Jain Spirit 2003 06 No 15

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 11

GLOBAL NEWS
NEW HOMES FOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS
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enis foeten થી નિમણથa | Aહયોગથી બની શકે છે
Vardhman Nagar were inaugurated at a special ceremony overseen by Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanu. These new houses, built to help rehabilitate the victims of the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, were completed with financial contributions from JAINA (Jain Associations in North America). The Governor of Gujarat Sundersinh Bhandari, together with JAINA representative Dr. Dhiraj Shah, officially handed over the keys to 250 low- or no-income families, at a ceremony attended by 7000 people, including many local dignitaries. JAINA, through its service arm World Community Service, continues its contribution to the town of Vardhman
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JAINA's Dr. Dhiraj Shah presents a cheque for Rs.5 million towards helping earthquake victims to Governor Bhandari
Nagar by building several other facilities to be completed later this year: a school, a computer centre, a science centre, a library, a medical and dental centre, a community centre and a prayer hall.
On 2 February 2003, Gujarat earthquake victims were given new hope as 250 new homes in the town of
PRESIDENT CONSULTS ACHARYA
The President of India, Dr. Kalam, met for discussions with the 83-year-old Jain sage Acharya Mahapragya at Terapanth Bhavan, Mumbai in February 2003. Acharya Mahapragya, leader of the Terapanth sect, was visiting Mumbai as part of a three-year long ahimsa yatra (non-violence pilgrimage) to promote peaceful coexistence and non-violence.
Dr. Kalam and Acharya Mahapragya had wide ranging discussions on topics including spirituality, science, environment, ahimsa and peace.
The two men spent some time discussing the emergence of intolerance and absolutism (ekant) in
something that it was possible to transcend, principally through the practice of meditation and dedication to a non-violent existence.
After the meeting, the President stated that he had found enlightenment and new energy through his discussion with the Acharya. What is perhaps most significant is that Dr. Kalam returned to continue his discussions the following day, once the glare of media intrusion had died down. For further information on Acharya Mahapragya, his teachings or the Terapanth sect, visit www.terapanth.com or www.ahimsayatra.com
India today. Indeed, the President was quoted as saying ...more and more people are becoming absolutist in their ideas...Anekanta is the most important aspect of Mahavira's philosophy. How can we popularise it?' The Acharya responded by highlighting that ekant was a product of negativity in thought,
ACHIEVEMENTS
Janki Shah, daughter of Neeta and Amu Shah, was awarded 1st place in the state of Western Australia, and 2nd place overall in an Australian national mathematics competition.
Emma Salter was awarded a doctorate by Cardiff University, Wales in February 2003 for her thesis on Srimad Rajchandra's following.
Sidharth Savadia, of Perth, Australia, was awarded 2nd prize in the Lower Primary Division in the 2002 Tim Winton Award for young writers. His prize-winning story was entitled The boy who went to another world. The Tim Winton Award for Young Writers aims to encourage creative writing and is open to anyone aged between 5 and 17, who lives or attends school in the Perth metropolitan area.
The Cricket World Cup was held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya in February and March 2003. Rabindu Shah, a 31-year-old Jain from Nairobi represented Kenya as their opening batsman.
Pradip Jain, a renowned Indian philatelist, has recently had a book published entitled Indian Airmails: Development & Operations (19111942). Mr. Jain's book delves into the history of early aerial developments. which formed the backbone of modern airmail systems.
June - August 2003 - Jain Spirit
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Jain Education Intemational 2010_03
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