Overview: The Pilgrimage Committee was established
in 1998 with a mandate to organize at least one Yatra every
year to different Jain Temples and religious places in India.
Milestones: The first pilgrimage was in October
of 1998 to Shree Sametsikharji. The Yatra was in cooperation
with Veerayatan as it was also the year of 25th anniversary
of Veerayatan. Dr. Dhiraj Shah was the President of JAINA at
that time and as President, he had committed himself and JAINA
to establish this noble tradition of a Pilgrimage once a year
providing Jains of North America a rare opportunity to join
in a sangh yatra. Dhirajbhai along with 63 Yatris participated
in the first Yatra
In January 2000 second yatra was organized. “ Jaisalmer
to Palitana” yatra was joined by 84 Yatris and 128 Yatris
joined third Yatra to Shree Sametshikharji in 2001.
During Yatra, we visit our Teerhdhams and also venerable Jain
institutions like Shree Yashovijay Pathshala, Jain schools,
Veerayatan, Tapovan, L.D. Institute of Indology, B. L. Institute
in Delhi, Poostak Bhandars of Jaisalmer, Koba and Patan, Animal
Shelter in Mehsana etc. During 2004 yatra, we visited with Muni
shri Jamboovijayji at Sankheswara. Visits to these institutions
educate our yatris how Jainism is thriving in today’s
India. To help understand the significance of our Tirths, we
request various scholars to join our Yatra. Dr. Ramanlal C.
Shah and his wife Taraben, Amrendra Muni and Diptiben Shah have
accompanied us at various times.
Our yatris generously donate to places we visit. Our Yatris
have funded scholarships at Parswanath Vidyapeeth and Shree
Yashovijay Pathshala and Tapovan, donated hospital equipments,
computers to classrooms and help build a Jain school at Xatriyakund
in cooperation with Veerayatan.
2007 Yatra will once again to Jaisalmer and other Tirthdhams of Rajasthan and Gujarat including Palitana and Girnar.
Dr. Dhiraj Shah (NY), Dr. Avani sheth (OK), Mahendra Jain (
NY), Keerti Shah (IL), Anil Shah (NJ) and Dr. Jwala Prasad (OH)
are members of the Pilgrimage committee. If you need more info,
please write to dilipvshah@gmail.com
Pilgrimage Committee Chair:
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