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A SMALL TOWN IN AMERICA CELEBRATING 18 ABHISHEKH JAIN PRATISHTHA
A small town in America having
Mahila Mandal lead by Mrs. Hasumati only 10 Jain families, conducted 18
Bavisi of Chicago. A Jain Family from Abhishekh Pratishtha for the 24th
Saint Louise and the local Jain families Tirthankar Bhagwan Mahavir in the
along with the family of Nilesh Shah of Hindu temple of Peoria Illinois on May
Bloomington Illinois. 29, 2005. Hemendra V. Maiseri coordi
Mr. Narendra Nandu (Vidhikar) nated the Pratishtha ceremony.
and his team of 7 people, Swami Pratishtha program was very successful.
Shrutpragyaji and Sadhviji Shri Over 200 people attended the ceremony.
Shubhamji made a big difference in makFour former Presidents and the
ing the function noticeable. We raised 20 current President of Jain Society of
thousand dollars for the temple. Almost Chicago were present during the
everybody enjoyed the function. The Pratishtha ceremony along with 2 buses Mahavir Senior Citizen coordinated by temple provided breakfast and swamivatfull of senior citizens sponsored by the Sumanbhai Shah and one bus full of salya lunch.
REGIONAL NEWS..
MIDWEST 1st Place: Khushbu H. Shah
Laghuräjswämi Samadhidin was organ2nd Place: Rikhav Vasanwala
ized on May 15. Health fair also comManubhai Doshi, Regional Editor 3rd Place: Paridhi Jain
menced that day, when arrangements
were made for drawing blood, measuring Group 3. Age 28 years and above. B.P. EKG etc. CHICAGO, IL Subject: Theism and Jainism
The society has embarked upon 1st Place: Sejal Jain
the project of expanding Jain Center at an Arrangements for Ayambil were 2nd Place: Neelam Jain
estimated cost of 7 million. The contract made at the Jain Center on April 16, 17, 3rd Place: Vidya Nahar and Kushal Raj for the purpose has been given and the 23 and 24. On an average 100 persons Singavi
work is underway. per day took advantage thereof.
The winners will also be awardMahavir Jayanti: Lord Mahavir's ed plaques. Dr. Mukesh Doshi and 2604th birthday was celebrated at the Darshana Shah coordinated the contest. DETROIT Jain Center on 23rd April 2005. The cel
Thereafter there was a talk by ebration started with Snätra Pooja in the Shubhamji and then Swamivatsalya. That
On February 6 the Janma morning. That was followed by a talk by was followed by the cultural program, Kalyanak of Lord Rushabhdev was celeShubhamshri.
which consisted of dance drama brated. On February 26, Antaray Karma 7th Annual Declamation "Chandanbala'. That turned out to be the Nivaran Pooja was together with Snatra Contest on that occasion commenced at best program ever presented by JSMC. Poojä, Ärati, Mangal Divo and Shanti 2.00 P.M. It consisted of talks on different Over 130 participants enthusiastically Kalash. subjects as per age groups mentioned took part in that program, which was
The Society's bi-weekly below. Three prizes (1st Prize $101.00, directed Trupti Kuvadia, Megha Doshi Pathshala Classes are conducted at the 2nd Prize $75.00, and 3rd Prize $51.00) and Shobhana Kamdar. An audience of Temple in seven age/grade groups were awarded in each age group. 35 indi- over 2000 was mesmerized by the very (including one class for adults), and are viduals participated in the contest. emotional and touching performances. well attended. Twenty-two voluntary
Snätra Pooja and Srimad Rajchandra teachers conduct classes as per Jaina Group 1. Age 10 years to 13 years. Samadhidin were organized on May 1. Educational Committee's curriculum. Subject: Importance of Religious More than 200 people were present on There are more than 40 families, who are Education in that occasion.
lifetime sponsors for the classes, each conWestern World
Mahavir Senior Center organ- tributing $1000/- to sustain the cost of 1st Place: Shikhar Shah
ized Chaitya Paripäti (going to temples) study materials, stationery supplies. A 2nd Place: Darsha Shah
tour on May 8. 48 people participated. new program is being offered after regular 3rd Place: Shenil Dodhia
The termination of VarsiTap (year long Pathshala classes to teach Jain Sutras and
austerity) was celebrated on 14th May. prayers to interested students and their Group 2. Age 14 years to 18 years. Seven persons, who observed the austeri-
luster
parents.
parents. Subject: Meditation, Health and ty, were facilitated on that occasion. The
Mahavir Jayanti Celebration: Happiness celebration ended with Swamivätsalya.
The 2604th birthday of Lord Mahavir,
Jain Education Intemational
21. JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2005
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