On the auspicious day of Paryushan Parva,
 we earnestly ask for forgiveness for any of our  actions,
 thoughts or words that may have
directly, indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally
hurt your feelings in past year...........Michhami Dukkaddam

Saints

ACHARYA DR. SHIV MUNI INSPIRES THOUSANDS TO VOW AGAINST GIRL CHILD FOETICIDE - Acharya Dr. Shiv Muni, the fourth Pattadhar of Jain Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Shraman Sangh, while holding his chaturmas at Jammu, said that child foeticide is a curse for the whole society. He has been inspiring thousands of people attending his discourses every day to mount a crusade against foeticide. The influence of his inspiring lectures has been so much so that thousands of people from all the communities, who have been attending his pravachan regularly have jointly taken a vow that they will not encourage foeticide and take all possible measures to stop this heinous and criminal act, not only in their families but in the entire society. It is worth-mentioning that the Supreme Court has also sent notices both to the Central Government and the State Governments to strictly enforce the ban on child foeticide which had been imposed long time back. Dr. Shiv Muni has also been vociferous in calling upon the people of all the communities to save water as much as possible, become fully vegetarian and not to use fresh flowers during marriage ceremonies or on any other occasions.

JAIN SAMANI SPREAD MESSAGE OF JAINISM IN AMERICA
During their stay in USA, Samani Mudit Pragya ji and Samani Sangh Pragya Ji belonging to Shwetambar Terapanth sect have been moving around, visiting different cities and popular institutions to deliver lectures and holding seminars on Jainism, and meeting eminent people to spread awareness about Jain religion there. Recently, both of them paid visits to Almeda Center, Sanyas Ashram Spiritual Center and Presbitarian Church at New Jersey, attended a Retreat camp at California and delivered a radio-talk on W.J.J.F. Radio station at Newyork. Devoted swami Swaroopanand ji of the Sivanand Ashram at Newyork called upon the samanis to requesting them for holding a workshop on Preksha dhyan at the Ashram. The request was readily accepted by the samanis and the programme is being organised.

PROMINAT KHATaRGACHH SAINT SRI MANI PRABHSAGAR TO MOVE TO RAJASTHAN
Prominent khatargachh saint Upadhyaya Shri Maniprabh Sagar Ji after completing his chaturmans at Pune will proceed to Rajasthan for next chaturmas scheduled at Sri Kesariyaji.  On way he will perform pratishtha programs at Mumbai and Palitana Ahemdabad, Sanchor, Barmer, Mandavla, Siwanna, Balotara, Nakora, Osian and  Udaiapur.

On 13th August 06,  Shri Rajnath Singh, President BJP, Sri Nitin Gadkari, Chief of Maharashtra BJP, Gopinath Munde and many other BJP leaders visited Acharya Maniprabhsagarji M.S. and asked for his blessings.

temples
AHEMDABAD TO HAVE A garden of trees associated with Jain Tirthankars
On the World Environment Day today Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation laid foundation of a garden of a different kind. The garden has saplings of trees associated with 24 Tirthankars of Jains. As per the Jain religion each of 24 Tirthankars gained knowledge while meditating under a tree. The garden have been set up in the Shahibaug area near Rajasthan hospital. These trees are sacred for Jains. It is also planed to install statues of respective Tirthankar. Here is a list of the trees associated with Tirthankars.

MAHAMASTAKABHISHEK CEREMONY AT SHRAWANBELGOLA CONCLUDED ON 2nd AUGUST
Mahamastakabhishek cermony of the Statue of Lord Bahubali at Shrawanbelgola, which had commenced on the 8th February, 2006 was concluded on the 2nd August, 2006 in the holy presence of several Acharyas, Aryikas, other saints and sadhwis belonging to Digamar sect particularly Upadhyay  Sri Nijanand sagar ji maharaj, Muni Sri Hit sagarji maharaj, Muni Sri Punyasagarji maharaj and Muni Sri Amit sagarji maharaj.

EVENTS
SECOND CONVENTION OF YOUNG JAINS OF INDIA TO BE HELD AT DELHI
New Delhi, July 15: The 2nd all India convention of Young Jains of India (YJI) will be held at Delhi from the 3rd to 5th of November, 2006. YJI is an all India Jain youth organisation aimed at promoting and propagating the Jain Way of Life based on the Jain principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non possessiveness) and Anekantavad (non-absolutism) popularly called as the three A's of Jainism. The organisation started in 2005 by Manish Kasliwal (a senior executive at Motorola Inc), of Mumbai and Dr. Manoj Jain of Memphis (USA) has a strong membership base of more than 1500 registered volunteers from all over India. For ease of functioning YJI is organised into five different zones, viz; north, south, central, west and Greater Mumbai, each headed by a regional chair. YJI's objectives include: (a) developing & preparing next generation leadership with Jain values instilled in them, (b) having dialogue with youths & professionals on the principles of AAA and (c) Networking. The 1st YJI convention was held at Indore from 23rd to 25th December, 2005 with around 250 Jain youths from all over India. Some of the speakers who addressed the 1st convention include Mr.Prem Jain (Ex VP Cisco Systems), N.P.Jain (Former Indian Ambassador), Mr.Kirit Daftary (President of JAINA), Swami Shrutpragyaji (International Scholar on Jainism), Mr. Udai Raj Gadnis (spiritual Artist and Renowned Painter) and Ms. Tarla Dalal (vegetarian Cook Book Author). Some of the speakers at the first convention along with a few more speakers are expected to address the 2nd convention. YJI functions with a theme every year so as to propagate the Jain way of life. The discussions and speaking sessions at the convention are based on these themes. The theme of the 2nd YJI convention is Self Evolution Through Jain Way Of Life with the discussions being focused on the self. "If one improves himself, this world would be such a beautiful place to live", said Dr. Manoj Jain. The convention at Delhi will be a great opportunity for the Jain Youths to meet Young Jains from across India and renowned speakers and Jain scholars from India and abroad. Around 600 Jain youths are expected to gather at the 2nd convention to be held at Aadhyatma Sadhana Kendra, Mehrauli, New Delhi. The preparations for the 2nd convention are underway with the YJI Steering committee and the YJI North team gearing up for the convention. The preparations received a boost with its kick-off meet at Delhi on the 17th and 18th June, 2006. For further details and enquires of the organisation and the convention please send an E-Mail : info@yjindia.org  or log on to www.yjindia.org  or call Nitin HP at +91.98808.18869. Courtesy: Gaurav Jain, E-Mail : gauravejainyji@gmail.com M: (+91)-9811-9812-33

FIRST MEETING OF YJA TO BE HELD AT BANGALORE
The 1st Meeting of YJI - Bangalore will be held on the 20th of August 2006. Following are the details of the meeting:
Date: 20th August, 2006.,Time: 11.00 am Venue: C.B.Bhandri Jain College, K. R. Road, Near Karnataka Jain Bhavan, Shankarapuram, Bangalore. Agenda: What is YJI YJI Projects, YJI - South - Bangalore, Introduction of YJI Bangalore, 2nd YJI Convention. Please send your confirmations to the meeting by contacting the under-signed either by email or phone.
Nitin H.P. , Regional Director - YJI - South, Tele : 9880818869, E-Mail :nitinhp@gmail.com

LECTURE ON POSITION OF WOMEN IN ANCIENT INDIA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO JAIN AGAMS - Dr. Shefali Chaturvedi delivered her lecture on ‘Position of Women in Ancient India' with special reference to the Jain Agamas in the 13th Monthly Study Circle's meeting of B. L. Institute of Indology, Delhi on 8th July 2006. She based her lecture on the Vedic, Buddhist and Jaina tenets. Courtesy: Dr. Balaji Ganorkar.

DR. SOHAN LAL GANDHI WILL REPRESENT JAIN COMMUNITY IN THE WORLD CONFERENCE ON RELIGION & PEACE - Dr. Sohan Lal Gandhi, Secretary of Anuvibha (Terapanth Organisation) will be attending 8th World Conference on Religion & Peace. The conference is organized by World Conference on Religion for Peace from 26th August to 29th August at Vyoto City, in Japan. He will be talking on Peace for Religion, terrorism and cruelty. He will also present views of Acharya Shri Mahapragya about the religion and peace.

HONOURS & AWARDS
GOBIND V. Karandikar receives Jnanpith AWARD INSTITUTED BY TIMES OF INDIA GROUP - Delhi: President APJ Abdul Kalam conferred the 39th Jnanpith Award on renowned Marathi poet Govind Vinayak Karandikar on Thursday. The award was in recognition of Karandikar's outstanding contribution to Indian literature. Describing Karandikar as a poet and humanist, Kalam, who was accompanied by the Bharatiya Jnanpith president Indu Jain and chairman (selection board) L M Singhvi, said, "Karandikar's poetry is marked by experimentation, free verse and captures the beauty of nature." Calling the legendary litterateur from Maharashtra a "magnificent poet", Kalam added, "He (Karandikar) has also contributed largely to child welfare."  Known for an experimental style that he admits is influenced as much by Browning and T S Eliot as the Marathi novelist V S Khandekar and poet V V Shirwadkar, Karandikar has also modernised old literature — like Amrutanubhav and Dnyaneshwari — and written children's poems.  Speaking at the well-attended award ceremony, Karandikar said, "I believe that poetry should aspire to be co-extensive with life, it should try to cope with the variety and complexity inherent in human situations." L M Singhvi said, "Karandikar has never followed any single philosophy but embraced all, yet without losing his uniqueness." He described the poet's difficult childhood years as well as his ability to deal with and process desparate influences — from Gandhi to Veer Savarkar.

HONOURS AND AWARDS

	Justice Vijendra Jain : Appointed as Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court.
	Shri M.C. Jain : In view his immense contribution in the field of journalism, he has been honoured by "Pride of Nation award" by the Bharatiya Social Development Academy, Mumbai.
	Shri Ravindra Jain : Being an eminent and highly devoted lyricist, composer, singer and music director, he has been honoured with "Lata Mangeshkar award" by Maharashtra Government. He received a trophy and a cash award of Rs. one lakh.
	Dr. Samani Mangal Pragya : She has been appointed Pro-Vice Chancellor of Jain Vishwa Bharati, Ladnun. She will be the first pro-vice chancellor, as announced by the Vice-Chancellor, Ms. Sudhamahi Raghunathan.

NEW PUBLICATIONS

BOOK REVIEW "PANCHAGRANTHI VYAKARANA" - Panchagranthi Vyakarana of Buddhisagarsuri, (A Critical Edition)This is the first compact, comprehensive and complete metrical Grammar of Classical Sanskrit, composed by the celebrated Jain Acharya Buddhisagarsuri (981-1025 A.D.). In accordance with the tradition of all the extant systems of Sanskrit Grammar, Buddhsagara has treated in his work all the five aspects, viz., the Dhatupatha, Ganapatha, Unadipatha, Linganusasana, and the main text of the Vyakaranasutras of which the former five are the auxiliaries, thus making it the full Pancanga Vyakarana. This work is the critical edition of the work, of which the editor has utilized four Mss. the oldest one belonging to the 13th century CE. The extant text comes to an end with Sanskrit Adhikara, at the end of the second Pada of the fourth Adhyaya. Each Adhyaya consists of four Padas, the last one being only half complete. The Linganusasana is located in the auto-commentary of a Sutra (1.2.1.1); the Ganapatha is scattered in various Padas of different Adhyayas, the Dhatupatha is located in the auto-commentary on a sutra (3.4.2.1). The Unadipatha is located in the auto-commentary of a sutra (4.1.3.4). And, the verses contain the main rules. Editor: Dr. Narayan Kansara is  commentator, is currently the Director of the Akshardham Centre for Applied Research in Social Harmony, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Pages: 70+420, Price: Rs. 1495/=, Publisher: Bhogilal Leherchand Institute of Indology, Vallabh Smarak Jain Temple Complex, 20th KM. G.T.K. Road, P.O. Alipur, Delhi 110036. E-Mail:  blinstitute@yahoo.com. 
Courtesy: Dr Balaji Ganorkar" E-Mail:  balajiganorkar@yahoo.co.in

English Pratikraman Book, Compiled by Shri Pravin K. Shah
Shri. Pravin K. Shah has released English version of Pratikramon Book which is based on   earlier english Pratikraman book compiled by Dr. Surendra Singhvi  guided by Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji and Late Ächärya Shri Sushil Muniji in 1989. The book is presented with traditional flavor of original sutras along with their essence and meaning. Pratikraman means to go back, to reflect and review, to confess and atone for transgressions of  mind, body, and speech in one's daily activities. It also means returning to and reaffirming the path of nonviolence, truthfulness, and  non-attachment.

Jainism advocates six essential daily practices for its followers for their spiritual progress. The six essentials of Digambar tradition does not include Pratikraman rite and hence only Shvetämbar traditions (Murtipujak, Sthänakaväsi, Teräpanthi etc.) perform this ritual. The six practices of Shvetämbar traditions are:

Sämäyika - Equanimity and Meditation - to remain equanimous for at least 48 minutes
Chaturvimshati-stava -- Praying and remembering the qualities of 24 Tirthankars
Vandanä -- Properly respecting Ascetics
Pratikraman -- Repentance and Confession of bad deeds and thoughts (Sins)
Käyotsarga -- To discipline our physical body for longer meditation (Non-attachment to the Body)
Pratyäkhyäna / Pachchakhäna -- To control our desires by adopting certain religious vows

The observance of Pratikraman is the single most important rite because it includes all other rites. The annual Pratikraman that all Jains should strive to observe is called Samvatsari Pratikraman, which is performed on the last day of Paryushan.

The English Pratikraman Book includes the sutras from various Shvetämbar traditions. The meaning of each Pratikramana Sutras is explained in simple English, which covers six essentials. This way youth can perform this ritual with proper understanding. For English speaking, the Sutras may be difficult to pronounce without due practice. However, after understanding the purpose and meaning of the Pratikraman, one can either recite sutras or the explanation of sutras. This way one can complete this ritual within 48 minutes, which is the required duration of the Sämäyika ritual. The entire book is available on the Jaina website (*English Pratikraman of JSCNC.pdf*). Following is the link to download the JSCNC book and books written by the other authors. www.jaina.org If you have any questions suggestions or comment on this Pratikraman book, please write to Mr. Pravin K. Shah E-Mail: education@jaina.org

CATALOGUE OF THE JAIN MANUSCRIPTS OF THE BRITISH LIBRARY
In three volumes, By Nalini Balbir, Kanhaiyalal Sheth, Kalpana Sheth and C.B. Tripathi, Distributed by Hindi Granth Karyalay 2006 280 x 220 mm 1278 pp + 18 colour plates, Hardcover Deluxe Edition Rs. 5000. This is the first time that Jain manuscripts preserved in the British  Library and the holdings of the British Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum have been catalogued in a thorough and systematic manner. The work was initiated by Professor Candrabhal Tripathi, but after his untimely death, Professor Nalini Balbir took on this project and worked at it for more than 10 years, assisted by Kanhaiyalal and Kalpana Sheth, a scholarly couple from Ahmedabad. The scope of the Catalogue extends from the Jain manuscripts in the Oriental Collection of the British Library to those in the  India Office Library. This Catalogue sheds light on 1083 manuscripts in 1425 entries.  Available at : HINDI GRANTH KARYALAY, E-Mail: manishymodi@gmail.com,  Web: www.hindibooks.8m.com

MALLIRUPAYAN
It is a Hindi epic, named MALLIRUPAYAN by versatile poet Sumant Bhadra on the life of 19th TIRTHANKAR of Jainism. Apart from teachings of Mallinath, the same contains all the tenets of Jain metaphysical context, code of conduct and miracles. It needs not to say that the work is full of poetic beauty and philosophical truth. Numerous aspects of Indian culture, art etc like other particularities are covered as well. The description of the book is as below.

Mallirupayan, Hindi, Poetry, First, Rs. 300, Prajna Parmita Prakashan, Post box No. 12, Chinchwad, Pune - 411033, Maharashtra, Tele :91-(020) 27480901, E-Mail : Prajnaparmita_prakashan@hotmail.com.

CHATURMAS OF EMINENT SAINTS AND SADHWI
(In continuation to list given in June and July issues)
Shwetambar Murti-Pujak sect:
Acharya Shri Padam Sagar Suri Ji maharaj: Palitana (Guj.)
Acharya Shrimad Vijay Hemendra Suri Ji maharaj: Mohan kheda (M.P.)
Acharya Shri Jayantsen Suri ji maharaj: Mohan kheda (M.P.)
Gachhadhipati Pattadhar Acharya Shri Nityanand Ji maharaj: Bali (Raj.)
Sadhwi Sri Dr. Surekha JI: Jaipur

Shwetambar Sthanakwasi sect:
Acharya Shri Hira Chand JI maharaj: Bangarpet (Karnataka)
Upadhyay Shri Man Chandra Ji maharaj, Shri Gautam Muni maharaj and others: Pipar city (Raj.)
Upadhyay Shri Ramesh Muni Ji , Shri Rajendra Muni Ji and others: Indore
Pandit Ratna Shri Vinod Muni Ji maharaj: Ahmednagar
Mahasati Shri Archana Ji maharaj: Ahmednagar
Mahasati Shri Priya darshana ji maharaj: Hyderabad
Pravartak Shri Suman Muni Ji: Amritsar
Shri Sumati Prakash Ji, Dr. Vishal Muni and others: Ludhiana
Pravartak Shri Ramesh Muni Ji maharaj and others: Jodhpur
Shri Saubhagya Muni Ji maharaj: Molela, Raj Samand (Raj.)

Digambar sect:
Acharya Shri Vidhya Sagar Ji maharaj: Amarkantak (M.P.)
Acharya Shri Vidyanand Ji maharaj: New Delhi
Acharya Shri Bharat Sagar Ji maharaj: Himmat Nagar (Guj.)
Acharya Shri Suvidhi Sagar Ji maharaj: Rishabh Dev, Udaipur
Acharya Shri Samman Sagar Ji maharaj: Lucknow
Acharya Shri Nirmal Sagar Ji maharaj: Girnar ji
Acharya ShriSambhav Sagar Ji maharaj: Sammet Shikhar Ji
Acharya Shri Anekant Sagar Ji maharaj: Sammet Shikhar Ji
Acharya Shri Kumud nandi Ji maharaj: Mysore
Acharya Shri Darshan Sagar Ji maharaj: Indore
Acharya Shri Vivek Sagar Ji maharaj: Delhi
Acharya Shri Pushpdant Sagar Ji maharaj: Dimapur
Acharya Shri Padam nandi Ji maharaj: Bangalore
Acharya Shri Gundhar nandi Ji maharaj: Varur, Dist. Hubli (T.N.)
Upadhyay Shri Gyan Sagar Ji maharaj: Sagar (M.P.)
Upadhyay Shri Samta Sagar Ji maharaj: Mangi Tungi Ji
Krantikari sant Shri Tarun Sagar Ji maharaj: Bangalore
Muni Shri Pulak Sagar Ji maharaj: Gulal wadi, Mumbai

reader's views
Pankaz Chandmal Hingarh - Next month, paryusan will start. Every year one question hammers my mind why we cant have same samatsavari day globally . Why we have different paryusan set of days in different segments of jainism when we preach same set of tirthankars. Same is confusing for non-jain friends too. False egos of different Acharyas of all segments come in between . If Acharyas desire we can have same samvatsari. Shwetambar & digambar differences in jainism have turned up as siyas & sunis in muslims. Atleast this year we can try to practice jainism for 18 days paryusan ( 8days of shwetambars & 10 days of digmabars). I have observed that during shwetambar parysan many digambar friends do ratri bhojan & during digambars shwetambars eat . We are only jains & should not get carried away with sectorial differences. Please share your views & suggest remedial measures on same. From : Pankaz Chandmal Hingarh, Winner of International Jain Asmita Award,    Secretary of JFW association, Moderator of JFW ( Jainismforworld ) egroup, Trustee of Aadarsh Amdavad, E-Mail: pajarotouch@yahoo.com From the Editor : This year, Paryushan Parva and Samvatsari have been celebrated by almost all the sects of Shwetambar samaj on the same days.

MISCELLANEOUS
SEVEREST NATURAL CALAMITY OF THE CENTURY IN THE FORM OF FLOODS OVERTAKES WESTERN REJASTHAN
In a region where people often have to starve even for few drops of water, the nature has thrust the severest calamity in the form of  floods in the western part of Rajasthan. The districts of Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jalore and Sirohi have been most affected due to these flash floods. 1200 km. of roads have been severely damaged and crops worth Rs. 45 crores and one lakh cattle have been lost. In all, 1100 villages have received highly excessive rains and 8 lakh people have been badly affected. In Barmer district alone, particularly in the worst-affected villages, Kawas, Bhadaka and Malva, 300 persons have reportedly lost their lives having been washed away by the gushing waters. 24 villages have remained immersed in water for several days.  It is estimated that property alone, worth Rs. 1300 crores have been lost in these unprecendented and unexpected foods. Where the average annual rainfall has never been more than 5 inches during the last 100 years, the rains recorded this time have been about 28 to 30 inches just in a period of three days, 19th to 21st August.

In order to cope up with the calamity, help is being sought  from all possible sources. Of course, the state government, army and other non-governmental agencies are trying their best to provide necessary relief measures but a lot more help and support are needed to rehabilitate people, supply food and clothing, rebuild houses and provide means of livelihood.

Ahimsa Foundation is keen to provide all necessary help and muster support to raise the resources needed for this purpose. It therefore urges all its trustees, members of Advisory committee, readers of Ahimsa Times,  members of www.jainsamaj.org and other well-wishers to come forward with a large heart in this hour of crisis and render help in whatever way they can, cash or kind. In case they like to send any cash donations for this worthy cause, they can send cheques or demand draft in the name of Ahimsa Foundation, payable at New Delhi. The amount so received will be gratefully acknowledged through the next issue of Ahimsa Times and it will be sent to appropriate authorities for prompt utilisation.

MURAL PAINTINGS IN INDIAN PARLIAMENT HOUSE, New Delhi

As one enters the Parliament House, one is fascinated by a row of beautiful paintings adorning the walls of the outer circular corridor on the ground floor. The paintings are the works of eminent artists of India, depicting scenes from the long history of this country right from the Vedic age down the British period, culminating in the attainment of independence in 1947 . Some of them are related to Jains here are the glimpses.

Panel No. 7- Mahavira (6th Century B.C.) with Adinatha and Parsvanatha on either side, all seated with appropriate symbols. The statue of Gomateswara at Sravanabelgola is also shown. Artist--Shri A. Balakrishnan, Madras. Artist Supervisor--Shri K.C S Paniker, Madras.  Panel No. 19-King Mahameghavahana-Kharavela of Kalinga and his Jaina Council held at Udayagiri in the 1 3th year of his reign (2nd Century B.C.). Artist--Shri Sushil Chandra Sen, Uttarpara, District Hooghly. Artist Supervisor--Shri S. N. Ghosal, Calcutta. Courtesy: Mr. Gaurav Jain, E-Mail : jainegaurav@yahoo.co.in

HELP NEEDED FOR FLOOD RELIEF WORK BY VARDHMAN SANSKAR DHAM, MUMBAI - Vardhman Sanskar Dham is a registered NGO and the donations given to it are tax-free (under section 80 G).  Vardhman Sanskar Dham, Mumbai has started relief work in flood affected areas of Surat. We are in need of immense monetary and volunteer support. We request you to come forward and support us by donating money or by working as a volunteer at Surat for these relief efforts. For more details visit www.geocities.com or contact us at: Paresh Jain, Development Engineer, Research and Development, Larsen and Toubro Limited, Gate No. 1, Saki Vihar Road, Powai, Mumbai - 400072.  Tel : +91-22-6705 2698  Mob: +91-98207 81696.

RAJDHANI EXPress TO STOP AT PARAS NATH STATION
Devotees visiting Sammet Shikhar Ji would be glad to note that Delhi-Calcutta Rajdhani Express would hence-forth be stopping over at Parasnath railway station, according to a notification issued by the Eastern railway. Initially, this stoppage has been allowed for six months, starting from the 1st August but it may be extended on the availability of passengers.

It said tests carried on samples of the drinks across 12 Indian states revealed dangerously high levels of pesticides. Both Coca Cola and Pepsi have disputed the report's findings, saying their drinks meet international safety standards. Coke in its statement asserted that its soft drinks have been regularly tested and evaluated by a world-renowned UK government laboratory- Central Science laboratories (CSL) and conformed to the stringent standards. The West Bengal Government too, has reportedly found nothing abnormal in Cola samples , it tested. The Chief Minister of the state has also said that colas would not be banned till the state government received a report on samples sent to the centre for testing.

In the mean time,Karnataka Government has banned the sale of carbonated drinks near 2,000-odd temples in the State with immediate effect. With this, the State Government has extended its ban on aerated drinks in educational institutions, hospitals, both Government and private, as the colas were found to contain pesticides beyond the prescribed limit. The Government, after filing a case against Coca-Cola under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, will file similar cases against Thums Up and Mirinda.

 Coca Cola and Pepsico on Friday moved the Kerala High Court against the state government's ban on manufacture and sale of their products, but Coke's problems compounded with Karnataka dragging it to court over findings of high pesticide residue in its drinks. In separate petitions before the Kerala High Court, Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages Private Ltd and Pepsi India Holding Private Ltd sought a direction prohibiting the state from taking action against them based on a report by an NGO -- Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The Health Minister, Mr.Ambumani Ramdoss has in a reply to a question in the Lok Sabha informed that enough evidence has not been given in the report of C.S.E. and it can not be accepted as such.

BABA RAM DEV TOURS UK AND ORGANISES  CAMPS to POPULARISE YOGA
Baba Ramdev, who popularised yoga and meditation by touring through out the home country during the last two to three years, has now taken up the task of spreading yoga in other countries. He made a start from UK in the last July, where he organised a series of camps. These camps were attended by thousands of people, including several doctors, who were all of the opinion that the camps were highly beneficial fo their health, particularly getting rid of diseases, otherwise incurable, on a permanent basis and for achieving tranquility and peace of mind. Baba has just returned from UK with great success.

During his interviews with the press and media after his return, he was vociferous in exposing once again the Cola companies, which according to him were bent upon giving slow poison to people, specially younger generation. He added that although one Minister might have given clean chit to these companies as regards the purity of their products, it did not mean that the companies concerned had been permitted to carryout poisoning the people of this country. He also informed the press that he will soon arrange to take up production of various Ayurvedic preparations made from from vegetables, such as, karela, lauki, khira and tulsi and suply these to foreign countries. He was sure about the popularity of these health-promoting preparations. He added that this step will not only help people to build and improve their health but also to to earn foreign exchange for the nation.

WOMEN OUTWEIGH MEN IN OBESITY
CHANDIGARH :The latest National Family Health Survey for Punjab is a mixed bag, but may reveal some interesting projections for Chandigarh too. The good news first. In what may be seen as a big leap in the direction of containing population explosion, Punjab has attained the replacement fertility level of two children per woman. Now the bad news. An alarming 38% women and 30% men are obese in the state with those in the urban areas bulging more than those in the rural hinterland. On an average, women in Punjab are giving birth to two children each as against three recorded by National Family Health Survey in 1992-93. Though the overwhelming practice of female sterilisation remains unabated, the methods of containing families have changed. The survey, conducted by CRRID in Punjab, was among the first five released by the ministry of health along with the states of Chattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Orissa for the year 2005-06. Involving nearly 3,000 households, which included nearly 3,700 women, and over 1,300 men, the survey was done in ‘‘Punjab has evidently stepped into the third stage of demographic transition, representing a tendency toward global stabilisation of population. Though the sharp decline in infant mortality rate - from 54 to 42 per thousand during 1992-93 to 2005-06 - might make the state health authorities swell with pride, bulging bellies among adults is a serious cause of concern. Clearly a fallout of changed lifestyle, nearly one in every two women in urban areas and one in every three in rural areas were recorded as obese.

Fewer babies are dying undue deaths since more and more people, an increase from 47% to 69%, are getting a doctor or nurse or ANM to assist deliveries. The percentage of underweight children under the age of three has recorded a steep fall from 46 to 27%. The percentage of children who were too thin for their height also came down from 21 to 9%. On the worrisome front 80% of children in the age group of six months to three years are recorded as suffering from anaemia. However, the euphoria over an improving health scenario might just turn into despair for the state health authorities since data on incidence of HIV and sex ratio at birth is awaited.

Jain Sacred text on clothes: fashion designer booked
Ahmedabad - Police have registered a complaint against a Mumbai-based fashion designer and two shops for 'hurting religious sentiments' by designing and selling clothes with sacred Hindu and Jain texts. Two religious groups, the Rajnagar Jain Sangh and Bharatiya Dharmarakshak Sena, late Monday night lodged a complaint with the Navrangpura police station here against Designer Dipen Desai, his firm Veda and Mantra and the two city-based garments showrooms for 'hurting religious sentiments'. On behalf of their organisations, Rashmin Shan and Abhay Shah complained that the printing of the Gayatri Mantra and Navkar Mantra on clothes was an insult to the Hindu and Jain religions. Police have filed the complaint under Section 295(c) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), relating to hurting religious sentiments. Police said they were searching for the owners of the two showrooms here that were selling the contentious clothes. Courtesy: Mr. Gaurav Jain, E-Mail : gauravejainyji@gmail.com

JAIN MILAN ESTABLISHED IN NORTH AMERICA
To increase interaction  amongst the Jain of North America 'JAINA' will hold Jain Milan meetings. These events will be  organized to encourage our Jain youth to meet other Jains for the purpose of matrimony and to facilitate a face-to-face meeting.   With events like Jain Milan, 'JAINA'  hopes to  preserve Jain traditions and values in  next generation and strengthen community. Jain Milan will be an opportunity for Jain youth (age 21 and older) throughout North America and around the world to meet in person, to make friends, to engage in networking, to develop business contacts and to possibly find a life partner.   For more information go to www.jaina.org or contact  Mr. Gunvant Shah, JAINA, V.P., Northeast, 12 Ascot Place, North Brunswick, NJ 08902 USA, Phone:732-246-4030,E-Mail: profgaryshah@yahoo.com

Indians unintentionally eat toxic metals day by day
Millions of Indians inadvertently eat toxic and carcinogenic metals in the form of thin silver foil traditionally used to garnish sweets and betel leaf, study results say. The silver foil, easily available in Indian markets, contains residues of carcinogenic nickel, lead, chromium and cadmium, according to a study by the Industrial Toxicology Research Center Lucknow. In an age-old tradition, a finely pounded sheet of silver, so thin it splits when touched, is placed atop many Indian sweets. Silver film is sometimes also used to wrap betel leaf, which is stuffed with betel nut, lime and other condiments and is chewed as a digestive. "There is a good chance of consuming toxic metals while eating sweets wrapped with silver foil," said Dr. Mukul Das, who carried out the study. Eating tiny amounts of pure silver is not considered toxic to humans, but many vendors use foil adulterated with heavy metals, Das said.

"Over half of the analyzed silver foils had lower silver purity than the 99.9 per cent purity stipulated by the prevention of food adulteration act of India," he said. When such foil enters into the body it releases heavy metals that can lead to cancer, said Dr. S.K. Khanna, the co-author of the report released last month. The report advocates controls for making silver foil. It details the unhygienic conditions in which workers put silver in small leather bags and beat it into foil with wooden clubs in dingy shops. One such artisan, Mukhtar Ali, said no health official had ever visited his workshop in Lucknow. "Can silver be impure? Silver is a pure element and has no side effect," he said. "Moreover, I have never heard anybody complaining about silver foil." Food inspector Sidharth Mathur said that a law specifies the required purity of silver foil for eating, but authorities have no way to test the purity, the AP says. "Our labs are not competent enough" to make such checks, he said.
Garnishing some foods with silver foil is so popular in India that ITRC scientists believe that about 275,000 kilograms (606,265 pounds) of pure silver is converted into edible silver foil each year in the country. Courtesy: Mr. Chetan Jain, E-Mail : chetan.jain@oracle.com.

NEW WEBSITE ON JAINISM BY Hardik Shah, Mumbai
Shri Hardik Shah ,Mumbai has launched a  good site www.parasdham.org on Jainism. Please do visit the site for information about JAIN religion.

Jain Irrigation bags Rs 82 cr mango pulp orders
The fruit processing division of Jain Irrigation Systems has bagged orders for mango pulp for more than Rs 82 crore in the current season. According to a release issued by the company, it is expecting mango product sales to cross Rs 95 crore in the current financial year."The company's exports of mango pulp is expected to cross Rs 70 crore as against Rs 21.50 crore last year. Domestic sales come from supplies of mango pulp to Coca Cola India," the release added.

DIKSHA CEREMONY
KUMARI NISHA MERDIA'S DIKSHA TO BE HELD AT MUMBAI ON 15TH DECEMBER 2006
Khatargachh Upadhyaya Shri Maniprabhsagar will provide diksha to Kumar Nisha Merdia on 15th December 2006 at Mumbai. Nisha, aged 19 years, living in Mumbai hails from Sanchore village of Rajasthan. She has been studying Jainism for last three years.

devlok GAMAN
Sant Ratna Tapasvi Shri Prakash Muni jimmaharaj disciple of  Acharyapravar Poojya Shri Hira Chand JI maharaj  left for his heavenly abode at Pipar city (Rajasthan) on the 4th August, 2006. He had been having chaturmas stay alongwith Upadhyay Shri Man Chandra Ji maharaj. He had accepted muni diksha from Acharya pravar Shri Hastimal ji maharaj at Bangalore in the year 1981.During the entire period of his saintly life, he had been carrying out intense tapasya.

Sadhvi Shasan Deepika Murtsree(83) left for her heavenly abode at Aahor (Jalore) on 23rd Agust, 2006. Sadhvi was doing Chaturmas at Kasbe at that time.

Pujya Sadhvi Sri Hemlatasriji of Khatargachh sect left for heavenly abode on 17th August 2006. Whe was deciple of Sadhvi Mohanshreeji. The departure was a shock as one she was keeping good health and managing her daily affairs. Doctors sadi heart attach was the cause of the death.

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