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TEMPLES
FIRST
MAHAMASTKA ABHISHEK OF BH. ADINATH PERFORMED AT BAWANGAJA -
Badwani, Near Indore, In the presence of lakhs of Jain devotes, the first
Mahamastkaabhshek ceremony of this century was performed at Bhagwan
Adinath teerth on 27th January 2008. Acharyashree Vidhyanandji Maharaj and
Upadhyaya Gupti Sagarji Maharaj and several other saints of Digamber Sect
attended and performed
rituals and puja.
Chief Minister of M. P.,
Shivraj Singh Chawan actively participated in rituals and also circled the
statue of Bhagwan Adhinath in helicopter and showered the flowers all over the
area. On behalf of M. P. Government, he also declared the place as State
“Religious Tourism Place”. Dr. Dilip Bobra from U.S., Sri Satish Chand Jain
Delhi, Bharat Modi Indore and Sri J. C. Jain from Haridwar were the first few to
offer their kalash respect to the statue. Organising Committee of
this event his decided to use the donations on construction & running of
school for local Adivasi children. The organising Committee was headed by Sri
Naresh Kumar Sethi. For more pictures Click Here
( Photographs Courtsey : Mr. Anil Jain, Delhi, C. A. E-Mail :
anilfca@hotmail.com & Mr. Manoj Jain,
Delhi, E-Mail :ultrawall@gmail.com)
NEW BHAGWAN ADINATH TEMPLE ON
JAIPUR DELHI HIGHWAY
Close to Delhi ( about 50 kms ) on Jaipur Delhi Highway a new Digambar jain
temple complex is coming up fast. This is a dream project of Pt. Dharam
Chand Shastri, a renowned Jain Pratisthacharya & scholar. The idol of
Bhagwan Adinath, which has already been installed is supposed to be the
tallest ( 27 ft. height & 70 tons in weight ) in the whole of India.
The statue has been placed on 35 ft. high platform on 15 Feb. The
construction work at the temple site is going on for last many years. The
first phase of the work is nearing completion. It took almost
three days for two 160 ton cranes to lift the huge statue and place
it on the platform. When fully complete this institution will provide
multifarious services not only to jain community but also to villagers of
the area and to all the highway travelers in distress. Main facilities at
temple complex will include a rest house for saints, devotees, library,
nursery level village school, dispensary, ambulance and emergency
doctor.
Panchkalyanak
Pratishtha puja will be performed from 20th April to 30th April 2008. The
pratishtha programmes will be attended by thousands of devotees
from all over India and
abroad. The project is started under the name of Manav Shanti Pratisthan a
registered NGO with Govt. of India, both Ministry of Home Affairs &
Ministry of Finance. All Jains from Delhi and passing through Delhi -
Jaipur Highway ( N. H. 8 ) are invited by the trust to visit the temple
complex. Address : Manav Shanti Pratisthan, Bilaspur Chowk, Toll Tax Plaza,
Delhi Jaipur National Highway, No. 8, Distt. Gurgaon, Haryana, Tel :
0124-2018176, 93-1283-7240. (Give size of idol, its material, names
of trustees etc. if known).
IF IN MUMBAI DO VISIT JAIN
TEMPLE AT I. I. T., POWAI
Powai is known for the prestigious Indian Institute of
Technology, its tall and imposing buildings, a beautiful and self-
sufficient township called Hiranandani Gardens, L&T and many other such
aspects . Not many know that about a beautiful Jain temple that also exists
here and celebrating its 32nd Anniversary this year . In the
year 1972 Jain Guru Vijay Dharam happened to pass through the area of old
Powai and being tired started looking around for a place to rest for a
while. That was the time he spotted this Jain kutir, he rested there for
some time and told the people of Jain samaj present there that there should
be a Jain mandir at this place. There were some Jain-Kacchi families who
had been living in Powai since more than 45 years took it upon themselves
to build a Jain temple there. When the mandir was completed in 1975-76 they
installed a statue of Jain Guru Shantinath and marble statues of 7 Gurus
especially brought from Rajasthan. The Mandir is made of marble and its
walls are adorned with the various religious places of the Jain community.
Presently the Jain
Temple and Kacchi Bhavan built over a fairly large area, comprises idols of
Adya Guru Shantinath Ki pramukh Pratima and also idols of Parshvnath Swami,
Mahavir Swami, Neminath Swami, Vasupuj Swami, Adeshwar Swami, Munisurat
Swami. About three years back, this Mandir has started a Medical
Trust called the Shantinath Medical Trust. All the medical services in this
Trust are made available to the general public. It has been formed for the
poor and less fortunate who would other wise not be able to bear the high
medical expenses. The trust of this Mandir is sending out an open
invitation to one and all to come and visit the Mandir on the occasion of
its 32nd Anniversary. Courtesy: Mahavir S. Chavan.
JAIN SWETAMBAR TEMPLE IN PUNJAB, A
SYMBOL OF COMMUNAL HARMONY
Ferozepur, Jain Swetambar Temple in Zira town in
Punjab’s Ferozepur District is visited by Sikhs and Hindus, besides Jains.
For the villagers, the temple is looked upon as a place of worship where
one can offer prayers anytime. A few Jain families in Zira look after the
temple, but pilgrims and saints of various faiths and religions visit this
temple. The temple was constructed in 1890. The paintings on the walls of
the temple speak of the ancient Jain culture and history. It is named after
the 23rd Tirthankra Parsavnathji. The main idol is believed to be one of
most sacred and ancient. Vijayanand Suriji Maharaj, the first guru of the
‘Mandir Margi’ sect of the Swetambars was born here in 1837. He advocated
the worship of idols. Maharaj, who was also a scholar poet and a social
reformer of his time, performed the holy ‘partishthas’ ceremony at this
temple in 1896 A.D.
JAIN RELIGION IS THE OLDEST
AND NOBLEST OF ALL SAID DR. A. R. KIDWAI Haryana Governor,
Dr. A. R. Kidwai while addressing a gathering after inaugurating an
exhibition on ancient Jain Heritage on the occasion of Pushpdant Panch
Kalyanatamak Pratistha Mahotsav at Digamber Jain Temple, Chandigarh
said that the universal message of Ahimsa and co-existence of living
beings, as preached by Lord Mahavira, is so relevant in today's context
that if we follow it, the whole of the world will become a better place to
live in. He added that the people following the Jain religion should know
the importance of Ahimsa keeping in their mind that it is their prime
responsibility to disseminate the message of Ahimsa indifferent sections of
the society so as to make it a part and parcel action of their routine
life. He said that the Jain religion is one of the oldest and noblest
religions of India which has a rich heritage in form of ancient monuments,
idols, manuscripts and artifacts dating back the Christian era. Recalling
his association with the Jain Samaj during his tenure as Governor of Bihar,
he said that he had got a number of occasions of visiting and patronizing
great ancient monuments of Jainism at Vaishali. While referring to a demand
of minority status to Jains in Haryana put forward by the Haryana Jain
Samaj on this occasion, Dr. Kidwai assured that the matter would be taken
up with the State Government for sympathetic consideration.
The Governor
went around an exhibition on ancient Jain heritage put up on the occasion
of Pushapdant Panchkalyanatmak Mahotsav organized by Shri Bharatvarshiya
Digambar Jain Tirth Sanrakshini Mahasabha at the local Digambar Jain Mandir.
Kidwai admired the efforts of the Jain Samaj in preservation and
conservation of country's proud Jain heritage by putting up such
exhibitions. The Governor also sought blessings of Upadhya Shri Nayansagar
Ji Maharaj during his visit to the Jain temple. A number of persons
belonging to Jain Samaj and Jain Munis from the States of Haryana, Punjab
and Delhi attended this function. Courtesy: Mahavir S. Chavan.
SAINTS
TERAPANTH SAINT'S CHATURMAS PROGRAMME 2008
Declared on 13.02.2008 at Maryada Mahotsav, Aasind, Distt Bhilwara 311301,
Rajasthan, India
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Muni Dharmesh
Kumarji |
Hoogly |
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Muni
Jaychandlalji |
Govindgarh,
Punjab |
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Muni Jinesh
Kumarji |
Maduraii |
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Muni Madan
Kumarji |
Borawad |
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Muni Mohjeet
Kumarji |
Towards Marwar |
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Muni Prashant
Kumarji |
Raipur |
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Muni Rakesh
Kumarji |
Anuvibha, Jaipur |
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Muni Ravindra
Kumarji |
Surat |
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Muni Sukhlalji |
Towards Marwar |
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Muni Suresh
Kumarji |
Towards Malwa |
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Muni Tarachand ji |
Towards Mewar |
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Muni Sumati
Kumarji |
Towards Mewar |
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Muni Vimal
Kumarji |
Rajnagar |
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Sadhvi Anima
Shree |
Bhayander, Mumbai |
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Sadhvi Ashok
Shree |
Chennai
Purushvakam |
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Sadhvi Bhikhaji |
Jagrao |
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Sadhvi Chand
Kumarji |
Aamet |
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Sadhvi Gunmalaji |
Towards Malwa |
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Sadhvi Jasmatiji |
Kannod |
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Sadhvi Jatan
Kumarji |
Ludhiana |
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Sadhvi
Jyotiprabhaji |
Tapra |
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Sadhvi Kamal
Shree |
Towards Marwar |
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Sadhvi
Kanakrekhaji |
Hyderabad |
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Sadhvi Kanchan
Kumarji |
Udaipur |
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Sadhvi
Kanchanprabhaji |
Towards Gujarat |
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Sadhvi
Kirtilataji |
Bellary |
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Sadhvi Laxmi
Kumarji |
Nathdwara |
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Sadhvi Maan
Kumarji |
Sardarsahar |
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Sadhvi
Madhubalaji |
Barmer |
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Sadhvi Manohraji |
Towards Marwar |
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Sadhvi Naginaji |
Jodhpur |
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Sadhvi Nirvan
Shree |
Howra (Kolkatta) |
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Sadhvi
Piyusprabhaji |
Towards Malwa |
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Sadhvi Pramod
Shree |
Pune |
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Sadhvi Rajimatiji |
Shyam nagar,
Jaipur |
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Sadhvi Rakesh
Kumarji |
Sangrur |
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Sadhvi
Ratiprabhaji |
Towards Ramsingh
guda |
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Sadhvi
Raviprabhaji |
Samanna |
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Sadhvi Sangeet
Shree |
Gujarat |
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Sadhvi
Satyaprabhaji |
Chennai
Sahukarpeth |
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Sadhvi Sayam
Shree |
Sayara |
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Sadhvi Sohanaji |
Sunam |
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Sadhvi Somlataji |
Ahmedabad |
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Sadhvi Suman
Shree |
South Mumbai |
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Sadhvi Suraj
Kumarji |
Kandivali, Mumbai |
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Sadhvi
Swarnrekhaji |
Banglore |
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Sadhvi Taj
Kumarji |
Tapa Mandi |
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Sadhvi Trishla
Kumarji |
Patna |
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Sadhvi
Vidyawatiji (First) |
Dhuri |
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Sadhvi Yasodhraji |
Jasol |
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Sadhvi Yasomatiji |
Indore |
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Muni Harshlalji |
Shambhugarh |
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Muni Mohanlalji |
Bhilawara |
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Muni Sumermalji &
Muni Udit Kumarji |
Anuvrat Bhawan,
Delhi |
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Sadhvi
Bhagyawatiji |
Tohana |
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Sadhvi
Chandanbalaji |
Hisar |
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Sadhvi Hulasaji |
Pur |
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Sadhvi
Kailashwatiji |
Adampur Mandi |
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Sadhvi Kanak
Shree |
Sahadra, Delhi |
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Sadhvi Mohanaji |
Hansi |
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Sadhvi
Sanghmitraji |
Aasind |
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Sadhvi
Saraswatiji |
Sirasa |
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Sadhvi Vijay
Shree |
Daulatgarh |
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Sadhvi
Vinaywatiji |
Bhiwani |
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Samani
Bhavitpragyaji |
Jalana,
Maharashtra |
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Samani
Gyanpragyaji |
Madhya Pradesh |
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Samani
Jyothypragyaji |
Saakri,
Maharashtra |
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Samani
Kantipragyaji |
Punjab |
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Samani
Malayapragyaji |
Guwahati |
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Samani
Manjupragyaji |
Vapi, Gujarat |
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Samani
Nirmalpragyaji |
Bardoli, Gujarat |
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Samani
Nirvanpragyaji |
Banglore |
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Samani
Prathibhapragyaji |
Tamkor |
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Samani
Sanghpragyaji |
Siliguri |
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Samani
Sanmatipragyaji |
Tejpur, Aasam |
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Samani
Shardapragyaji |
Kisanganj, Bihar |
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Samani
Sheelpragyaji |
Cuttack |
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Samani
Sthitpragyaji |
Sindgnoor |
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Samani
Ujjawalpragyaji |
Bagumunda,Orissa |
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Samani
Vinitpragyaji |
Coimbatore |
CONFERENCES & CEREMONIES
JAIN DOCTORS CONFERENCE HELD AT MUMBAI
The fourth Jain Doctors' International Conference was held at Shanmukhanand
auditorium, in Sion (East) Mumbai on saturday the 16th and sunday, the 17th
February, 2008. The conference was well-attended by participating doctors
from India and abroad. The major topics discussed at the conference were
health and Jaina way of life, health-care through science and spirituality,
ahimsak chikitsa, avenues of health-care industry, yuva sanskar, AIDS and
sadachar, health education and meditation. The theme of the conference was
"Connecting doctors the world over for healthcare through science and
spirituality. For further details, please contact Dr. Bipin Doshi, E-Mail :
drbipin_doshi@yahoo.com . web
site:
www.jaindoctorsfederation.org
SEMINAR ON WORLD RELIGIONS
AT NEW JERSERY
A two-day seminar will be held 8 & 9 March 2008, at the Millburn Free
Public Library, Millburn, New Jersey, about the basic beliefs of major
world’s religions practiced by the followers of diverse cultures in the
state. The presentations will describe the basic beliefs of major
religions including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism,
Judaism, and Sikhism; as well as the oriental philosophies of Shinto,
Taoism and Confucianism. A summary of major religions and other
reading material will also be provided to each participant. The program is
sponsored by International Jain Sangh, Spiritual Unity Network, Surya
Theosophical Study Center, Monmouth Center for World Religions and Ethical
Thought, Worldwide Renaissance, Center for Understanding Islam, Federation
of Jain Associations in North America, Jain Study Center of North
Carolina. Mr. Pravin K. Shah will conduct such seminars across the US,
Canada and the UK, besides making presentations at universities and
interfaith programs. He has also lectured on this subject in global
forums including the Parliament of World Religions held in Chicago, Cape
Town and Barcelona; and the World’s Religion’s Congress held in Montreal.
He chairs the Education Committee of the Federation of Jain Associations in
North America and resides in North Carolina. His edited book ‘Essence
of World Religions’ has been very well received by many interfaith
organizations. Prof. Pankaj Jain teaches World’s Religions in the New
Jersey City University. The panel members will represent many
religious and interfaith organizations.
JAIN MILAN 2008 PROGRAM ON APRIL
4th, 5th AND 6th, 2008 AT HOUSTEN
As the next generation of Jain Americans begins to
assimilate into Western culture, it becomes increasingly challenging to
meet those that hold similar beliefs and religious values. Though websites
and e-mail communication help to a certain extent, nothing comes close to
meeting potential suitors in person. We have witnessed many Indian
organizations holding successful events to provide an opportunity for young
adults to have a face-to-face meeting. We felt now it was time to create a
forum for the Jain youth. Jain Milan 2008 is 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. Jain Milan 2008 is organized
to encourage our Jain youth to meet other Jains for the purpose of
matrimony and to facilitate a face-to-face meeting. Venue: Inter
Continental Houston, 2222 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77027 Hotel Phone:
(713) 850-2828 Fax: (713) 961-0545. Contact: Gunvant Shah, Phone:
732-246-4030, E-Mail :
profgaryshah@yahoo.com
EX-PRESIDENT DR. KALAM
INAUGURATES GLOBAL FOUNDATION FOR CIVILISATION HARMONY -
This high profile launch progrmme was attended by senior functionaries of
all the faiths and religions. Jain religion was represented by
Muni Sri Sumermalji of Terapath sect. In his address, he said, all human
beings are born with one belief but individual egos divide them.
He also briefed the audience about the “Ahimsa Yatra” of Acharya Sri Maha
Pragyaji Maharaj and its positive impact on the minds of different
communities . Past president, Dr Kalam said, father, mother and teacher can
make any one a good human being or destroy the character of the individual.
It is very important for a child to have the right education both at home
and in institution. Dalai Lama, Shri Ravi Shankar of Art of Living,
Swami Nityanand of Vivekanand Mission, Yog Guru Swami Ram Dev, Ulema Chief
Maulana Mehamood A. Madni, Achrya Swami Dayanand, Archbishop Cardinal
Oswald Gracious, Swami Chitranand of Chinnmay Mission, Shri Ajkil Issak of
Jew Religion and many other top ranking religious functionaries attended
the programme. The Chief Trustee, Sri Subhash Chandra of Zee Television
Network welcomed all the guests. Terapanth Samaj distributed Jain
Literatures to all the guests. Courtesy: Sri Sheetal Jain,
Anuvarat Bhawans , New Delhi.
OVER THIRTY FOREIGN PARTICIPANTS
COMING TO INDIA FOR ISSJS 2008 STUDY PROGRAM - The total
number of participants this year is likely to be 34-36. There will be total
13 from North America, 2 faculty members from Univ. of Iowa, Eastern
Connecticut State Univ.), 8 Grad students ( from Harvard, North Western,
Univ. of Chicago, Univ. of Hawaii, Loyola Marymount Univ., George
Washington Univ. etc), 3 Undergrad students for two month program from
Eastern Connecticut State Univ.and Marquette Univ. These Scholars come from
10 Universities of USA and Canada. Also, 2 from CUBA. In addition, for the
first time, we have admitted 2 senior level scholars from Havana, Cuba and
2-3 from Thailand. As in previous years, we are in the process of admitting
2-3 scholars from Thailand. Thus, the total class size will be about 18.
Significant features of
this year's Class are total number to be about 36 ( two month and one month
combined); at least 4 countries will be represented. This year's class will
be more diverse, focused and intellectually more motivated. At least 15
universities will be represented. 3 scholars are interested in studying
Applied Jainism, relationship between Jain ethics and Principles and Health
care, delivery and Public Health issues. 3 scholars are interested in
studying Jain art, paintings and sculptors and how these things relate to
Jain philosophy. All the students have started preparation for going to
India in May 2008. Prior to their going, they will be sent 66
specially-prepared lectures covering several aspects of Jainism for their
pre-reading. Courtesy: Dr. Sulekh C. Jain, Houston, Texas, USA.
AWARDS AND
ACHIEVEMENTS
JAINA GRANTED SPECIAL CONSULTATIVE STATUS BY UN
This year, JAINA
also embarked on a lengthy process and committee deliberations with
ambassadors from 19 countries (India, US, UK, Egypt, France, Israel,
Dominican Republic, Peru, Romania, Pakistan etc.). The committee
granted Consultative Status to JAINA with unanimous consent. UN
issued a press release reads: "Federation of Jain Associations in North
America (document E/C.2/2008/R.2/Add.17), a New York based
international organization that promotes charitable and humanitarian
community-service activities in North America and worldwide, providing and
promoting academic and cultural exchange and cooperation and fostering
cordial relationship with interfaith and multi-faith organization"
Committee member nations have recommended for Special Consultative Status."
JAINA has become the first Jain orgnisation to have the credentials to
partner with the UN and its member organizations in performance of its
goals and objectives and be eligible to apply for grants. Dr. Tansukh
Salgia, Past President of JAINA and Chairman of the JAINA's Government &
International Relations Committee & Dr. Sushil Jain, Secretary of JAINA
worked closely on this project for several years.
JAINA has also opened a
liaison office in Mumbai. The All India Swetamber Sthanakwasi Jain
Conference (Mumbai) has provided the office space to JAINA . The
Liaison office will assist humanitarian and educational efforts of JAINA in
India. The office will ease the dissemination of JAINA publications and
news in India, and perform various administrative tasks.
PROF. SHANTILAL MEHTA TO BE HONOURED BY MAHARANA PRATAP CHARITABLE
FOUNDATION, UDAIPUR - As
a part of the state-level awards given by the Maharana Pratap Charitable
Foundation, Prof. Shantilal Mehta, Vice-Chancellor of Maharana Pratap
Agricultural and Engineering University, Udaipur would be honoured on the
2nd March, 2008 with "Maharana Mewar Samman", according to the announcement
made by the Foundation.
JEWELS OF JAIN WORLD AWARD TO MR. RAVINDER JAIN
Jain World Foundation USA has announced the 2007 Jewels of Jain World
Award. This award is conferred on Mr. Ravinder Jain of Malerkotla, Distt. :
Sangrur (Punjab) ,for his outstanding and historical service to the cause
of Jainism by bringing Jain literature in Punjabi language for the first
time in history. All his books are available on
www.jainworld.com web site.
JAIN MINORITY
JAIN RELIGIOUS MINORITY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN MAHARASHTRA
Here is a list of the
educational institutions in Maharashtra which have been accorded minority
status:
1. SNJB's College of
Engineering, (Jain Gurukul), Neminagar,Chandwad,(Nashik)
2. Walchand Institute of Technology, Solapur
3. Parshvanath College of Engineering, Kasarvadavali, Ghod Bunder Rd,
Thane(W)
4. P.C.T.'s Veer Mata Hiraben P.Shah, College of Pharmacy, Thane.
The prospective applicants for admission into engineering colleges may take
advantage of the minority status for Jain community and benefit from the
facilities available there.
MISCELLANEOUS
MAHATMA GANDHI'S AHIMSA IS
INSPIRATION FOR BARACK OBAMA -
WASHINGTON : Vowing to strengthen ties with the India,
Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama has noted that the hardworking
Indian-American professionals are adding to the "richness" of the US
society and invited the community to join him in renewing the strength of
this country. The Illinois Democrat, who is giving his party rival for
presidential nomination Hillary Clinton a run for her money and hopes,
recognised the major contributions of Indian-American community to the US
economy as well as the fabric of the American society. Obama also wrote
that he sees Mahatma Gandhi and his philosophy of ahimsa as an inspiration
and has a portrait of the apostle of peace in his office to remind him that
ordinary people can do extraordinary things. "In my life, I have always
looked to Mahatma Gandhi as an inspiration, because he embodies the kind of
transformational change that can be made when ordinary people come together
to do extraordinary things," he wrote.
JAINS EXPRESS ANGUISH OVER
NON-INCLUSION OF PAWAPURI IN PRESIDENT'S ITINERARY -
Patna, February 16: Patna Jain Sangh has expressed deeply felt anguish over
the non-inclusion of Pawapuri Jal Mandir in the itinerary of President Mrs
Pratibha Patil. Secretary of the Jain Sangh, Pradip Jain in a letter
written to the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that President's programme
included the visit of Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, Rajgir and Vaishali but Pawapuri
was left out although Bihar is known for its history and traditions of
Buddhism and Jainism alike. Last time when the then President Sri APJ Abdul
Kalam had visited Bihar, sacred Pawapuri was also included in his
itinerary. Referring to the advertisement entitled 'Gyan ki Dharti
Bihar men Rashtrapati Mahoday Ka Swagat' published by information and
public relations department, Govt of Bihar in newspapers of Patna on
February 15, he said that it carried the photographs of Bodh Gaya and Patna
Saheb Gurudwara but not of that Pawapuri or any other Jain shrine, which
had hurt Jain sentiments. He urged the Chief Minister to give equal
treatment to Jain shrines during VIPs visits to the state and in government
advertisements and publicity material. Jain has also written Secretary,
IPRD, Bihar in this connection. Sri Pradip Jain, secretary Jain Sangh of
Patna can be contacted at Redg. Office : post box no. 128, Mithapur,
Patna 800 001. PH: 0091-612-2215929, E-Mail:
philapradip@gmail.com
JAIN TRUST MOVES HC AGAINST
ANOTHER JAIN TRUST OVER ‘TRAFFICKED’ IDOLS
MUMBAI: Ancient idols of Jain deities allegedly trafficked
from Gujarat may need the attention of the Bombay High Court to reach their
final destination. Mumbai residents Dilip Shah and
Shree Patan Jain Tirth Seva Samiti (SPJTSS) moved court against another
trust in Shahapur, Thane, for allegedly bringing in 61 registered idols and
16 marble idols from Patan in Gujarat to a temple in Shahapur . The
petition states that under the Archaeology and Antiquities Act, 1972, idols
over 100 years cannot be shifted to another location. The two main idols of
Ghia Parshwanath and Shantinath are 2,200 years old and the
other idols are over 500 years old. This is a clear violation of the law
and the idols should be handed over to the Gujarat archeological
department. The idols were originally placed in Patan in Gujarat and were
managed by the Ghiyanapada Jain Derasar Trust. The petition however alleges
that the Trust allegedly in connivance with Shetrunjay Teerthdham
Bhuvanbhan Manas Mandiram Trust , Shahpur and Abhinandanswami Jain Derasar
Trust, Sion, sent the deities into Maharashtra stating that more devotees
would visit the temples in Shahapur. They have also built two new temples
for the installation of these deities.
Justice Bilal Nazki and
Justice SA Bobade heard the petition and directed the STBMMT to file
their reply to the petition in one week. The petitioner had first filed a
police complaint in July 2005 and brought the incident to the notice of the
Archeological Survey of India and authorities in Gujarat, Delhi and Mumbai.
On February 5, the Archeological department of Gandhinagar directed the
STBMMT to restore the idols in Patan, however, no action has been taken
yet.
ALLEGED MOLESTATION OF JAIN
SADHWI AT PALITANA
A Jain sadhvi has alleged molestation outside a dharmshala in the
pilgrimage town of Palitana in Gujarat. This has outraged the Jain
community of the entire region. In a police complaint, the 27-year-old
sadhvi told that a man attacked her on February 9, when she had gone
into the open field behind the dharmshala to attend to the nature's call.
She said the man molested her and ran away when she shouted for help. As
the community threatened a major agitation, the police held an
identification parade , in which the sadhvi identified a balloon-seller,
Laxman Bhara, who lives near the place, as the culprit. Bhara was
immediately arrested. Palitana police inspector, R. J. Waghela said Bhara
had taken the sadhvi by surprise, pushed her to the ground and tried to gag
her. But sadhvi's cries forced Bhara to flee, he said. The sadhvi had
immediately informed the caretakers of dharmshala about the incident. The
police was called in, but the caretakers didn't want to register the
complaint initially, preferring to discuss the issue among themselves
first. Maharaj Revant Vijay ji of the Palitana Jain temple has demanded
stern action against the accused. Courtesy: Mahavir S. Chavan.
FORMER MCD COUNCILOR OF DELHI ASHOK
JAIN FORMALLY CHARGED FOR MURDER
New Delhi, Feb 22 Two days after arresting him, Delhi Police has
finally charged former Municipal Corporation of Delhi councillor,
Ashok Jain and eight others with plotting the murder of a city-based
builder last year. Filing the charge sheet in the court of Additional Chief
Metropolitan Magistrate Alok Kumar Aggarwal, the Delhi Police crime branch
said that Jain along with Pramod Singh, Bhishm Kumar, Vinod Kumar, Pravin
Kohli, Gopal Krishan Aggarwal, Desh Raj, Hitender alias Pappu and Rishi Pal
had hatched a criminal conspiracy to murder Vijay Dhaiya due to personal
enmity. The court took cognisance of the chargesheet under Sections 120-B
(criminal conspiracy), 302 (murder) and 404 (dishonest misappropriation of
property belonging to a deceased person) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC),
and posted the matter for further hearing. Jain was arrested Feb 20
in Chanakyapuri. Businessman Dhaiya was murdered in Hauz Qazi in September
last year. Jain had allegedly hatched a criminal conspiracy with Gopal
Krishan Aggarwal and Rishi Pal to murder Dhaiya due to personal enmity.
IRS OFFICER PRIYESH JAIN HELD FOR
CHEATING
He is working as an assistant controller with P&T
department. Priyesh Jain , a probationary Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
officer, has been arrested by the Sion police on a charge of cheating.
According to the police, Jain forged the signatures of his childhood friend
and operated her demat account for share transactions. Jain had cleared his
IRS examination in the handicapped category in 2006 and was ranked 462, the
police said. He is currently working as an assistant controller in the Post
and Telegraph (P&T) department and is awaiting his IRS posting. The
complainant, Lakshmi, who is a journalist, got to know of the forgery when
she received a letter from the Munda port and special economic zone. The
letter said the money she had paid for the allotment of shares was being
returned to her because she was not allotted any shares, the police said.
“When Lakshmi enquired about the share allotment application, she got to
know that it was Priyesh Jain who had applied for shares from her account
by forging her signatures. Based on Lakshmi’s complaint, the police
registered a case of forgery against Jain . “During investigation, police
found evidence that Priyesh had forged Lakshmi’s signature on several
occasions.
JAIN SAINT SANJAY MUNI, CHARGED FOR
MISSING WOMAN OF AMBALA
Ambala, February 12, The Family of Purushotam
Dass Verma has informed the police through a press conference that his
daughter was missing for the last one month. But, the police has
not taken any action to trace her. The family suspects that she has eloped
with a Jain saint Sanjay Muni, who was staying at Patiala with other
saints namely Subhash Muni and Sudhir Muni to spend chaturmas. Verma
also said that his daughter used to attend discourses delivered by the Jain
saints with her neighbor and had developed fancy for a particular Jain
saint who also visited her house for ahar . He claimed that on conclusion
of chaturmas, the saints moved to Barara from where Sanjay Muni used to
call his daughter and had also asked her to deliver his articles that he
claimed he left in Patiala. Verma further added that she had gone missing
on the day she handed over the articles to Sanjay Muni whose whereabouts
are also not known since then. The family also suspect that she could have
been kidnapped by the saint or she might have been eliminated because she
was wearing heavy gold jewellery at the time she had gone missing. Earlier
in January, the family had met the former Punjab Governor, Lt Gen BKN
Chhibber, for his intervention in the case. Jain Saint Samaj has informed
the police that the samaj had earlier published about the
missing Sanjay Muni and also announced that the saint had no connection
with the Jain Saint Samaj.
vegetarianism & AHIMSA
VEGETARIAN FOOD A FEAST FOR THE EYES AND MOUTH AT A VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT - During
the first month of the Lunar New Year, Vietnamese people traditionally make
a pilgrimage to the pagodas to pray to the Buddha for happiness, health,
success, safety and wealth. Also during this time of year, Vietnamese
people abandon meat and embrace vegetarianism as a way of praying for good
luck and paying tribute to their ancestors and origin. After weeks of
indulging during Tet, vegetarianism is a breath of fresh air. Van Canh
Restaurant is organizing a vegetarian buffet festival named “Springtime Bud
Vegetarian Buffet” from February 16 to March 7 The festival is named
after the ritual of picking buds at the pagoda. Van Canh Restaurant,
under Que Huong – Liberty Group, is a familiar address for vegetarians.
Last year, the restaurant served 20,000 in the vegetarian buffet. Van
Canh – A Dong Restaurant, 184 Calmette Street, District 1, HCMC, tel: (08)
829 4963, E-Mail :
vancanh@libertyhotels.com.vn
AHIMSA SILK GETTING POPULAR IN
FOREIGN MARKETS
'Ahimsa
silk', the fabric made without killing silkworms, is increasingly gaining
popularity in foreign countries though it is yet to catch on in its land of
origin. Unlike the usual silk cloth, for which at least 1,500 silk worms
are killed to produce one meter of cloth, 'Ahimsa silk' is made out of the
cocoon left behind by the moth after completing its life-cycle. According
to ahimsa silk producers, the demand for such fabrics is steadily growing
among animal lovers in the US, Europe, Japan and Australia. Pune-based
Ahimsa Peace Silk Pvt. Ltd's said that over 60 per cent of the business
comes from the US and the products are also exported to Europe, Japan and
Australia, said Leelavati Sabale, president of the company. According to
Hyderabad-based Andhra Pradesh Handloom Weavers' Cooperative Society's
Kusuma Rajaiah, a pioneer in the production of ahimsa silk, over 40 per
cent of the total production goes to the US and the fabrics were also been
exported to Europe and the UK. Ahimsa Peace Silk Pvt Ltd's production
has gone up from 500 mts to 5,000 mts in three years' time. Though there
was some awareness about the silk in south India, especially in Chennai, it
was yet to become popular in the northern region.
VICE PRESIDENT CALLS UPON PEOPLE TO
ROOT OUT PROBLEM OF FEMALE FOETICIDE - The Vice
President of India, Mohd. Hamid Ansari called upon the people to change
their attitude towards female child and reiterated that the age long
problem of female foeticide should be rooted out completely from our
society as it is a curse. Inaugurating a function “Kanyabhrun Hatya Ke
Khilaf Sarvdharm Maha Abhiyan Samaroh” organized by National Integration
Committee, he said that mere framing rules will not serve the purpose and
the people at large will have to be motivated against it. It is not only
inhuman but badly affecting our society also. He expressed his happiness
that now the society has been awakened to root out this problem. He
congratulated the organizers of the function to start this noble cause as a
movement. The Vice President received a copy of the book entitled “The
Unborn Curse” by Acharaya Shri Lokesh on the occasion. The founder of
Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti Acharya Shri Lokesh in his address cautioned that if
the problem of female foeticide is not solved in time it may have more
dangerous consequences than Aids or Cancer. The root cause of this social
evil will have to be found. Shahi Imam of Fatehpuri Masjid, Dr. Mufti
Mohd. Mukarram and the Chief Editor of Rajasthan Patrika Shri Gulab Kothari
also addressed.
MEAT SHOPS SHOULD NOT OPERATE
FROM MAIN ROADS SAY M. P. HIGH COURT -
In a public interest
litigation filed by Shri Suresh Chand Jain ( 748, Sarafa Ward, Jabalpur,
Tel. No. 0761-2611121), Justice Deepak Mishra & Prakash Srivastwa of M. P.
High Court have directed Local Authorities to take strict action against
all the shops selling meat on the main roads. Court also
directed the local police to jail all the shop keepers violating
court orders. Court accepted the petioner's arguments that these
shops have been polluting main city roads & causing environmental problems.
PIL also informed that as per municipal laws meat can be sold only in
notified & covered markets, whereas these shops are operating from many
unauthorised markets. PIL. of Sri Suresh Jain has established a good
example and legal precedence for the other vegetarians. Now taking
this as precedence any one can approach their area Courts or Local
Authorities and stop the mushroom growth of meat shops. Ahimsa
Foundation congratulates Shri Suresh Jain for successfully taking up
this issue of social importance.
DIKSHA CEREMONY
An eminent and highly
revered saint, Acharya Shri Gunrartn Surishwarji maharaj, belonging to
Jain Shwetambar Murtipujak sect has by now accorded muni diksha to as many
as 269 people, both male and female together. The latest addition of seven
sadhwi and one saint, having undergone rigorous education in Jain religion
and its philosophy have accepted diksha at Shankheshwar in Gujarat in the
holy presence of the acharya and have been accepted into his guchh. The
newly accepted sadhwi are in the age group of 21 years to 27 years and the
saint is 65 years old. All of them belong to rich families of Gujarat.
READERS MAIL
REQUEST FOR AHAR DAAN (AVOID WASTAGE OF FOOD) BY MR. AJIT JAIN
Dear Friends, This universe / nature has given us many things in which
one utmost valuable thing is " food ". Ahar Daan ( food distribution /
langar ) is known to be a " MAHADAAN " in our all the religious scripts.
We do not expect everyone to do it, without having means to do it..... but
if excess and wasted have a way just a call away Call 1098 ... Child
Helpline . If you have a function/party at your home and if there is
excess food available at the end, don't hesitate to call 1098 (only in
India) - child helpline. They will come and collect the food. Please
circulate this message which can help feed many children. 'Helping hands
are better than Praying Lips'. Pass this to all whom you know and whom you
do nt know as well. Ajit Jain, E-Mail :
ajit@dcpl.net ....... carrying Jainism
to Generation NeXT..........
CRIME BASED TV SERIAL 'BAHUBALI'
From: Pravin Shah, E-mail:
kenpet007@hotmail.com -An Apeal- I want inform to whole Jain
community that, film Directer & Producer Prakash Jha is making a serial
with the name "BAHUBALI" based on Criminals. You all know
that BHAGWAN BAHUBALI is the son of very first tirthankar BHAGWAN
RISHABHBDEV & we worship Bhagwan Bahubali . By this serial the name "BAHUBALI"
will be flashed in very negative & bad way. It will hurt our community and
our religious feelings. The serial shoot is starting & expectedly
on-air in one month. So I request to all of you to protest for
change of the name of the serial before of it is broadcasted.
Please write a letter
to director and sensor board and send by post, email, and fax to director
directly. Send copy of your letter to Dr Anekant Jain, H, Secretary -
JIN FOUNDATION, NEW DELHI ,E-Mail
jinfoundation@yahoo.com .
Address: Sri Prakash jha , Prakash jha Production ,201 c-d,Abhishek Bldge;
off New Link Road;Andheri(w),
Mumbai-400053,ph.022-66781862,23631048,fax-022-23690083;66781863
E-Mail :
info@prakashjhaproductionscom , Mrs. Shamila Tagore ,President
,Central Board Of Film Certification ,Bharat Bhavan, 91-E,Walkeshwar road
,Mumbai-400006 ph.fax-022-23625770, E-Mail :
aocbfcmum@rediffmail.com.
Devlok gaman
Acharya Shri 108 Gunnandi Ji Maharaj belonging to Jain Digambar
sect breathed his last and left for his heavenly abode after accepting 'samadhi-maran'
at Ichhalkaranji (Maharashtra) after a short period of illness on
4th February, 2008. He was only 41 years old. He was an ardent devotee of
Acharya Shri Shanti Sagar Ji maharaj and had been following the sacred of
spirituality. He hailed from Baraut, a small town in Meerut district of
Uttar Pradesh. He had accepted muni diksha on 22nd July, 1991 from
Acharya Shri Kunthu Sagar ji Maharaj.
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