Jain Digest 2011 04

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

Page 7

JAIN DIGEST.. May 2011
A manual on Treating Patients of Other Religions and Ethnicities: JAINA, under the leadership of Arvind Vora was part of a project on preparation of a manual on "Treating Patients of Other Religions and Ethnicities". The purpose of this manual is to provide a brief overview of various religions and cultures within the United States and to effectively address specific medical issues concerning patient care. This document will be available shortly as a link on the National Interfaith Alliance website and will also be linked with the American Medical Association and state medical societies. This will enable the physicians to access the information online prior to entering the patients' rooms. This information will help the medical personnel to be sensitive and understaining of the different religious and cultural health care traditions.
Child Nutrition Act HR 5504: In the past three decades, the problem of growing obesity among hildren has tripled. According to public health experts, diet-related diseases are also increasingly common, one in three American children will now eventually develop diabetes. With more access to plant based (vegetarian) meal options, students are better able to protect their health. A veggie burger, for example, is similar in protein content to a hamburger, but has one third of the fat content, does not have cholesterol, has fewer calories and more fiber. Menus in most school lunch programs are too high in saturated fat and cholesterol and too low in fiber. Nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes HR 5504 would allow more children to have access to healthful plant-based options. The Healthy School Lunch Campaign encourages schools to offer healthier low fat, cholesterol-free options, including reimbursable meals and beverages, a la carte items, and vending machine items.
JAINA to Work with Boy Scouts of America: JAINA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with BSA (BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA). According to this, Jain religion is now recognized by BSA and JAINA is authorized to liaison with BSA. JAINA is in the process of further follow-up steps like getting the Label/Pin/Medal done by a supplier, informative brochure and criteria of awarding, etc. Also Scouts Executive, a person who can look after and liaison with others for the PRAY program is to be appointed. This was possible with the efforts of Prakash Mody of Toronto. More information can be obtained at. (http://www.jaina.org/)
JAINA Goes to Washington: "Celebrating Non-Violence" on Capitol Hill: This conference was cosponsored by JAINA, American Jewish Congress, AAPI and NAACP, held in October 2009. Speaker at the conference included US Congress Chaplain, Rev. Daniel P. Caughlin, Congressman John Lewis, Congressman Jim McDermott, Congressman Frank Pallone, Congressman Ed Royce, NAACP Washington Bureau director Hilary O. Shelton, and White House representatives Paul Montero and Daniell Borin. This conference gave us a big opportunity to network and develop contacts with the US Government officials.
President Obama talks about Bhagwan Mahavir: As a direct result of Dr. Sushil Jain's networking with the White House, President Obama talked about Bhagwan Mahavir and Jainism at the White House Diwali function.
Visits To Various Sanghs: I had the opportunity to visit over 25 Jain centers. To list a few: Ashtapad Pratishtha in New York: - I attended the Ashtapad Pratishtha in New York, a unique event that took place in June 2010 at Jain Centre of America, New York. Shri Ashtapad Mountain sculptured from 59 pieces of crystal blocks each weighing 50 to 750 lbs. along with the steel frame weighing 1 ton was imported from Jaipur, India. All of 24 idols were carved out of real gemstones.
Pratishtha at Cleveland: JAIN Society of Greater Cleveland had a grand Pratishtha Mahotsav of their new Temple in July 2010 in Richfield, Ohio. It was a four-day celebration and I had the opportunity to be a part of this grand celebration. Pratishtha was for Mulnayak Shri Dharmanath, the 15th Tirthankar, Shri Rushabhnath and Shri Mahavir Swami. All the events were well organized and there was a lot of enthusiasm amongst the members. Everyone was happy to see that their long due dream came true. Jain Society of Greater Detroit: Jain Society of Greater Detroit celebrated its 35th Anniversary in June 2010. I was impressed by the cohesiveness of Detroit Jain community. An exhibit was organized which displayed unique memorabilia, literature and photographs collected over the years. I had the opportunity to address the members.