanadben Vohra and Nautambhai Vakil who made constructive suggestions to improve JAINA conventions.
Jan. 13, 2005: I saw Shri Arun Bhavasar who is managing
JAIN DIGEST Spring 2005/3
Jain Education International
a Loan Scholarship Scheme established by IAAMJV (affiliate of JAINA) many years ago. Under this scheme, about 50 JAIN students benefit every year, the scholarship amount ranging from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 8,000 depending upon the need and financial condition of the student. These scholarships are being awarded to all JAINA irrespective of the sect or region.
Jan. 13, 2005: Pravin K. Shah and I had a lunch at Shri Kumarpal Desai's residence. He briefed us about his activities. We discussed about the possibility of distributing JAINA Pathshala books to all pathshalas in India either free of charge or at a subsidized rate. Pravin K Shah and Kumarpalbhai agreed to look into the matter further. At the request of Pravin K Shah, I visited L. D. Museum in Ahmedabad. This museum carries an impressive array of manuscripts, Jain arts and idols. The director of this institute showed a strong interest to show these items at the 2005 Convention.
Jan. 15-22, 2005: I went to Ladnu to attend the International Preksha Meditation Camp. I took this opportunity to meet with Acharya Mahapragyaji, Mr. Bhandari, President of the Ladnu Complex, Samanjis, Samanijis, and also the leaders of the Vishwa Bharati Institute. Acharya Mahapragyaji and his predecessors have developed an excellent infrastructure to develop samanjis and samanijis who could prove to a very important asset in spreading the methodology of Preksha Meditation and concepts of Science of Living all around the globe. I was very impressed with the format and content of the Meditation Camp. I feel that the Jain community should embrace this technique, view it as an important Jain practice and try it out.
Acharya expressed his desire to get JAINA involved in spreading Jainism in the West through Preksha Meditation and Science of Living courses developed by his institute. I suggested to him to develop a long range plan to make his dream come true. He agreed with the suggestion and I assured him that JAINA would extend help wherever it was needed. I took some time off to visit very old Jain temples of Ladnu. They were very impressive.
Jan. 22, 2005: I visited Mr. D. R. Mehta in Jaipur. He showed me the world's best artificial foot factory. Mr. Mehta is devoting much of his time in providing artificial limbs to the poor of India. Great humanitarian cause. He also showed me a library that has o
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