Jain Digest 2008 07

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

Page 5

JAINA Headquarters moves to New York
JAINA is very pleased to announce that the Jain Center of America, (JCA), NY has offered its premises to house the JAINA Headquarters. For the last 12 years, JAINA headquarters was the home of its Executive Director Kamlesh Amin in Getzville a suburb of Buffalo NY. After faithfully and efficiently serving all these years, Kamleshbhai has decided to spend golden years of his life in India. His resignation as Executive Director has meant a search not just for new Executive Director but also search for new Headquarters.
Search for new home for JAINA turned out to be much easier task than one would imagine. The first constitution of JAINA was discussed and adopted at Jain Center of America in 1983 under the guidance of Acharya Shri Sushil Kumarji and Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji. Jain Center of America became one of the 1l centers that signed the charter of JAINA. During the last 25 years numerous JCA members have served as Chairpersons of JAINA committees or served on JAINA Executive Committee. One of the founding members of JCA also served as President of JAINA. When JCA learned of the JAINA's need for new headquarters it took their Trustees only 30 days to decide and offer the office space at no charge to JAINA. This really is a sweet home coming for JAINA.
JAINA's office at a major member center is a powerful statement to the entire Jain community here and world wide. New York, a major gateway to the world will now be the center of Jain activities on this continent. It will also help to fulfill JAINA's new status as NGO at the United Nations.
JAINA thanks the Board of Trustees of the JCA for this magnanimous offer to help JAINA. Together JCA and JAINA will undoubtedly reach new heights as both organizations strive to fulfill their respective goals.
JAINA receives NGO status from the United Nations
In July 2008, in recognition of the JAINA's humanitarian work all over the world, JAINA has earned a special consultative status with the Economic & Social Council of the United Nations.
This prestigious designation by the world body will afford JAINA a platform to express Jain point of view in the areas of deliberations we choose to have our imprint on.
Getting the UN recognition is only the beginning our work. There are two other Jain organizations as NGO at the UN: Siddhachalam under the blessings of Acharya Sushil Kumarji and one Anuvibha under the blessings of Acharya Maha Prajnaji. JAINA will join hands with these two fine organizations as we fulfill our mission. A 5 member delegation has been nominated to represent JAINA at the UN.
Dilip V Shah; President, JAINA Dr. Dhiraj H. Shah: Chair JAINA World Community Service Dr. Tansukh Salgia, Chair: JAINA Govt. & International relations Committee Jawahar A. Shetti; Chairman, JCA BOT Pramodaben Chitrabhanu, Chair: JAINA Jivdaya Committee
JAINA thanks Mahendra Mehta of Ratna Nidhi Charitable Trust of Bombay for his guidance and efforts as Dr. Tansukh Salgia and Dr. Sushil Jain worked tirelessly to the get UN approval.
Farewell to a good Friend
For the last 12 years, Kamlesh Amin served JAINA as the Executive Director. From his home in Getzville, NY, he was the voice of JAINA as he cheerfully answered all queries to the JAINA headquarters.
Kamleshbhai has decided to spend his golden years in India. JAINA will miss his dedication and zeal as he enthusiastically provided courteous service to the entire Jain Community of North America. JAINA has grown considerably during his service and he deserves credit for managing the growth gracefully. We will miss him.
Thanks for the memories Kamleshbhai. It will not be easy to find someone to replace you as JAINA head quarter moves to Jain Center of America (NY). Good luck and happy retirement!
JAIN DIGEST. Fal 2008/3
Jain Education Intemational