Jain Digest 2007 04

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

Page 3

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Jai Jinendra:
I am glad to introduce this issues' new Guest Editorial Team headed by Sudhir M. Shah who also chairs JAINA Exhibition Committee. Many of you have seen JAINA's Jain Way of Life exhibit at the convention. It has traveled to many Jain Centers including Singapore. Jain Center of America in New York has a permanent exhibit at their center. Sudhirbhai is aided by Bindi shah, Vinit Doshi and Shayna Parekh. I want to talk to you about some of the past glorious achievements and the future promises. It ranges from support of Rehab center in India, directorship at JITO, long term leadership workshops. JAINA delegation to Buckingham Palace, JAINA' publication in Spanish Language and JAINA constitution amendments
The World Community Service contributed about $50,000 to build Jaina Rehabilitation Center at Tsunami affected Gunter area in Andhra Pradesh. This will be officially inauguration in June 2007.
Jain Digest Summer 2007
JAINA President has been given a seat on the Board of Directors of JITO, Jain International Trade Organization. This is the first time JAINA has been given an honor and voice in other organizations.
The Third Kellogg Conference held in May dealt with the execution of JAINA 2020 vision. 40+ Leaders from various Jain Centers attended the conference. They shared the projects under consideration since last three regional conference and created new projects bring 2020 vision to reality. The vision also got updated with the four goals that we share. They are; Evolve our practices, Expand our numbers Educate our members and Energize our organization and members. You will find more information on this by Long Range Planning Committe
For the first time, JAINA will be publishing the Spanish version of widely acclaimed "Essence of World Religion" which is in demands from various schools and interfaith associations. This book will be distributed during JAINA's participation at the Interfaith Conference in Monterrey, Mexico. We expect participation from many Latin countries.
"The Essence of World Religion" book is now being placed in selected motels in Texas and other states side by side to Bible, which you must have seen it during your stay at Hotels. This publication published by JAINA Education Committee describes Eastern and Western Religion including Jainism. This is one way we will let the world know more about Jainism, one of the goals of JAINA 2020 vision. You can download the book by visiting Education Committee under www.jaina.org.
JAINA took delegation to Buckingham Palace in London for launching of the Cataloguing of the Digitization of the Jain Manuscripts at British Library. Institute of Jainology had invited over 300 Jains from UK, USA, Africa and other parts of the world to witness this historical event. This opens up avenues to Jains of UK for grants from British Government. It is also possible that with the co-operation of Institute of Jainology, JAINA can take up such project as there are several libraries that have original Jain manuscripts. Someday it will be possible for JAINA to host such events at the White house. Such events will bring more exposure to Jain Way of Life. I was joined by Jaina Director at Large, Arvin Shah, Prakash Mody from VRG Committee and others. Duke of Edinburgh was quite impressed with JAINA and Jain Way of Life. JAINA library at Jain Center of Southern California has a set of volume of this catalogue. Please check out this catalogue to get the insight in Jain Manuscripts. You will find more information about this event under JAINA delegation report.
Executive Committee reviewed JAINA Constitution amendments sought by Constitution Review Committee in approving and recommending changes to make JAINA stronger and ready to take bigger role beyond North America. The amended constitution could become a model to follow for Jains and non Jains everywhere. It deals with giving more directors to larger centers, involving youths at the executive Committee level, creating additional regional vice presidents, Chairman of the Board, classification of the committees and others, your directors should be getting these proposed amendments by next month. Please get involved with your directors and discuss with them about proposed amendments to this important documents. Give us your inputs if you have any other ideas about it or like the amendments. After hearing from your directors Constitution Review Committee would send the final proposed amendments for voting.
I would like to thank MIS Committee Chair, Mr. Hasmukh Shah for providing guidance to parents and candidates for matrimonial services for over a decade. MIS Committee has merged with JNE Jaina Networking Forum. This will provide greater exposure to the candidates for networking through large database.
With best wishes and regards,
Kirit C. Daftary, Ourgoing President, JAINA
www.jainelit