YJ International Newsletter 2004 Vol 18 No 01

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

Page 21

Choose Your Opportunities
Compiled By Kavit Haria & Sonal Shah
Discover the Power of Influence! he event was planned, the presenters were set. Other charities that were present were Shishukunj and the charities were ready - Ready, Set, Go. We the Thika Eye Camp. began with a Mango Dance and the Navkar
There was a quick five-minute break as a line was set Mantra. Then, a funny voice could be heard, the voice
up and the drums were rolled in. Before I knew it, was not from the stage and everyone seemed puzzled!
Drum Jam began. Led by Somesh De Swardt, we all Who could that be! Next thing we knew, the host
had a chance to beat the drums and shake the was introduced and Kavit jumped out of the crowd!
maracas. Many instruments were used and different Everyone likes to watch films, whether they are from sounds generated. The atmosphere generated was Bollywood or Hollywood, but what about the YJ- fantastic, full of buzz and energy. We were able to hood? Well this came to light, as the Choose Your express ourselves. A flavour of West Africa! Opportunities film was shown. We put ourselves in
Moving on, there was a short presentation by Kavit on the shoes of those we saw and tried to feel what we
the relevance to Jainism. We looked at the way could see. After this, we realised one thing - there
Bhagwan Mahavir gave service without wanting was Compassion in each and every one of us, and this
anything in return (Nishkam Seva). This is how we is what drives us to give service. Compassion is an
should be, but as it is hard to give service without emotion, a feeling in motion.
wanting anything in return, we should try and minimise The next session was a chance for us to 'Explore our wants as much as possible. Within'. It was led by two lifecoaches who guided us
The end of the event came, and it was a great through a process by which we could make our life, a
moment. The atmosphere was high after the much smoother ride. Suraj Shah and Arvind Devalia
extravagant Drum Jam. both guided us through ways in which we could make the bumpy ride we may be experiencing a smooth one. After that, we had the chance to hear about the work of various charities and some examples of opportunities that have been undertaken. The MakeA-Wish Foundation was represented by Neeta Devalia. She is an active volunteer and says, "I am passionate about the work Make-A-Wish do and find that being a volunteer is both fun and rewarding. A wish granted is true magic for the child and to be part of that magic can mean so much. The message I would like to leave with everyone is that they too can make a difference. With one small gesture we can change a person's life". We also had Nirvana School, which was represented by Arvind Devalia, Sense represented by Sandeep Shah and Young Jains.
If you were unable to attend and would like to volunteer please contact any of the organisations below. Young Jains UK
Shishukunj - Food for Children (F4C project) Suraj Shah (Volunteers Officer)
Mahesh Shah E: volunteers@youngjains.org.uk
E: mahesh.savla @virgin.net URL: www.youngjains.org.uk
URL: www.shishukunj.org.uk Make-A-Wish Foundation Nirvana Trust
Drum Jam Neeta Devalia Arvind Devalia
Somesh De Swardt E: neetadevalia@hotmail.com E: arvind@nirvanacoaching.com
E:somesh@drumjam.co.uk URL: www.makeawish.org URL: www.nirvanatrust.com
URL: www.drumjam.co.uk Sense
Thika Eye-ENT Camp Look out for the return of Choose Your Sandeep Shah (Press & PR Officer) Kajal Shah
Opportunities in 2004! If you would like to E: sandeep.shah@sense.org.uk
E: kajshah@aol.com
volunteer, please contact Kavit Haria on URL: www.sense.org.uk
020 8909 2592 or kavit haria@hotmail.com
In Loving Memory of Jamnaben Nathoo Merag & Nitin Nathoo Merag - from Motichand Nathoo Merag & Family Jain Education International For Perso21 & Private Use Only