Dear Sadharmiks,
Jai Jinendra! Pranam!

This week, review the informative video below to discover ways to support the Sarak Jains community and how you can participate in “Sarak Utkarsh Abhiyan”. This video provides comprehensive insights into the initiatives and actions that can make a meaningful difference for the Sarak Jains, highlighting opportunities for collective support and engagement.

I am thrilled to share that the Jain Digest Team has launched a new series: essays penned by Pathshala students in North America. These students, learning about Jain principles, values, and culture through dedicated Pathshala classes, participate in essay competitions that promote analytical thinking and the application of their knowledge. This issue features winning essays from the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago, highlighting the exceptional talent within our community. Please check them out below.

On August 25, 2023, we pay tribute to Shree Virchand Raghavji Gandhi, a stalwart who represented Jainism at the 1893 Parliament of World Religions alongside Swami Vivekananda and H Dharampala. His legacy thrives with VRG busts and statues in Mahuva, Chicago, Delhi, Ambala, and Ahmedabad. Notably, VRG's great-grandson Chandreshbhai Dhiraj Gandhi penned the first Gujarati biography, "Gandhi ni Gatha, Gandhi ni Kalamthi." His impactful story is beautifully captured by Dr. Bipinbhai Doshi, Pankaz Hingarh, and Preetiben Shah in the Jain Avenue article mentioned below.

We're excited to announce that JAINA is once again bringing you a series of virtual lectures to honor the auspicious occasions of Paryushan and Das Laxana Parva. These insightful talks by esteemed scholars from India will be hosted on Zoom, allowing you to connect with the spiritual essence of these important festivals from the comfort of your own home. Please check more details below.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude and immense admiration on behalf of the entire JAINA family to Panyas Dr. Shri Arunvijay Maharaj, who has been bestowed with an esteemed “Maharashtra Ratna” award as well as the "Proud Indian Parliamentarian Award 2023" for his exceptional work in the study of philosophies. He has also announced live classes to study Jainism via Zoom link. Please check more details below.

I'm delighted to share that under the leadership of JAINA's Director at large, Dr. Nitin Shah, a dedicated team of 24 volunteers embarked on a profound humanitarian mission in Eldoret, Kenya. The scope of the 2023 Mission included six days of impactful work, encompassing Medical, Surgery, Eyecare, and Anemia Screening initiatives, collectively leaving an indelible mark on over 18,000 patients. For an inspiring account of their journey, please explore the detailed story below.

Arihanta Institute is achieving its mission of democratizing Jain studies globally with the launch of an online graduate program - the Master of Arts Degree in Engaged Jain Studies in partnership with Claremont School of Theology. Those interested in joining the next cohort can contact advisors, as mentioned in the details below. Furthermore, if you haven't already signed up for the Ahimsa Vegan Conference taking place on August 26th and 27th, 2023, we encourage you to explore the event by clicking the link below.

Rahul Kapoor Jain, the renowned mindset coach and a standout performer at the JAINA Convention, is gearing up to host his inaugural virtual session on August 26th. Check the registration link, program details, and program timing in the comprehensive overview below.

Jain spiritual leader Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni received the 'Global Interfaith Unity Prize 2023' at Chicago's Bethel Mennonite Community Church. The award recognized Acharya Lokesh Muniji’s impactful contributions to global peace and cultural values, and the event emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue for global betterment.

JAINA extends its heartfelt appreciation and anumodana to Param Vishuddhiji Mahasatiji on the imminent culmination of her remarkable Muktavali Mahatap, a journey spanning 285 fasts. You're invited to join the live Parna Mahotsav celebration on 29th August via the provided Zoom link or YouTube channel below to be part of this auspicious occasion.

Sincerely and respectfully,

Haresh Shah,
JAINA President

JAINA Sarak Community Upliftment Committee

Raj Parivar & Samkit Group have been diligently engaged in impactful grassroots efforts to uplift the Sarak Community. JAINA is firmly committed to contributing and providing extensive support to this cause. To delve deeper into this initiative, please visit the JAINA Website's dedicated section on Sarak Community Upliftment.

You may also check the website, managed by Raj Parivar https://sarakabhiyan.org, to learn more about their initiatives.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for this committee or wish to gather more insights about the Sarak Community Upliftment project, kindly reach out to Jatin Shah at C: 703-926-7451 or via email at jatinshah999@gmail.com. Your involvement can make a significant difference.

June 2023 Jain Digest

Essays by Pathshala Students in North America

Beginning with the February 2023 issue, the Jain Digest Editorial Team has started a new series of articles – essays written by the Pathshala students in North America. Many Jain Centers in the USA and Canada have been conducting Pathshala classes for several years. Many volunteers provide selfless service to the Jain communities by teaching the students about Jain principles, values, rituals, culture, Indian languages, etc. Essay competitions are held to motivate the students to stimulate their thinking and analytical skills about what they have learned in Pathshala.

As a continuation of our effort to showcase the winning entries from one Jain Center in each issue of Jain Digest; in the current issue, we bring you essays from the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago. We hope that you will enjoy reading these essays and be pleased with the talent these students exhibit.

To read the full article, go to the:

Click Here to Read this Article

To read the entire June 2023 Jain Digest, go to:

Jain Digest June 2023

Tribute to Virchand Raghavji Gandhi on his 160th Birth Anniversary

On 25th August 2023, we commemorate the legacy of the benevolent Shree Virchand Raghavji Gandhi, who dedicated himself to the pride of India and the community. In the historic 1893 Parliament of World Religions held in Chicago, three remarkable Indians left an indelible mark: Swami Vivekananda representing Hinduism, Virchand Raghavji Gandhi representing Jainism, and H Dharampala representing Buddhism. Honorable PM of India, Shree Narendrabhai Modi, referred to Virchand Gandhi in his address to the Indian Diaspora across the US and Canada when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. During our recent convention, JAINA honored Pravinbhai C Shah, the founding Past JAINA VRG Chair, with a special recognition award for his most important contributions to VRG's history and more about his contribution to the revival of VRG can be read at https://www.herenow4u.net/index.php?id=79642

The contributions of P.P. Gurudevshree Chitrabhanuji in 1964 and in the 1990s, the contributions of Tansukhbhai Salgia, Nemubhai Chandaria (IOJ), Kumarpalbhai Desai & later contributions of Dilipbhai Shah, Prakashbhai Mody, Kiritbhai Daftary, Nareshbhai Shah, Sulekhbhai Jain, Nitinbhai Shah and many others have been commendable in the revival of VRG. His legacy thrives with VRG busts and statues in Mahuva, Chicago, Delhi, Ambala, and Ahmedabad. Notably, VRG's great-grandson Chandreshbhai Dhiraj Gandhi penned the first Gujarati biography, "Gandhi ni Gatha, Gandhi ni Kalamthi".

This year, the 160th birth anniversary celebration of VRG is being held in his birthplace, Mahuva, under the guidance of P.P. Acharyashree Vijay Rajhans Suriji Marasaheb, Shree Mahuva Jain Sangh, and VRG's family members.

JAINA's publication has, from time to time, tried to cover VRG and is currently sharing here an article by Dr. Bipinbhai Doshi , Pankaz Hingarh , and Preetiben Shah published in 2021 in Jain Avenue.

VIRCHAND GANDHI, A GANDHI BEFORE GANDHI

article from Chandreshbhai Gandhi(Grandson of V R Gandhi)

CELEBRATE PARYUSHAN & DAS LAXANA PARVA WITH ENLIGHTENING LECTURES

Lecture Schedule:

Paryushan Lectures:

Das Laxana Pravachans:

• Dr. Swanubhuti Jain 🗣️ (Hindi) - Morning Sessions
• Shri Manish Modi 🗣️ (English) - Evening Sessions

Stay tuned for more details as we finalize the lecture timings and additional information for Das Laxana Pravachans. Immerse yourself in the profound wisdom of these revered scholars as they share their insights on the essence of Paryushan and Das Laxana Parva.

The virtual platform ensures that everyone can participate in these enlightening talks, no matter where you are. Let's come together as a community to celebrate these festivals in a meaningful and spiritually enriching way.

Mark Your Calendars and watch this space for updates. We look forward to your virtual presence as we celebrate Paryushan and Das Laxana Parva in the company of learned scholars.

Arunvijay M.S. Honored with Maharashtra Ratna & Proud Indian Parliamentarian Award 2023

On August 18, 2023, a prestigious award ceremony took place at the Mayer Hall in Andheri (w), Mumbai, where Panyas Dr. Shri Arunvijay Maharaj was bestowed with the esteemed "Maharashtra-Ratna" award. Recognizing his exceptional contributions, he was also honored with the "Proud Indian Parliamentarian Award 2023" in acknowledgment of his profound study of philosophy. These accolades celebrate his noteworthy achievements and dedication to his field.

Please click here to enroll in the live interactive classes conducted by Pujya Gurudev Dr. Shri Arunvijay Maharaj Saheb to study Jainism.

Humanitarian Mission in Kenya

Dr. Nitin Shah, JAINA's Director at large, led a transformative humanitarian mission in Eldoret, Kenya. Over six days (July 23 to 28, 2023), a team of 24 individuals from diverse US locations performed four missions - Medical, Surgery, Eyecare, and Anemia Screening.

These efforts were preceded by a medical mission on July 6 & 7, organized by Gladys Foundation and Lions Club of Eldoret, supported by various partners. A total of 2043 patients were screened.

Spearheaded by healthcare professionals including Dr. Charles Shapiro, Dr. Bipin Solanki, and more, the mission provided 1,234 medical examinations and 75 surgeries, fulfilling long-awaited healthcare needs. Dedicated volunteers like Umesh Amin, Maurice Oketch, and others contributed significantly to the camp's effectiveness, including examining 2,793 Hemoglobin levels for Anemia.

Student volunteers conducted eye screenings for underserved populations, screening 12,153 people. The initiative showcased collaboration and compassion, impacting 18,307 patients in six days. The commitment extends with consumables for 500 Cataract Surgeries to the Lions Club of Eldoret. A total of 20,850 lives will be touched by these collective efforts, extending gratitude to volunteers, donors, and trusting patients.

Masters of Art in Engaged Jain Studies – By Arihanta Institute & Claremont School of Theology

Arihanta Institute is proud to announce a significant step toward its mission of democratizing Jain studies globally, making them accessible and affordable. The inauguration of the first semester of the Master of Arts Degree in Engaged Jain Studies, in partnership with Claremont School of Theology, marks a pivotal moment. This unique online graduate program offers courses in Non-violence, Jain Philosophy, Sanskrit, and more, with esteemed faculty renowned for their Jain philosophical expertise. The diverse student body, including those not of Jain heritage, reflects a growing interest in integrating Jain values like non-violence, compassion, and empathy into modern challenges.

The program aims to enrich society and the planet, and those interested in joining the next team can connect with advisors via email at study@arihantainstitute.org or visit https://www.arihantainstitute.org/.

Ahimsa Vegan Conference – By Arihanta Institute

To know more about the agenda, speakers & register for the event, click here

JAINISM SIMPLIFIED by Rahul Kapoor Jain

Get ready for our first virtual live session on Zoom!

Hope to see you all soon! Limited seats available - strictly on first come first serve basis.

Program Objectives:

1. Meet and Greet you all.
2. Consolidate on all the key messages.
3. Help you create specific OKRs.
4. Take your feedback on way forward
5. Q&A session.

DATE: 26th Saturday, August 2023

USA TIMINGS: 11:30 AM EST | 10:30 AM CST | 8:30 AM PST

INDIA TIMING: 9:00 PM IST

Register in advance for this webinar

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Acharya Dr. Lokeshji honored with the 'Global Interfaith Unity Prize 2023' in Chicago

World Peace Ambassador and eminent Jain Acharya Dr. Lokeshji was presented the 'Global Interfaith Unity Prize 2023' in a special program organized at Bethel Mennonite Community Church, Chicago. Acharya Dr. Lokeshji was felicitated with this honor for his remarkable contribution in uplifting global cultural and human values and promoting and protecting world peace and harmony. This award was honoured to Acharya Dr. Lokeshji by senior Congressman of America Danny K. Davis, Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer, AMEC Governor Dr. Zenobia Sowell, and AMEC Executive Director Naveen Karna.

Eminent Jain Acharya Dr. Lokeshji, founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti and World Peace Center, expressed his gratitude for the honor and said that this honor is not only my honor, but also the honor of the entire ancient Indian culture and a tribute to Lord Mahavir and the ideas given by him.

Senior US Congressman Danny K. Davis said that Acharya Dr. Lokeshji has set an example in the field of world peace, the establishment of harmony, and inter-religious dialogue. He is a ray of hope for the world public who always strives to end terrorism, violence, and discrimination in the world. David said that Acharya Lokeshji is the messiah of humanity who is always ready for humanitarian work beyond the boundaries of any country.

On this occasion, Reverend Tony Bianci, Pastor of Bethel Mennonite Community Church, Board President Dr. Zenobia Sowell, and Awards Jury President Dr. Vijay G. Prabhakar were also present.

Parana Mahotsav of Param Vishuddhiji Mahasatiji on Completion of Muktavali Mahatap

With deep gratitude, JAINA sends its sincere appreciation and seeks blessings of Param Vishuddhiji Mahasatiji as she approaches the completion of her extraordinary Muktavali Mahatap, an awe-inspiring journey encompassing 285 fasts. We cordially invite you to partake in the live celebration of Parna Mahotsav on August 29th. You can join this auspicious occasion through the provided Zoom link or YouTube channel below. Your presence would be a cherished addition to this momentous event.

Shree Uttaradhyayana Sutra Aagaam Vaachana

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