Jain Digest 2005 07

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

Page 18

center information as requested. The committee hopes to have this book in CD format by next year.
e. JAINA Spectrum- Mr. Dilip V. Shah commented and all to support this very worthy JAINA cause. urged everyone to send material to him for publication.
f. JAIN Digest Ms. Lata Champsee reported that the July issue is nearly ready. She will wait for convention report and pictures to be included this time rather than wait until September issue. In addition, if anyone has any report from their center, please send to her ASAP.
g. Public Affairs Council- Mr. Sushil Jain reported that, with regards to JAINA codes of Ethics and conducts, Ms. Mamta Shaha incorporated comments from directors and forwarded document to JAINA legal team. The Legal team has recommended that JAINA should appoint a five member ethics team to monitor and assist JAINA in this process. PAC recommends that next JAINA EC appoint Ethics team ASAP. (Handout) He also reported that Jains should monitor the U.S. Supreme Court Nominee and its process and try to understand the impact of appointing a conservative Judge on civil rights, racial discrimination, affirmative action, capital punishment, immigrant's rights, etc... He will send detailed document relating this topic to all Jain directors and Presidents in an effort to educate Jains on our civil rights. (Handout). He also read e-mail from Mr. Sulekh Jain on Jainism Study abroad program currently in progress, where eight students and two faculty of American origin are studying Jainism on various sites in India for eight weeks. Program thus far is very successful. He also read report from Mr. Prem Gada regarding launching of Jainism E-learning project.
h. Temple Guideline committee Mr. Nitin Shah briefed the group on donations by automatic bank withdrawal. He outlined benefits and the process where we all can benefit.
i. Community planned giving- Mr. Yogesh Kamdar commented that while many people are planning retirement, forming trusts, life insurance but very few people think about charitable giving. This committee is putting together a web site and explains pros and cons of Charitable planned giving. Please take advantage of this plan and support.
j. V.R. Gandhi Scholarship- Mr. Pravin C. Shah presented a brief report on its activity in USA and India. He requested
k. JAINA exhibit committee Mr. Pravin K. Shah, on behalf of Sudhir Shah reported that nearly 70 exhibit panels were developed for display. These panels were reviewed by several spiritual leaders and are on display. The material cost was $23K of which $17K was collected. This exhibit is available to all for display and/or purchase.
1. YJP Mr. Mayur Shah commented that 2005 YJP conference will be dedicated to discussion regarding future of Jainism in North America. They expect 100 attendees.
m. YJA Chintan Shah reported that they had five regional conferences, Habitat for Humanity projects and announced that 2006 YJA convention will be held in Boston. He urged everyone to identify future youth(s) leaders and have them contact YJA board. n. Other Mr. Mahendra Mehta and Mr. Pratap Bhogilalji briefed on various projects they are conducting and presented a copy of Jain Kalpa Sutra to JAINA president Mr. Anop Vora.
8. Acharya Chandanaji led closing prayer: Acharya Chandanaji addressed the meeting providing a very inspiring speech regarding the importance of unity among Jains and service to mankind. She remarked that she is leading a delegation to Pakistan at the end of August. The Jain delegation is planning to visit Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi in an effort to bring peace between these two nations. She recommended JAINA to take a lead in this effort. She identified and outlined several opportunities where charitable service is much needed. Meeting adjourned at 5:50 pm with closing prayer led by Acharyaji. Future meeting time, date and location will be announced in Aug 2005.
Prepared by Dr. Sushil Jain
Secretary, JAINA
2006 JAINA YATRA
2006 JAINA YATRA will be to the Teerthdhams of South India. We will start from Bombay on January 27 2006 and finish on February 8 2006 at Sravan Belgola. The last day of our Yatra will coincide with the first day of MAHAMASTAK ABHISHEK of Sravan Belgola which takes place once very 12 years. We will depart for Bombay at the end of the day on 8th of February but arrangements will be made for those who wish to stay behind and participate in all the Abhisheks that will last till Feb 19th. Also during this yatra, we will be visiting Shri Kulpakji (Near Hydrabad), Banglore, Moodbidri and other Teerths. We will also include two days sightseeing in Kerala. Final detailed itinerary will be available by October 15 2005.
The cost of the ground package including lodging and boarding will be approximately $750.00. You have to make your own travel arrangements to and from India. The yatra is open for everyone including your friends and relatives in India. If you are interested, please contact Dilip V. Shah at dilipvshah@gmail.com or call (215) 561 0581
16 JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2005 For Private & Personal Use Only