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DETROIT, MI
Jain Society of Greater Detroit achieved a major milestone and paid off our bank mortgage balance on January 11, 2006 for the temple building. The total cost to build the temple was over $ 6.1 Million. This achievement was a result of the combined determination and efforts of many committees, volunteers and youth members over several years after the temple was constructed in 1998.
The society celebrated the 13th annual Fundraising Dinner on March 25, 2006 to generate additional funds for meeting the temple's on-going obligations and to create some working capital. The event was attended by 350 members and friends of the society and was successful in raising over $ 128,000.
We continue to see increased participation and interest in our bi-weekly Jain Study class. The class has an enrollment of 110 students (from KG to high school seniors). We also conduct a parallel group class for parents (young adults and others) with a simplified curriculum based on JAINA'S reference books. This is a wonderful opportunity for all family member to increase their knowledge of Jain philosophy. On March 5, 57 students of all ages participated in a program to recite simple Stutis and Sutras like Vanditu'. The success of this program with over 180 in audience has encouraged us to plan a similar program in future. JSGD has also recently started a youth mentoring program under the guidance of Bhavnaben Mehta and her
team.
Jain Society is offering social services to our needy members. Specifically, medical help is provided through volunteer doctors at no cost. The committee arranges Health-O-Rama, Blood and Bone Marrow Drives.Our Constitution was unanimously amended to
JAIN DIGEST Summer 2006/13 Jain Education International
include two major changes. The Executive Committee composition was increased to seven members from the current five and the serving term is increased to two years from the current one year term. Second a declaration of Indivisibility of Society Assets was passed to strengthen the unity and solidarity of the Society.
CHICAGO, IL
Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago is much obliged to Swami Shrut Pragyaji and Swami Charukeerti CINCINNATI, OH
Bhattarakji for their Spiritual guidance and participation in Paryushan and Daslaxna. More than 3000 members attended their discourses. They covered various facets of Jain philosophy from simple non violence "Ahimsa" to complex issues such as multiplicity of views "Annekantwad" and also conducted Bhav Samayik. There were more than 60 athais including 8 youths. On the day of Tapasvi Parna more than 2000 members participated.
JSMC had organized 52 simultaneous Sidhdhachakra Poojan with Swami Shrutpragyaji's blessing after the Paryshan Parve for all Tapasvis with nominal donation of $201. This was a unique event. Sidhdha Chakra Poojan was conducted by Nirav & Vimal Sanghvi (Grand sons of Late Shri Babubhai Kadiwala) from India.
On Nov 6 2005, special general body meeting was called to extend the present term of BOT and EC for one year in best interest of Jain Society to complete the expansion project. The resolution to extend the term was passed by an overwhelming majority.
Seven million dollars expansion project of the Jain Center has been undertaken since the last fall. Thanks
to the mild weather the construction could be carried out even in winter. The basement part is over and construction of the first floor has been going on. It is expected that the entire project would be completed by August end. Due to ongoing construction the temple hours have been restricted from 10.00 A.M. to 1.00 P.M. Most of other programs at the temple have been suspended for the time being. Pending the completion of the project Pathshala classes are held in East View Middle School, Bartlett.
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The Jain Center of CincinnatiDayton celebrated Republic day of India on January 19, 2006. The program included the cultural activities presented by young kids, youths and adults. It started with singing of the Indian National Anthem, followed by a speech on the history of the Republic Day. This was followed by a presentation describing the History of Jain temples. Kids were involved in a flag-making activity that everyone enjoyed. The program also included a breathtaking Bharat Natyam performance. The event ended with Ärati and Mangaldevo followed by lunch.
Pathshala classes started on January 15, 2006. The initial topic was Ayurved, the ancient Indian medical system of health and nutrition and its relationship to Jain principals. A Temple retreat was held on February 26. 2006. Several kids and adults. attended the day and night retreat. Some of them stayed up till wee hours of the morning. There were games, food, fun and various sorts of other entertainment.
A group of about fifty belonging to other faiths visited the Center as part of the Inter-faith dialogue. They were
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