Jain Digest 2011 04

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

Page 8

Jain Center of Northern California: I was present at the joyous and eventful 10th Anniversary celebration of the Jain Bhawan held in Milpitas, California in August 2010. The celebration brought together a host of Jain religious leaders, scholars, followers and dignitaries who participated in a comprehensive series of events focusing on the theme: Non-Violence, Peace & Harmony. The cumulative reach of these events was impressive, with more than twenty speakers. The event was attended by over 3000 people.
JAIN DIGEST.. May 2011
Visit to Las Vegas: I visited the Las Vegas Sarvadharma Temple, which had Hindu and Jain Murtis. It is a beautiful Temple located on a hill, about 15 miles from "The strip". A small group of Jains displayed lot of dedication.
Visit to Phoenix Center: In August 2010, I visited Jain Center of Phoenix. After their regular Puja, I gave a talk on JAINA activities and visited their pathshala, which was humming with activities. I also had an informal meeting with Jain Center of Greater Phoenix EC, BOD.
Visit to Fort Myers: 15-20 Members were gathered at Mahendrabhai's (JAINA Director) home for an informal meeting to discuss Jain activities in Fort Myers.
Visit to Orlando: I received a very warm welcome during my visit to Orlando Jain Temple. Most members attended the Town Hall meeting and the participation of youngsters was superb. Deepikaben and I stayed overnight at a member's home and enjoyed the hospitality of Orlando Sangh.
Visit to Tampa Jain Sangh: I attended a Snatra Puja at Tampa Jain Center. It was attended by more than 150 members. A town hall meeting was held after the Puja and members were interested in knowing about JAINA. Members were happy to see a JAINA President visiting their center.
Jain Studies at FIU, Florida: A Historic Milestone - Florida International University is establishing a perpetual professorship in Jain studies and is a first ever initiative and a historic milestone for the Jain Community.
Visit to Miami: I attended a Town Hall meeting at Jain Center of Southern Florida (JCSF). About 5060 people attended the meeting and most members were interested in knowing about JAINA. JCSF is a relatively small organization, with a current membership of 80-100 Jain families. In late 2005, JCSF bought 4000 sq. feet of commercial office space in the newly built complex.
Jain Center of Greater Boston: Jain Center of Greater Boston has moved into their much larger temple in June 2010 in Norwood, MA. JCGB's first temple was one of the first in North America. Pratishtha in Richmond, VA: A grand Pratishtha celebration was held in Richmond Temple in November 2010. Pratishtha was for Mahavir Swami, Tirthankar Adeshwar and Tirthankar Parshwanath. This was a big achievement for a small sangh.
Visit to Montreal: I participated in the celebrations of Mahavir Janma Kalyanak in Montreal. Program
started with Snatra Puja and ended with a sumptuous dinner. Around 60 people were gathered for the event in which I gave a talk on JAINA activities to the gathering.
Visit to Houston: Sushil Jain, Deepika Dalal, Manish Mehta and I visited Houston for Convention planning. We had a very fruitful visit. Visit to Dallas: Sushil Jain, Nitin Shah and I visited Dallas Jain Center to promote JAINA Convention 2011. Members present were very enthusiastic about the convention being held in their backyard. We were given the tour of the newly acquired building to house their temple. Visit to Los Angeles: In the last 3 years, I have visited LA more than 8 times. I consider this as my Sangh. During my official visit as JAINA
President, I met with EC, BOD of JCSC and had a fruitful discussion on issues related with JAINA.