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Mahavir Jayanti celebrated gracefully in Metropolitan Washington, DC The 2604th birth ceremony of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar of Jain religion, was celebrated with great enthusiasm and success on Saturday April 23, at a program organized by the Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington. More than 600 members of Jain community gathered in the celebration held at Paint Branch High School, Burtonsville, MD.
The program began with chanting of Navakar Mahamantra.followed by welcome speech by Dr. Manoj Dharamsi, Chairman and a colorful religious and cultural programs performed by children as young as 2 year old. The youth Committee members Nisha Jain, Punam Mutha, conducted the program as MC. Children's program included Jain Stutis, prayer songs, skits on Jain principles, dances and religious drama. Teachers of the Jain Sunday school Veena Dand, Kalpana Hegde, Arvind Mehta directed these programs. Invited guest Mr. Kirit Daftari, 1st Vice President of JAINA (Federation of Jain Association of North America) highlighted the importance of Mahavir principles and asked to spread the message of Jainism to achieve peace, harmony and happiness. He also highlighted details about the fourth-coming biennial JAINA convention from July 1st through July 4th at Santa Clara, California where more than 4000 Jains from across the globe are expected to attend. Dr Vinod Shah of Shah Associates highlighted the importance of unity and gift of giving donations in support of our future generation.
Jain society president Dr. Sushil Jain in his speech said that the teachings of Mahavir viz., Non-violence, Forgiveness, Anekantwad, Aprigrah; and message of "Live and Let Live" is more relevant in present time for keeping world peace and harmony. He also presented the details of future planning for Jain society, its short-term goals and forth-coming events. In addition to emphasizing the importance of everyone's involvement, he also introduced members of executive committee and the many individuals responsible for helping Jain community achieve its objectives. Chairman of board of trusties Manoj Dharamsi talked about plans to expand the Jain Center and build an authentic Jain temple. He encouraged audience to donate whole-heartedly for the expansion that will require about one million Dollars to complete the project. On this occasion, Dr. Arvind & Mrs. Nayana Mehta as well as youth member Nisha Jain were honored for their selfless and dedicated service to the community. Mr. Kamlesh P. Shah and Dimple Doshi, delivered the vote of thanks. All children artists were presented trophies. Program ended with a delicious Swami Vatsalya Bhojan (dinner) sponsored by Shah Associates. The program was a grand success as it was started and finished in timely manner as planned. The executive committee members and volunteers' hard work was praised and admired by the members and audience. Congressman Frank Pallone of New Jersey and the leader of the Maryland Delegates Kumar Bharve sent greetings and message for the occasion.
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