Vol. No. 18 December 2001, Issue
Editors :P.L.Jain, Dr.Sulekh Jain, A. K. Jain	First News Magazine of Jainism on Internet Circulation 6500 Copies ( Jains Only )	www.jainsamaj.org

New Additions

Matrimonial

Members

Temples

Festival

Literature

PEACE MARCH FROM VIJAY CHOWK TO INDIA GATE
This silent march for Global Non-Violence, Peace and Goodwill was organised on the eve of Salvation Day of Bhagwan Mahavir by Bhagwan Mahavir 2600th Janam Kalyanak Mahotsav Samiti, Delhi. This Sarva Dharam, Sarva Panth rally was led by Jain monks, such as Prof. Mahender Muni, Shri Ravindera Muni, Mata Chandana Mati alongwith spiritual heads and representatives from Boudh, Sikh, Muslim, Christian, Bahai and Arya Samaj faiths. On this occasion a declaration against terrorism was released stressing that Non-Violence should be the base of  Community  Life.  All  religious  heads  should jointly  launch a world wide movement against terrorism. They should ensure that places of worship and religious platforms are not allowed to be misused to propagate hatred, violence, intolerance and terrorism. As communal fundamentalism is the seed of growing terrorism, religious leaders should form a global code against this evil Prof. Rattan Jain, Secretary General of Bhagwan Mahavir 2600th Janam Kalyanak Mahotsav Samiti Delhi, said that violence in thought is the mother of terrorism. Hence, Samiti has proposed that An International Ahimsa Academy and "A Global Ahimsa Fund" be constituted to promote experiments, training and use of Non-violence in different spheres of life.

Every country should contribute 1% of their spending on armament and military to this Global Ahimsa Fund for the purpose. This would ensure an affective insurance of the world against danger of destruction caused by war and terrorism. Shri Rikhab C. Jain, President of the society said that educational Institutions and should not be allowed in any form and any where in the world to poison the mind of innocent children with the ideology of communal hatred and terrorism. The whole of Rajpath was gracefully decorated with the banners carrying teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir and other divine souls.

DR. LM.SINGHVI HONOURED WITH AHIMSA & SAD-BHAWANA SAMMAN BY P.M.
In an impressive function held at the residence of Prime Minister, Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee presented this year's Ahimsa & Sad-bhawana Samman to eminent jurist Dr. L.M. Singhvi. Jain Mahasabha, Delhi every year presents this prestigious award to a person whose contribution in the field of promoting Non-Violence, Universal Brotherhood, Sarv Dharam Sambhav, environment protection, de-addiction or kindness to animals and birds is outstanding. Prof. Rattan Jain, Secretary General of Jain Mahasabha Delhi told that this year, this award is presented to Dr. L.M. Singhvi for his unique & outstanding  contributions and  endeavours in the fields of human rights, World Peace and Goodwill. In his address Prime Minister Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee said that during this war in Afghanistan, the world is apprehending a serious threat of possibility of access of terrorists to atomic weapons. So far as the atomic weapons exist, this danger would always remain before the humanity. Shri Atal Behari said hence, it is the time when initiative  should be taken to destroy all atomic weapons. On this occasion, religious heads from different faiths presented prayers for world peace & good will. Jain Acharya Sadhwi Chandna , Swami Chidanand Saraswati from Hindu religions, Khwaza Hasan Sani Nizami from Muslim religion, Bishop Anil Couto from Christian religion, Hathedar Iqbal Singh from Sikh religion, Erward Cawas Bagli from Parsi faith & Swamini Poorna Nand from Chinmaya Mission presented their respective prayers. This function was graced by eminent citizens from different walks of life including Shri R. Venkatraman, Former President of India, Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao, Former Prime Minister, Dr. Satya Narain Jatiya, Union Labour Minister, Shri V.Dhanjay Kumar, state Minister for textile, Shri K.K. Birla, Shri T.N. Chaturvedi and Shri Lalit Bhai Mehta, members of Parliament and eminent representatives & heads of various cultural & social organizations. Jain leaders of all the sects from all over the country participated in the conference.

JAIN RADIO STATION
Here is the address to listen to lectures, prayers and songs on jain religion at Radio station, www.live365.com/stations/272636. For further details contact : Dr.Jitendrabhai shah(INDIA), Tarlaben  (India) or Shree Chandrakant mehta (USA). you will require to install  200kB player.

DOWNLOAD JAIN BALPOTHI
You can now see and download the entire Jain Balpothi (Children's Jain Study Book) in English  and Gujarati  from www.AtmaDharma.com/balpothi .This should be helpful to teachers, parents and also beginners (of all ages) to Jainism.

NATIONAL SEMINAR ON SPIRITUAL  SAINT ANAND GHAN
Shri Anand Ghan was a versatile saint, philosopher, spiritual leader and  writer about Jain Mysticism. A two-day seminar from 13th to 14th October was organised by Shri Jain Swetamber Murtipujak Tapagachh Sangh, Gopipura, Surat, in which papers were presented on Anand Ghan Ji Maharaj by Dr. Raman Lal C. Shah, Dr Nagin J. Shah, Dr. J. B. Shah, Prof. M. A. Dhaky, Dr Kumarpal Desai and many other prominent scholars.

DR. NAGIN J. SHAH HONOURED
Kalikal Sarvagya Acharya Shri Hemchandra's 900^th Birth Centenary Committee honoured Dr. Nagin J. Shah, an eminent scholar on philosophy for his valuable contributions to Jain religion. The award was given on 13th October by Prof. M. A. Dhaky in the divine presence of Acharya Vijaysuryodya Suri Ji and Shri Vijaysheel Chandra Suri Ji Maharaj.

WORLD RELIGIONS CONFERENCE
Mahavir International, a social and charitable organization  is organizing a World Religious Conference in Mumbai on 30th & 31st Dec. 2001,at Y.B.Chavan Hall, Near Mantralya, Jagannath Bhonsle Marg, Nariman Point, as part of celebrations of 26th Birth Centenary year of Lord Mahavir. Theme of the Conference is World Peace Through Non-violence, and has much relevance to the present state of chaos and uncertainties hanging around the whole world. To propagate the message of AHIMSA and healthy living, there will be session & display on VEGETARIANISM also. Learned and revered religious leaders will enlighten the world, attain World Peace Through Non Violence, as violence is not the solution to all evils in this world. This mailer is to all those who believe in AHIMSA (Non violence), Vegetarianism well being of the mankind, belief in their own religion and tolerance. Mahavir International seeks and solicits your support, help, and contribution by way of (I) Attendance: By registering for the conference. Registration fee INR 750.00 per participant / US$ 30 for NRIs /foreign delegates and (II) Contribution of Articles / material for souvenir to be published on this occasion Advertisements for the souvenir, (III) donations and (IV) Sponsorship for Advertisements in Newspapers and other media, Couriers / mailing, Beverages, Flowers, Gifts, Banners, Food (Lunch & Dinner) Only vegetarian (V) Exhibition / Display on Religion / religious literature, articles. For details and registration, please contact: Veer Mangal Prabhat Lodha, M.L.A., Convenor, World Religious Conference, Mahavir International, Mumbai Center, 216, Shah Nahar Estate, Dr. E Moses Road , Worli Naka,  Mumbai 400 018 INDIA . Phone +91 22 496 8184 – 88, Fax +91 22 491 6617  Email:worldreligiousconference@hotmail.com, virint@im.eth.net  www.mahavirinternatioanl.org,  www.mahavirintmumbai.org

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HIGHER STUDIES
An useful book has been published by Jain Friends,  titled `Scholarships for Higher studies'. This book contains information about different scholarships offered by  various charitable trusts and social institutions from all over India. These scholarships are for higher studies, i.e. Graduation,  Post Graduation, Research and Foreign Studies. The book includes a supplement on `Scholarships for Jain Students'  rich gives information about various scholarships, which are offered  especially to Jain students. The price of the book is Rs. 40, but you can get it at a concessional  price of Rs. 25. Send Money Order on following address  and do not forget to write your address at the bottom of the M.O. form. No VPP, limited stock. For obtaining the book, please contact: Jain Friends, 201 Mumbai-Pune Marg, Chinchwad East, Pune- 4110195.

ACHARYA MAHA PRAGYA TO COMMENCE HIS AHIMSA PAD YATRA FROM 1ST DECEMBER
The propounder of Preksha Dhyan (meditation) and Jeevan Vigyan (Science of life), Acharya Shri Mahha Pragya Ji will commence his Ahimsa Pad Yatra (Journey on foot for spreading message of non-violence among the masses) from 1st December, 2001 from Bidasar near Bikaner where he has been having his Chaturmas (four-monthly stay). The objective of this tri-annual journey is to create awakening about ahimsa and promote moral values amongst the masses all over the route from where he will be passing. The first lapse of his journey will consist of travelling through the whole of Rajasthan, from north to south, passing through Ladnun, Didwana, Jodhpur , Pachpadra, Sanchore, and then covering north Gujarat through Palanpur, Mehsana and finally reaching Ahmedabad. His two major stays are, one at Jodhpur for ten days and the other at Pachpadra, for same period, where a busy schedule is being planned for him, consisting of conferences, seminars, discourses, and a Maha-kumbha Maryada Mahotsava of Terapanth Dharm Sangha. At Ahmedabad, he will have consultations and provide guidance to Gujarat Government on the establishment of Ahimsa University there. From Ahmedabad, he proposes to proceed to Pune via Baroda, Surat and Bombay.

DIKSHA GRAHAN
Acharya Shri Maha Pragya Ji, Head of the Tera Panthi Sect granted Diksha and accepted to Jaina order ten persons, four male and six female, at Bindasar in Churu District of Rajasthan, where he is currently having his chaturmas. The function was held with great enthusiasm from all the followers. From among six female candidates, four were accepted as Samani and two as Sadhwi. During the Diksha programme, Shri Maha Pragya Ji said that only one whose atma (soul) has achieved consciousness is fit for being accepted as sadhu. Yuvacharya Maha Shraman Ji and Sadhwi Pramukh, Kanak Prabha Ji were also present on the occasion. The relatives of the diksharthees offered their touching farewell. The names of persons christened and the new names given to them are as follows:

1. Shri Rajesh talesara, renamed as Muni Ravi Kumar

2. Shri Sandeep Bengani renamed as Muni Swastik Kumar

3. Shri Dharmendra Golechha renames as Muni Dhanya Kumar

4. Km. Anju Jain renamed as Samani Adarsh Pragya

5. Km. Vandana Jain renamed as Samani Vidhi Pragya

6. Km. Pushpa Jain renamed as Samani Pranjal Pragya.

7. Km. Kanta Bhansali renamed as Samani Kalyan Pragya

8. Km. Jyotsana Jain renamed as Sadhwi Jagrat Prabha

9. Km. Suman Vaid renamed as Sadhwi saubhagya Shri

MEAT-EATING MAY LEAD TO ANTHRAX AND OTHER ILLNESSES
It has been established that meat-eating is likely to lead to serious illnesses, including Anthrax. The likelihood of contacting these diseases is more where the animals are not examined for health prior to their slaughter and the meat is sold illegally as in most of the towns of Rajasthan, including Jaipur. There are no satisfactory arrangements for the examination of animals and testing of meat for its fitness for human consumption  and the facilities available are too meager. There are a large number of illegally operated slaughter houses all over the country and it is high time the Governments in different States pay due attention to the problem and stop all illegal operations.

COMMON EATBLES PRODUCED FROM NON-VEGETARIAN SOURCES
According to Mrs. Maneka Gandhi, a strong propagator of vegetarianism and animal care and protection in the country, has revealed the facts that many commonly eaten items which are considered vegetarian  use meat or fish during their production. Some of the materials obtained from non-vegetarian sources are:

1. Albumen: It is obtained from eggs and is commonly used as a coating and topping on bakery items and sweets. Bone powder, which is chemically Calcium phosphate is added to the kneaded floor   in order to improve the quality of bread produced there-from.

2. Azinomoto:  It is obtained from fish and is commonly used as a flavoring  material in sauces and Chinese food.

3. Rennet: It is an acidic material obtained from the stomach of live 'Pyana' fish. It is used to convert milk into cheese. The so-called craft cheese is produced from Rennet of the calves

4. Cooking oils, used in foreign countries, are produced from animal fat. These are used for frying potatoes and other fast foods

5. Gelatin: It is commonly used in the production of food items like ice creams, jelly, jams,  cakes etc. It is obtained by boiling animal bones, skin and other parts of the body in water. The required parts are procured from butcher houses

6. Silver foils (varak) As is now commonly known, silver foils , called varak (or barak ) used for decorative purposes in many of the sweet-meats and also for pasting on the statues of Gods and Goddesses, are produced by beating thin pieces of silver in between the freshly-cut pieces of intestines of cows, oxen and camels. The animals are cut and their intestines removed and sold to the varak-makers, who produce varak by hammering process, either manually or in mechanical presses. But, in either case, intestines are required to press the silver pieces otherwise extremely thin foils just can not be produced without getting torn.

7. Animal fat: Chocolates usually contain materials obtained from animals and eggs, like gelatin and rennet. Fruit rolls, toffees and peppermints also contain gelatin. Polo mints contain fat obtained from cows.

8. Glycerin: It is mostly produced from the body of the animals, though it is also obtained from Petroleum as a bye-product in small quantities. Most cold drinks available in the market are said to contain this item.

9. Cold Drinks: These contain Glycerin, chemically called Glycerol.

RAJASTHAN GOVERNMENT IS TRUE FOLLOWER OF MAHAVIR, SAYS MINISTER
The State Minister of Agriculture in Rajasthan Government, Mr. Dipendra Singh Shekhawat said in an interview with the Press that his Government under the leadership of Shri Ashok Gehlot was truly Mahavir-vadi in all its actions. It did not believe in making announcements only but  it did what it said. He mentioned that on the occasion of 2600th birth centenary  of Bhagwan Mahavir, the Government has taken several decisions, which are being implemented with full sincerity. These include.

1. Declaring many important Jain pilgrimage centres as holy places, namely, Shri Mahavirji, Dilwada, Ranakpur, Shri Padampura, Nakoda Ji, Rishabh Dev Ji, Chandkhedi, Chambaleshwaar Parshwa nath, Bamanwad Ji, Kaparda Parshwa nath, and Lunwa. The sale of meat and alcohol will be prohibited and slaughter of animals will be banned within a diameter of 500 meters.

2. Many prisoners will be allowed to be released from Jails during this centenary year.

3. Kota Open University will be renamed as Bhagwan Mahavir Open University.

4. The Department of Tourism is issuing special posters, hoardings and brochures to give wide publicity to Mahavir's teachings in various towns of the State.

SUPREME COURT IMPOSES BAN ON SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES
The two-member Bench of the Supreme Court, consisting of  Mr. Justice M.B. Shah and R.P. Sethi taking up a public interest petition filed by a senior leader and former M.P. Murli Deora ordered  under the "Cigarettes- Production, supply and Distribution. Act-1975" that smoking must  hence-forth be totally stopped in all public places, including railways, public transport, hospitals, government offices, court premises, educational institutions, cinema halls and libraries. A special fund should also be created by the Government for the treatment of people who are victims of this habit. The court directed the Central and State Governments to implement the Law rigidly . It is to be noted that the State Governments in Rajasthan, Delhi and Goa have already banned smoking at public places and at the Centre also, the bill is under the consideration of  a Parliamentary Committee.

DR. BHAG CHAND JAIN HONOURED WITH AHIMSA INTERNATIONAL AWARD
A religious and social organization, Ahimsa International, based at New Delhi organised a function to present  Ahimsa International Award to Dr. Bhag Chand Jain for his deep interest and services in the fields of ahimsa, vegetarianism, literature, animal protection and journalism. The award consisted of a cash amount of Rs. 31000/- and a shawl and Shriphal. Dr. Jain has been an eminent scholar and renowned teacher of Sanskrit and has given his services in various institutions in Madhya Pradesh. He also held the position of Secretary of Sanskrit Academy in M.P.

TELEFILM ON THE LIFE OF MAHAVIR
On the occasion of 2600th Birth Kalyanak Centenary celebrations of Lord Mahavir, the Janm Kalyanak Prachar Samiti, Ludhiana has produced a tele-film on the life and events of Bhagwan Mahavir. The duration of the film is 2 hours 30 minutes. the film depicts various events starting from conception, birth, child hood, youth period, diksha,, tapasya, upsarg, discourses, kewal gyan, wanderings (deshna), Gautam-Mahavir dialogue and finally nirwan. The material for the film is adapted  mainly from Kalpa Sutra and other epics.

FIRST COIN ON MAHAVIR ISSUED BY EAST INDIA CO. IN 1839
Lord Auckland, the then Governor of East India Company, Calcutta had issued  a coin showing Bhagwan Mahavir on one side and sun, moon, stars, sign of Om and trishul on the other side, for the first time during the British regime in the year 1839. The coin weighed one Tola, (about 12 grams), had diameter of 2 cm. and thickness of 1 mm. This coin is in the possession of Sri Parasmal Jain of Bhadrawati. (Jinwani, Nov. 2001)

MAHAVIR VANI ON ETC CHANNEL
Jain saint, Upadhyay Shri Manohar Muni Ji has been holding discourses on Jain religion under the title of Mahavir Vani on ETC channel of T.V. daily between 7 A.M. and 7.30 A.M. The transmission has been arranged by Vishwa Ahimsa Mission, Karnal.

CONFERENCE ON KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS IN EARLY & MEDIEVAL INDIA AT CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY
A conference on "Knowledge Systems in Early and Medieval India:  Religion, Philosophy and Social Thought" is scheduled to be held on February 22nd at the University of California at Berkeley, California, USA. The possible topics include: Mysticism and Reason in Indian Thought, Concepts of Self, the Buddhist no-self theory, Doctrines of Liberation (moksa), Nirvana, Prakriti and Purusa, Yoga of Kowledge, Yoga of Devotion, Kundalini Yoga, Siva and Sakti, Tantra and Yantra, Visnu and Incarnations, Durga and Kali, God and Absolute, Maya and Avidya, Brahman and Atman, Syadvada and Anekantavad, Reincarnation and Ecology, Dharma and Environment and Role Models in the Epics.

Scholars are invited to submit titles and abstracts (about 150 words) of papers to be presented in the conference. The dead-line for submission of abstracts is January 31st, 2002. The advance registration fee for the conference is $40.oo (due by February  5,2002).  The advance registration fee should be paid by a check drawn in favor of the Society of Indian Philosophy & Religion. The registration fee and the abstract should be mailed to: Dr. Chandana Chakrabarti, Department of Religious Studies, Elon University E-mail:Chakraba@Elon.edu  Phone: (336)278-5713    Fax: (336)278-5627

DEVLOK GAMAN OF SAINTS
Muni Sri Vakil Chand Ji Maharaj (born: 15th May, 1933) disciple of late Shri Sudarshan Lal Ji Maharaj and follower of Shri Padam Chand Ji Maharaj passed away at Jeend in Haryana on 13th September, 2001 at the age of 68 years. He had accepted Diksha on the 19th April, 1988 at the age of 55 years. His two sons, Muni Shri Naresh Kumar and Muni Shri Sudhir Kumar took Diksha with him. During his life time, thirteen persons were granted Diksha by him. He had carried out a thorough study and was a distinguished scholar of Jain Shastras. He used to regularly organise camps for the children for teaching principles of Jainism during chaturmas period.

BOOK REVIEW

"JAIN ART FROM INDIA" authored by - Mr. Pratapaditya Pal
This book was released at the time of an exhibition on the theme of "The Peaceful Liberators: Jain Art From India", which was organised by Los Angels County Museum of Art. It is the most comprehensive presentation to date of the artwork emerging from the Jain religion. The Jains despite their rigorous ideal of non- attachment to physical world, have protected a cultural heritage paradoxically regal in its imaginative splendor and its physical realisation. Approximately 120 works in this volume spanning nearly two millennia and displaying an astonishing variety of modes and styles reveal the presence of a major artistic tradition. Jain manuscript illuminations have heretofore received the most attention in art historical books. Created between the eleventh and sixteenth centuries, they fill large gap in the history of Indian painting. The other form of Jain cultural expression that has been generally noted is the group of extraordinary marble temples created between the eleventh and thirteenth centuries at Mount Abu, in Rajasthan. Otherwise, except for a few individual objects, such as first-and second century votive tablets known as Ayagapatha, or the colossal statue of Bahubali in Sravana Belgola, few Jain objects are discussed in art books. This volume provides for the first time  wide-ranging survey of Jain art, showing its enormous variety in all artistic media and forms.
Source: Motilal Banarasidass, e-mail :  mlbd@vsnl.com

 "NINE DAYS TO NIRVANA" -authored by Mr. Sanjay Grover
This book is not a novel to provide escape. It is a book to stir your soul and arouse the imagination. It is not bland philosophy or spirituality, but the exudation of life. This story of 23 year-old Upasana's journey into the body, mind and soul of mankind begins from a cool head and ends in a warm heart after passing through labyrinths of mystery and suicide, adultery and heartbreak, tears and smiles. In between lie vales of pettiness and peaks of grandeur, cats with Cheshire grins and ruthless script-writers trying to play God. This story of Eastern Wisdom,  Western Logic and Universal Love will swell your heart. You will look the world and God in the eye, and declare: "I Am and I'm blessed to Be!" This book is for souls celebrating existence with their hearts full of song, bodies full of dance, minds full of grandeur. Source: Motilal Banarasidass, e-mail :  mlbd@vsnl.com

MR. ASHOK PATNI LISTED IN GUNNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS
The name of Shri Ashok Patni director of R. K. Marbles Ltd. has been listed in the Guinness Book for the record production  of marble. Earlier he was also listed in Limca Book of Records. Jain Samaj congratulates Mr. Patni & his team for their remarkable achievements.

MATRIMONIAL MEET AT INDORE
Jain Shwetambar Social Group & Jain Indore Prime organised an all India matrimonial meet at Indore. The meet received excellent response from all over India. More than 3000 candidates were introduced. A booklet has also been published by the organisers which contains details of more than 1500 boys and 1500 girls. The function was inaugurated by Industry & Commerce Shri Narendra Nahta. Shri Gajraj Jhamad, president of Indore Social Group coordinated the entire function.

AHIMSA STHAL ESTABLISHED NEAR ALWAR
An unique place of  Jain pilgrimage is being established on the Alwar - Jaipur highway in a peaceful atmosphere  surrounded by Aravali range of mountains. A huge impressive and attractive statue of Jain Tirthankar Bhagwan Adinath, measuring 1111/2 feet in height in Padmasan posture has been installed, which can be seen from a distance of several kilometers. The statue is facing east, the direction from which the sun rises and spreads its divine light through its first rays falling on the image of Tirthankara. In the central part of the place called "Ahimsa  Sthal" is set a vast model of the Mount Kailash, which was the seat of Adinath Bhagwan along with 72 majestic temples devoted to three sets of 24 Tirthankaras (past, current and future). A lake, called Mansarovar has been prepared with water flowing around in the Ganges river with musical notes, birds flying around the atmosphere and water falls located impart a most natural look to the entire location. Several caves have been prepared in the locality with small round shaped stones. Pilgrims from all over the country pour everyday to visit the place, pay respects to the God and enjoy the surroundings.

WHY MEAT EXPORTS IS NOT STOPPED ? VIDHYA SAGARJI ASKS MENAKA GANDHI
Acharya Shri Vidhya Sagarji Maharaj from Digambar Sect enquired from Smt. Menaka Gandhi Central Minister, why the slaughtering of cows and export of meat from the country is not being banned during the holy period of 2600th birth centenary of Lord Mahavira. Smt. Menaka Gandhi had arrived at Jabalpur to pay respects to the saint & have his blessings. She also visited local cow protection home where she donated a sum of Rs. 25 lakhs on the behalf of the Government for undertaking various improvement schemes.

ANCIENT STATUES STOLEN FROM JAIN CENTER
Five extremely valuable and ancient statues of Jain Tirthankars Bhagwan Parshwanatha & others were stolen from a temple at Khatouli town in Muzaffar Nagar District of Uttar Pradesh. Immediately on receiving information, the SSP Rajesh Kumar visited the place and conducted search but no trace of the culprits was found. This is worth-noting that statues have been stolen from this temple  in the past also , but so far no security arrangements have been made by the local authorities and citizen for the protection of the temple.

STAMP COMMEMORATES HISTORICAL RULER
Minister Ramvilas Paswan, Minister of Communications,  released a commemorative stamp on Jain ruler Chandragupta Maurya. Chandragupta Maurya, a historical Jain ruler, stands out as one of the most colourful personalities of Indian history. He conquered many states including Magadh and formed a vast Mauryan empire with the capital at  Patliputra in 322 BC. He was a far-sighted ruler, who not only expanded his territories but also established a well-organised administrative system and gave it a sound  financial base, thus laying the foundation for an enduring empire. During his reign India prepared and developed a lot in terms of trade and commerce, art and culture. He encouraged the system in his empire in place of the barter system. Influenced by the Jain saint Bhadrabahu, he adopted Jainism. He became his disciple and renouncing the worldly affairs, followed him to South India where at Shravana Belgola, Karnataka, he spend his last days, (298 BC). Chandragirir hill was named after him, as his footprints can still be seen. Chandragupta's reign lasted for about 25 throne in favour of his son Bindusara and pursued a spiritual life.

VIRCHAND RAGHAVJI GANDHI REMEMBERED
The year 2001 will mark the death centenary of Virchand Raghavji Gandhi, the first Jain to travel to America. He was invited to attend the first ever Parliament of World Religions in Chicago in 1893. He had mastered 14 languages, was the first Jain to qualify as barrister in London and was the first elected secretary of the Jain Association of India and propagated the Jain dharma in France, Germany and England. He died at the young age of 37 on 7 August 1901. His main coal in life was to serve community and to promote non-violence all over the world.  A Virchand Raghvji Gandhi Scholarship was started this year.

DEEPAK JAIN APPOINTED DEAN OF J. L. KELLOGG SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT
Crowning a wide-spread and distinguished Indian presence in the world of management studies, Dipak C. Jain, 43, a marketing professor at Chicago's J. L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management, has taken over as Dean of the world famous institution from 1 July 2001. Jain replaced the legendary Donald Jacobs, who gave up his position after 26 years. He took Kellogg to one of the top management schools in the world. Jain was formerly an Associate Dean of academic  affairs. Kellogg is typically rated among the top two management schools along with  Wharton, although the rankings changes every year. Jain is also part of the team that has planted a unique management sapling in Hyderabad, where Kellogg and its equally famous rival and peer, the Wharton School of Business, have started the Indian School of Business.

OLYMPIC AWARD TO SUSHIL JAIN
Sushil Jain, Sports Journalist, was posthumously awarded the "Olympic  Award" in New Delhi by the International Olympic Council.

NEW JAIN TEMPLE BUILT IN LONDON
Mr. Dhirajlal Karania who has migrated from Kenya to London has built a new Jain temple in Southgate, North London. The constructed area is 2000  square feet which includes a community hall with kitchen facilities. Mr. Dhirajlal Karania plans to let out the place for social, cultural and educational purposes. For temple visit please call Mr. Karaina on 0208-8861717 or visit the temple at 7, Broadwalk, Winchmore Hill, London, N21 3DA.

CELEBRATING MAHAVIR'S TEACHINGS
A conference titled "The Lessons of Ahimsa Anekanta for Contemporary Life" will be held on the 19th and 20th of January 2002 at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California, USA. Speakers include Prof. Christopher Chapple, Prof. Paul Dundas, Mr. Satish Kumar, Prof. Padmanabh Jaini, Prof. John Cort and many others. For more information please contact Prof. Tara Sethia at tssethia@csupomona.edu

LECTURES ON JAINISM 
Dr. John Cort will deliver the 3rd Annual WCJA lecture on Jainism at University of London on 14 March 2002 at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SAOS). The 4th Annual Jain Research Workshop will then be held on the 15th March 2002 at SOAS. Those interested may contact: Department of the Study of Religions, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London WCIH OXG, England. Tel: +44(0)20-7898-4760, Fax: +44(0)20-7898-4789, E-mail religions@soas.ac.uk 

EMINENT JAIN SCHOLAR DR. PANNALAL SAHITYACHARY DIED
Dr. Pannalala Sahityachary (1911-2001) died at Kundalpur whilst worshiping the famous Jain image there. He was a popular speaker and a noted scholar of Jainalogy. He was the author of over 100 books and was also honoured with the President's Award from the Government of India.

JAIN TEMPLE UNDER CONTROL OF POLICE
A Jain temple in the Indian town of Khandwa has been seized by the police following a dispute over who controls the temple. The dispute is already under litigation. Prominent Jain leaders will intervene in the meantime to help calm the issue.

New Additions on www.jainsamaj.org

1. Literature
2. Agams, from Digambar Point of View - By Mr. Manish Modi
3. Ancient Jain Temples of Tamilnadu - By Mr. Dulichand Jain , Chennai
4. The Jain Community and Akbar - By Mr. Surendra Pal
5. Do Not Fear - By Gurudev Chitrabhanu
6. Jain Art Liberates- Review of Jain Art Exhibition By Mr. Sobhag  Shah held in Antwerp
7. Jaina Monasticism - By Mr. Anand Sahoo Chandra
8. The Place of Jainism among other Philosophies - By Mr.Nathuram Dongariya Jain
9. Spiritual Practices of Lord Mahavira - By Acharya Dr. Shiv Muni

1. Paryushan - A Festival of Introspection - By Mr. Shitul Shah

1. Jinakanchi Teerth - Chennai
2. Jingiri Teerth - Chennai
3. Mannargudi Teerth - Chennai
4. Vijaymanglam  Teerth - Chennai

1. Champalal Jain , Shwetambar , Sumerpur , New York , America
2. Ishwar Lal Vaya , Shwetambar , Nai , Udaipur , Kota , Rajasthan , India
3. Lokesh Chhalani , Shwetambar , Diyatra , Bikaner , Rajasthan , India
4. Nemi Chand Jain , Digambar , Jhalawar , Solon , Ohio , USA
5. Pawan Kumar Jain , Shwetambar , Jhunjhnu , New Delhi , India
6. Shilpa Pravin Shah , Shwetambar ,  Gujarat , Decatur , GA , USA
7. Paras Kumar Mutha , Shwetambar , Jalna , Aurangabad , Maharashtra , India
8. Manoj Kumar Jain , Shwetambar , Devali , Bangalore , Karnataka , India
9. Vikas Sisodia , Shwetambar , Bijainagar , Vapi , Gujarat , India
10. Bhavesh H. Bokadia , Shwetambar , Sanchore , Mumbai , Maharashtra , India
11. Niranjan G. Humbad , Digambar , Songir , Novi , Michigan , USA

1. Parul Jain , Bride , India , Business
2. Rajul Jain , Groom , India , Others
3. Shobhit Jain , Groom , India , Business
4. Saurabh Jain , Groom , India , Engineer
5. Rahul Oswal , Groom , India , Business
6. Dr. Meenal Jain , Bride , India , Medical