Vardhaman Book on Jainism

Author(s): Jayshree Menon
Publisher: Bennete Coleman & Co Ltd

Page 84

of Jaina
of its centres has a pathshala. In association with The Jain Digest, Dr. Pandya says proudly handits centres it is also creating an up-to-date cur- ing over a copy, is the quarterly magazine of the riculum that can be implemented in different Jain Associations in North America. It gives inforschools.
mation about events that have happened and As one generation follows the next, the link with forthcoming highlights of Jaina. It is mailed to its roots is likely to become even more tenuous. over 7,500 Jain families in America and worldFully aware of the need to keep its faith and prin- wide - completely free of cost! ciples alive, Jaina tries to foster the faith. Every Dr. Pandya is a satisfied man today. He lives in two years the Jaina convention hosts a congrega a joint family, a rarity in America. "That's because tion of at least 10,000 to 12,000 Jains.
the boys work together. The family that works "It has become a unique social and religious together, lives and eats together," he meeting place for like-minded people," says Dr. philosophises. They are all vegetarians. "My whole Pandya. He already has his eyes set on the next family, including the grandchildren, are strictly convention scheduled in Chicago in 2001.
vegetarian. They do not eat cookies, cakes or ice It was an extremely gratifying and a proud mo- creams that contain eggs, in fact they buy some. ment when the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Atal thing only after reading all the list of ingredients!" Bihari Vajpayee, announced the formation of the The family is involved with Jaina in some way National and International com
or the other: "My wife Asha is mittee for the year-long celebra
firmly by my side in whatever I tions of Bhagwan Mahavir 2600
The objectives
do. My elder son Sanjay and his Janma Kalyanak and to actively
wife Renu take care of the fundspread the highly relevant mes
raising that is necessary for sage of peace and non-violence.
To develop a better
Jaina activities; my younger
understanding of Jainism Jaina has established a Mahavir
son Rajeev and his wife Deepti
To assist and promote Memorial Committee to actively
charitable activities
take care of the publication of participate in the international
To promote vegetarianism and
the annual calendar." Dr. event.
non-violence
Pandya himself links up with Dr. Pandya admits that the To assist in the establishment the different parts of Jaina, Jains are more unified abroad, of Jain temples, schools and mainly by telephone and ein countries like America and other Jain-oriented facilities mail. "I do visit the centres Canada, for instance, than in In- To keep all Jains together and whenever the need arises," he dia where the religion has sprung
guide them in their different
says, "or if there is some celfrom. "Since we live far away
activities
ebration or function like the from our country, we have come
inauguration of a new centre." to realise the dire importance of preserving our H e is rarely found at home as he also shuttles culture, something that is taken for granted here." between his overseas home and India, a place
An important means of preserving the tenets that inevitably and naturally draws him even afand philosophy is by inculcating the youth and ter so many years. "Nowadays I am more in India teaching them the importance of Jainism, show than in the US," Dr Pandya smiles. "My friends in ing them how relevant it is to their lifestyle even New York are continually asking me if I have today. To this end is dedicated the Young Jains of shifted base." America (YJA) and its fast-growing membership Obviously the answer is 'No'. His family has put is evidence of the fact that Jaina is moving in the down roots abroad and his work as President Jaina right direction. YJA seminars are a regular fea- gives him a deep sense of fulfilment. "It's gratify. ture of the biennial conventions and an associa- ing to see how Jains have not forgotten their way tion of Young Jain Professionals is now an affili- of life, Jaina gives us an immense sense of beate of Jaina.
longing. We can reach out to one another and What attracts the youngsters to Jaina? Dr. realise that yes, we have a common bond, a Pandya smiles. "Jaina's matrimonial data bank is shared way of life. We are proud that our youngextremely popular for marriage referrals. Many sters too have not turned their backs on our Jains have found their life partners through the beliefs." Marriage Information Service."
He continues, "The Jain presence cannot be Other potent tools that Jaina uses to propagate ignored. "Our community is full of people who its views are its numerous publications. The main make a difference socially in a variety of ways Jaina library in Los Angeles has over 8,000 books. and professions and may their breed grow!" It has a branch in Canada. The Jaina website- And on that highly positive note, Dr. Pandya www.jaina.org - keeps the cyber-happy world ends the chitchat. Ready to fly back home, he abreast of activities and current events in the assures us that he will return soon to India. After world of Jainism. Jaina also brings out an annual all, he has found the magical formula that helps calendar to exemplify its teachings.
him straddle two continents... all with a smile!
VARDHAMAN 84