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Celebrating 5 Years of YJ Students
Compiled by Pooja Jain ASTON UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE Contributors: Vikash Shah
www.srcf.ucam.org/cuyjs Year of founding? 2001
Contributors: Amar Shah & Pooja Jain Founders? Pujna Shah & Vikash Shah
Year of founding? 2003 Reason for founding? Inspired by the shibir and events Founders? Priya Kothari organised by Young Jains UK, we wanted to carry this Reason for founding? To provide the opportunity for into university.
students in Cambridge to learn collectively about the Past Presidents? We have a new president each year religion through various educational, social and cultural who wants to do something different for the students. activities. From 2001, we have had Pujna Shah, Vikash Shah, Past Presidents? Priya Kothari, Priya Chandaria, Pooja Dhilen Shah & Gemini Kamdar.
Jain, Alpa Shah & Amar Shah Biggest Challenge? Recruiting members during the Biggest Challenge? Finding and attracting new Freshers' period and ensuring they come to events. members. Since the society's creation, the number of Also, liaising with other university nodes.
Jains studying at Cambridge seems to have declined. Proudest Achievement? Encouraging members to attend events. Events? Every Wednesday, we hold an arti and mangal divo and discuss a certain topic. We also visit the derasar in Leicester annually, and the Jain ashram in Birmingham once a term. Number of members I attendees? On average, 5 people attend events, but it requires personal encouragement.
A message from a founding member, Priya Kothari Why do I think Y/S is so important to the Jail community? Because it allows students to explore Jail dharma in an environment where they feel mos comfortable. It allows them to question and articulati their worries without fear of being criticised for no believing 'blindly'. Most importantly, it allows their own belief to grow and be nurtured. By discovering, o more accurately rediscovering, the innate truths o Jainism, their understanding is cemented, and this wil allow students, once they graduate, to confidentl share the Jain teachings with their friends, family an the community.
Samanijis visit Cambridge in 2005 Proudest Achievement? The current committee's proudest achievement so far is hosting the annual CUYS Garden; we pulled together as a team to deliver a great afternoon event despite the time constraints exam preparation was putting us under and the rain. Events? This term, we intend to host a range of events including a talk based on the history and main principles of Jainism and an interfaith social event. In previous years, we have held a well-attended inter-faith debate with the University's Jewish Society. We also represent Jainism in the community (we had a stall at the Cambridge Inter-faith Fair in 2006). Number of members I attendees? We currently have approximately 20 members studying at Cambridge. Other facilities offered? The society produces a regular newsletter and also holds a library of publications. The society's website is a source for information about the society and Jainism itself. Future goals? Maintain the interest of Jain and non-Jain Cambridge students in the society.
UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL Contributors: Ajay Sanghvi Year of founding? 2004 Founders? Ajay Sanghvi & Jyoti Mehta Reason for founding? A lack of discussion on Eastern philosophy and a need for a Jain society. Past Presidents? Ajay Sanghvi, Jyoti Mehta & Remee Shah Proudest Achievement? Collaborating with the Hindu Society for regular discussions and with the Chaplaincy to create an interfaith forum. Events? Regular discussion groups, lectures, videos, a Tsunami remembrance event, interfaith events. Number of members / attendees? 5-15 members Other facilities offered? An e-newsletter Future goals? Society continuity, cultivate inquisitive and questioning minds.
Annual YJS Events
Diwali Trip to Leicester Temple Jains @ Uni Yjs Shibir
Jain Education International
For Pers47
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www.jainelibrary.org
