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Dear Sadharmiks,
Jai Jinendra! Pranam!
I'm thrilled to announce the JAINA's new Executive Council (EC), which is set to take charge from January for the upcoming 2024-2025 term. My heartfelt congratulations go out to all the EC members poised to lead our esteemed organization into the future. A special acknowledgment goes to the Election Committee of JAINA for orchestrating an extensive and successful election process. Gratitude also extends to every director whose pivotal votes shaped the composition of the new executive council.
I extend my best wishes to my esteemed colleague in the current executive council and the president-elect, Shree Bindesh Shah, who is the first vice president of the incumbent executive council. The list of other members joining the forthcoming executive council is outlined below.
Amidst the exciting announcement of the election results for the upcoming Executive Council, we convened our second Board of Directors (BOD) meeting for 2023. It was an insightful session where many JAINA committees highlighted their ongoing activities and future strategies. These efforts promise to enhance synergies and streamline project execution, all thanks to the dedication of our passionate volunteers. A comprehensive Minutes of the Meeting (MoM) summarizing the discussions will soon be accessible on JAINA's website. Stay tuned for detailed insights into our collective plans and initiatives moving forward.
In the October issue of Jain Digest, Ramesh Khandhar shares a compelling narrative about his journey grappling with holding grudges—a significant obstacle in his spiritual growth. He eloquently emphasizes that when we cling to grudges, we often overlook the fact that past experiences are outcomes of our own karmic journey. These harbored negative emotions can serve as stumbling blocks hindering our spiritual progress. Dive into the detailed article below for a profound exploration of this transformative insight.
The JAINA Overseas Relationship Committee extends a warm invitation to an insightful conference scheduled for January 20-21, 2024, at Gujarat University's Senate Hall in Navrangpura, Ahmedabad. This exclusive event presents a mini JAINA Convention in India, focusing on environmental
consciousness and the profound perspectives of Jainism. It's a rare chance to immerse yourself in these crucial discussions. Check the details below for more information.
It has come to our attention that an alarming number of goats and buffaloes are slated for sacrifice at the Bolla Kali Temple in Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal, on December 1. This practice, known as Bali, violates various state and national laws. Animal sacrifice has no place in a modern, compassionate society. We urge the temple committee to cease the practice of Bali in all religious places under their jurisdiction. There is a critical need for the state to intervene, ensuring a balance between religious practices and the law. This letter serves as a plea to authorities and administration to prevent the sacrificial ritual involving animals.
As we commemorate the auspicious occasion of Diwali/Deepawali, marking 2,550 years since the time of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and most recent Tirthankara of Jainism, the International School of Jain Studies (ISJS) extends an invitation to explore and organize various educational initiatives like organizing courses, classes, vibrant classroom discussions, research papers, seminars, conferences, publications, research projects, and fieldwork centered around the profound wisdom of Lord Mahavira. Attached is a list of potential study and research topics related to Lord Mahavira for your review and consideration.
This Thanksgiving, Luvin Arm Animal Sanctuary invites you to join us in rescuing turkeys. By sponsoring a rescued turkey for just $25, you'll provide essential support that guarantees clean bedding, nutritious meals, and dedicated care for these rescued birds throughout the holiday season. Explore the details below for more information on how you can make a difference.
Sincerely and respectfully,
Haresh Shah,
JAINA President
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JAINA New Executive Council for the term 2024-25
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I'm thrilled to announce JAINA's new Executive Council, which is set to assume office from January 2024 for the upcoming 2024-2025 term. My heartfelt congratulations go out to all the EC members who will steer our esteemed organization towards greater horizons. A special commendation goes to the Election Committee, led by Ashokbhai Domadia, for orchestrating a comprehensive and successful election exercise.
Gratitude extends to all the directors whose crucial votes shaped the composition of the new executive council. We received an outstanding 95% turnout, with 111 out of 117 JAINA Directors submitting their ballot envelopes by the November 14, 2023 deadline. I extend my sincerest thanks to each director for their dedication, remarkable response, and timely mailing of ballots from the USA and Canada.
I extend my best wishes to the President-Elect, Shree Bindesh Shah, my esteemed colleague who is presently serving as the first vice president of the incumbent executive council. The list of other esteemed members joining the forthcoming executive council is outlined below.
JAINA President - Elect
Bindesh Shah
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JAINA 1st VP - Elect
Atul Shah
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JAINA Secretary - Elect
Vipul Shah (Chicago)
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JAINA Treasurer - Elect
Ketu Sheth
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Regional VP – Canada - Elect
Deepa Narang
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North-East Regional VP - Elect
Kalpana Gandhi
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South-East Regional VP - Elect
Kaushal Shah
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Mid-East Regional VP - Elect
Jigar Shah
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Mid-West Regional VP - Elect
Ram Gada
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South-West Regional VP - Elect
Apurva Bhansali
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West Regional VP - Elect
Dr. Jayesh Shah
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Past President
Haresh Shah
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Congratulations to the JAINA EC team for 2024-2025! We eagerly anticipate the new EC team's leadership to elevate JAINA to even greater heights!
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Jain Digest October 2023
Pitfall on the Spiritual Path – Holding Grudges By Ramesh Khandhar
Quite often in our daily lives, we come across people and situations where our expectations are not met. At such times we feel that people do not appreciate us, and we feel hurt. We are not able to forget the situation and forgive others. We hold grudges. We forget that whatever has happened is the result of our own past karma.
In this article, Ramesh Khandhar tells us the story of his own experience with holding a grudge which had become an obstacle in his spiritual progress. He says,
“We must take full responsibility for the path to change our lives for the better. Only then do the emotional hurt, prejudice, and grudges start to dissolve and open the gate to the spiritual path.”
To learn more about Sudha’s life, read the full article, go to:
read the full article
To read the full October 2023 Jain Digest, go to:
Jain Digest October 2023
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Third International Jain Conference on January 20-21, 2024 by JAINA Oversees Relation Committee
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Mark your calendars for the upcoming Third International Jain Conference, hosted by the JAINA Oversees Relationship Committee, chaired by Shree Dilip V Shah. This conference will take place on January 20-21, 2024, at Gujarat University's Senate Hall in Navrangpura, Ahmedabad.
Theme: Environmental Consciousness and Jain Views
This mini JAINA Convention in India centers around the theme of environmental consciousness and the perspectives of Jainism. It's a unique opportunity to engage with these critical discussions.
Your Attendance Matters
We encourage you to join us if you plan to be in India during this time. Attendance is free, and registration is open to all interested individuals.
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to participate in meaningful conversations surrounding environmental consciousness and Jain philosophy. Join us at the Third International Jain Conference in January 2024!
Please check the attached presentation for more information about the JAINA Oversees Relation Committee.
Click here for presentation
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Stop Animal Sacrifice at Sree Sree Bolla Raksha Kali Temple
It has come to our attention that on December 1, an alarming number of goats and buffalos are scheduled to be sacrificed at the Bolla Kali Temple in Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal, India. This practice, known as Bali, violates various state and national laws. Despite its mythological background, this barbaric practice is not acceptable in modern society. It is similar to age-old practices like Sati pratha, Polygamy, Child marriage, Female infanticide, Dowry, and Triple Talaq, which have been abolished by the constitution.
The slaughter of animals in such a gruesome way is against the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and Sections 428 and 429 of the Indian Penal Code. The law prohibits people from officiating at animal sacrifices. Moreover, the Supreme Court of India has declared that animal sacrifice is not protected under Article 25 of the Constitution. It is only applicable to essential religious practices that form an integral part of a religion. The Court has held that religious practices based on mere superstitions and are extraneous or unnecessary cannot be protected under Article 25. Hence, animal sacrifice is illegal in India. A Plethora of Judgments of the Supreme Court as well as from various High Courts have condemned the deleterious rituals groomed under the grab of reverence, riding on superstition and fables, for which innocent voiceless paying through their life.
The practice of animal sacrifice has no place in a modern, compassionate society. Sacrificing animals to appease deities is not an acceptable practice, and it is harmful to everyone involved. The innocent animals, who cannot fight back, are killed by untrained persons, causing much pain to them. Other animals also see their fellow animals getting killed. No religion encourages the slaughter of animals, and chopping animals to death with weapons is just plain cruel. All religions encourage compassion.
Bali tends to be mostly profitable for priests, temples, livestock sellers, butchers, event planners, and leather tanneries. The organizers behind holiday festivals make money, while not much changes for paying customers. This practice is not only cruel but also against public policy.
We urge the temple committee to stop the Bali practice in all the religious places and temples under their control. If the practice continues, legal action will be initiated against all responsible for this inhumane, barbaric practice. The state should intervene to strike a balance between the law and religious practices. Through this letter, we request the authorities and administration to prevent the Bali of animals. If the trustees fail to comply, it will be a fit case for contempt of court due to failure to implement several Supreme Court’s and High Court’s orders, including Kolkata High Court’s ruling in WP328 of 2018 Rajeshree Chaudhry v/s State of West Bengal) and the constitution. The state must ensure that no such Bali is in contravention of the constitution and that various court orders are strictly implemented.
We hope that the temple committee and authorities take this request seriously and stop this barbaric practice once and for all.
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Celebrating the 2,550th Nirvāṇa (Liberation) Anniversary of Lord Mahāvīra
On the auspicious occasion of Diwali/Deepawali 2,550 years ago, Lord Mahavira, the 24th and latest Tirthankara of Jainism, attained liberation (state of Moksa) at Pavapuri, Bihar (India). The Jain community worldwide celebrates and commemorates the year (Diwali, November 12th, 2023 to November 11th, 2024) as Mahavira Nirvana year with great fervor and grandeur.
Lord Mahavira distinguished by numerous virtues, particularly his unwavering commitment to the principle of non-violence (Ahimsa) and non-absolutism (Anekantvada), self-effort, and restraint to attain lasting happiness for individuals, communities, and the world at large. He was also one of the greatest Social Engineers and reformers of his time and practiced what he taught.
As a part of our continued effort to promote academic studies of Jainism, the International School of Jain Studies (ISJS) wishes to reach out to you with a request to undertake activities involving critical and academic exploration of various facets of his life, his era, his teachings and their contemporary relevance in 21st-century society.
Towards this end, ISJS encourages you to consider organizing courses, classes, classroom discussions, research papers, seminars, conferences, publications, research projects, and fieldwork centered around him and his teachings. ISJS has attached a list of potential studies and research topics related to Lord Mahavira for your quick reference and perusal.
Your participation and insights are eagerly awaited as his wisdom and legacy are collectively delved into, shedding light on his profound teachings and their significance in our modern world for greater and sustainable peace, prosperity, and happiness. Assistance will be offered to popularize your contributions in this regard.
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Extend a Helping Hand to Rescued Turkeys this Thanksgiving Season!
Join us in making this Thanksgiving truly special by supporting a rescued turkey for just $25. With your Thanksgiving Sponsorship, you'll ensure clean bedding, nutritious meals, and the utmost care for these rescued turkeys during the holiday season.
For every Thanksgiving Sponsorship, you'll not only make a meaningful difference but also receive a stunning photo of your sponsored turkey, accompanied by an e-card sharing their inspiring story.
Your continued generosity has been instrumental in creating these moments of compassion in the lives of our existing turkey residents.
The heartwarming response has been bolstered by a gracious anonymous donor who has pledged to match donations until November 30th, doubling the impact of your contribution and offering a one-time sponsorship of $2,501 for the rescued four turkeys!
Don't miss this chance to contribute and bring joy to these amazing creatures. To donate or sponsor a rescued turkey, visit the link below:
https://sponsoraturkey.funraise.org/.
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