APPLICATION NOW LIVE AND DUE BY FRIDAY APRIL 29, 2016!

(direct link to application: www.jaina.org/jyepapplication)

Planned Meetings/Visits in various Cities:

Here you will find the following information:

	Scope of the JAINA Youth Exchange Program (JYEP)
	Introduction to JAINA and JITO (Jain International Trade Organization)
	Eligibility Requirements
	FAQs
	GET STARTED - APPLY TODAY!

SCOPE OF THE JAIN YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM (JYEP)

The inaugural JYEP Program will take ten Jain Youths (ages 18 - 25) from USA to India for approximately three weeks trip starting on July 21st, 2016 and finishing on August 10th, 2016.

The Jain Youth Exchange Program offers exposure to different cultures ranking as one of the most powerful ways to promote Indian culture and Jain way of life. The Jain Youth Exchange program intends to provide hundreds of young students with the opportunity to meet people from other countries and to experience new cultures, planting the seeds for a lifetime of international understanding. The program plans to offers numerous benefits to its young participants and their hosts and mentors, Jain leadership in India, as well as to the Jain community at large in India.

Through Jain Youth Exchange Program, students learn firsthand about all aspects of life in another country. As their concept of the world expands, they mature and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. Immersion in another country’s value system enhances their academic, professional, social, and personal growth. Host Jain Center's, families and the entire community are enriched by extended, friendly contact with someone from a different family/culture.

Major Program Highlights:

INTRODUCTION TO JAINA AND JITO (Jain International Trade Organization)

JAINA, Federation of Jain Associations in North America, in collaboration with JITO, Jain International Trade Organization, Ahmedabad (Gujarat) is proud to present the second phase of Jain Youth Exchange Program [JYEP].

JITO (www.jitoahmedabad.org) is the largest organization of Jain businesses, industrialists, and professionals in India. JAINA (www.jaina.org) is the largest organization of Jains in North America.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must be between 18 – 25 yrs. old.
2. Must be Jain or interested in learning about Jain values, principles, and practices.
3. Enrolled as a student in a college or university.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND TIMELINE:

1. Download PDF form and email to jyep@jaina.org
2. Interview with JYEP Selection Team Member
3. Confirmation will be provided by  May 6, 2016.

FAQS

1. Costs

Students from USA will pay for all their international & travel within India, health insurance, pocket money to pay for incidental expenses, including if they were to pay for food outside, or to purchase souvenirs, etc.

Host Families (in India) would be responsible for local transportation, lodging, boarding, and food at home. The local Jain Center or Host families can sponsor any events, or cultural activity, or programs at their discretion. 

2. How many cities will be visiting? 

Currently we have included 5 cities (Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur and Bangalore)

3. After I apply, what can I expect? 

May 06, 2016 - Confirmations will be provided

May 20, 2016 - Accepted Candidates Team Call

June 17, 2016 - Host Family Designation will be provided

GET STARTED - APPLY TODAY!

Please download the application via the link below & submit electronically to:

jyep@jaina.org OR mail to:

JAINA HQ

722 South Main St.

Milpitas, CA 95035

(direct link to application: www.jaina.org/jyepapplication)

All applications must be submitted by:
Friday April 29, 2016 11:59pm EST.

The program will start on July. 21, 2016.

See below highlights of 2015 JYEP program:

Please see below a slideshow of their experience

 

JAINA Convention 2015 Press Release

July 2 - 5, 2015 

Atlanta, Georgia

JAINA- The Federation of Jain Associations in North America, an umbrella organization of Jains in United States and Canada hosting 4 day convention in Atlanta, Georgia during this July 4th weekend. With the mission of preserving and sharing Jain way of life, JAINA hosts convention every two years. This time JAINA’s 18th biennial convention is hosted by the Jain Society of Greater Atlanta at Georgia International Convention Center near the airport.

Since 1970s, Atlanta has experienced tremendous growth in population. A great part of this growth has come about as Atlanta has become more international in character. Story of Jains in Atlanta parallels that of Atlanta. During this brief period, as Atlanta population quadrupled, Jain population also exploded from less than twenty families to approximately one thousand families. Just as Atlanta saw construction of many tall buildings and many other facilities, Jains also built their own forty five thousand square feet Jain Center and Temple at 669 South Peachtree Street, Norcross, Georgia.

Host city Atlanta’s convention board member Deepak Shah and Anil Shah mentioned that approximately 3,500 persons have registered to attend 18th BIENNIAL 2015 JAINA CONVENTION. This beautiful Convention Center and flexible meeting place was chosen by JAINA for it conveniently located near the busiest airport in the world, Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, and is connected to it with a free Atlanta Sky Train. It is only ten minutes from downtown Atlanta. Presence of large number of hotels in close vicinity was a big consideration in favor of GICC.

Jainism is a religion and a way of life for Jains around the world. The primary purpose of JAINA is to increase the awareness of the principles of Jainism, achieve the unity of all Jains, provide a platform wherefrom to project the voice of Jain religion, promote the feeling of amity and brotherhood among Jains and to promote inter-faith understanding Jainism, which originated in India, at least five thousand years ago, has largest number of followers in India. It has nonetheless, influenced the world peace through its message of non-violence and forgiveness, theme of this Convention. This message greatly influenced Mahatma Gandhi and his non-violence struggle for India's independence. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, was indirectly influenced by Jainism as he followed the example and non-violent methods of Mahatma Gandhi in his struggle for equality and civil rights for all minorities in USA.

Jains have been on a path of Non-Violence, Non-Absolutism (Anekantvad), and Non-possesion (Aparigrah) for thousands of years. And recently Science is walking hand in hand with us on this path. For thousands of years, Jains have believed in meditation, yoga, animal compassion, vegetarianism, environmentalism, equal rights for women, respect for other cultures and forgiveness. Jains believe that universe is eternal and that Jain religion, which explains the rules of the universe, is therefore also eternal, with no beginning and no end. Last perfected soul known to us is Lord Mahavir, who was born in 599BC, near Patna in Bihar, India.

JAINA President Prem Jain (CA) mentioned that over the past 30 years, Jains have over 70 Jain Centers, over 20 temples and more than 150,000 Jains established in North America. Jainism places great importance on controlling passions such as anger, pride, deceit and greed. It emphasizes non-violence by encouraging amity, compassion, appreciation and equanimity. In simple terms, Moksha is achieved by following three jewels of Jainism-Right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct. It emphasizes equality of both sexes and all life forms. It encourages kindness and tolerance for many points of view, which may even appear to be contrary to each other.

Convener and First Vice President of JAINA, Mr. Ashok Domadia (CA) and Chair of Marketing Shobha Vora expressed that, convention brings all youth, seniors and kids together. Starting on July 2nd the major highlights of the Program covers: Welcome and Blessings from Sadhus, Sadhviji, Samaniji, Exhibits Exposition, Raas Garba by Raas Ramzat, Yoga and Meditation.

For the keynote message, Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi will address the convention through video. Speakers such as Acharya Chandanji, Acharya Shree Lokesh Muni, Sadvhi Sanghamitraji will grace the convention with their wisdom and share their experiences with the attendees. Also present at the convention will be United States Representative for Georgia, John Lewis, and former Atlanta mayor, Andrew Young, to talk about non-violence as it relates to human rights. We will also host the Founder of Service Space, Nipun Mehta, to deliver the keynote message to the youth.

Through this convention, we hope to empower the attendees with knowledge on how to achieve peace and non-violence and use it to grow not only as individuals but also as a community. The many different session, for youth, young adults, and adults will help build our community and further the goals of JAINA as an organization.

Special artifacts Jain temple and museum has been built at the convention center. For spiritual growth many scholars have been invited who will be delivering lectures in break-out sessions. For entertainment, a music group from India has been invited for Raas Garba and also Bollywood fame Singer Kumar Sanu will provide singing program.

Host city Atlanta Jain Centers President and convention Board member, Samir Shah explained that for past 8 months more than 300 people are working very hard to make this convention memorable. Each and every guest will be served breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day.

For Further Information please visit www.jaina.org or contact:
Mr. Prem Jain, President, JAINA 408-981-4645, premjain1@gmail.com
Mr. Hemant Shah, Chairman, JAINA PR & Media 847-977-5462 hemantil@yahoo.com

Visit our convention website: convention.jaina.org

8 January 2015

JAINA Rejects Violent Religious Extremism in Paris

Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) is deeply saddened by the terrorist attack in Paris. There is no justification for this act of violence; it grossly distorts the message of Islam and is a source of anguish to all sincere believers. We note with appreciation the statement issued by many interfaith leaders around the globe.

As the world's largest Jain coalition, we stand together in the categorical rejection of violent religious extremism that is used to justify terrorism or any other form of violence in the name of religion. This ideology is misguided, as the primary narrative of each religion is Peace-not violence. The attack in Paris is an attack on all of humanity; it debases a religious tradition holy to 1.6 billion people and leaves us all vulnerable and insecure. Our diverse religious traditions call us to stand united in solidarity with the dignity, vulnerability and well-being of the "other," with the full force of our respective spiritual and moral teachings.

As religious leaders, we accept a special responsibility to reject, condemn and take action against violent religious extremism. We are committed to mobilizing the great resources of our respective religious traditions to take action together to help promote non-violence. Through the cooperation of religious communities, governments, intergovernmental bodies and other civil society actors, it will be possible to not only counter violent religious extremism, but also to build the common good that honors human dignity and advances the flourishing of the global family towards Peace & Non-violence.

Prem Jain

President

Deep gratitude to the Jiv Daya Committee for creating this project and providing water to hundreds of animals.

- Prakash Mehta, JSMW(Washington), Harshid Shah - JSMW, Dr. Sushil Jain - JAINA President, Pratima Dharm - First Hindu Chaplin in the Army, Yogendra Jain - JAINA NE VP/JCGB, Bhupesh Mehta - President JSMW, Dr. Manoj Jain - Memphis Jain Center.

President Obama's Diwali Message:

JAINA's New Executive Committee:
A new JAINA Executive Committee was elected at the JAINA 2011 convention.  The new team includes: Dr. Sushil Jain President, Mr. Prem Jain First VP, Mr. Ashok Domadia Secretary, Mr. Dipak Doshi Treasurer, Mr. Yogendra Jain VP North East, Mr. Haresh Shah VP Mid East, Dr. Deepika Dalal South East, Mr. Uday Jain VP South West, Dr. Manish Mehta  VP Mid West, Mr. Rajen Dhami VP West, and Mrs. Lata Champsee Past President.  The new team will be sharing its goals over the next two years.  If you have any feedback or would like to be volunteer for various exciting projects, please contact JAINA's EC at:  info@JAINA.org.  

Position:     President

Name:    Sushil Jain, CAPT, US Navy-Ret

Education: B. Sc., OD, MS, FAAO (All in USA) 

Occupation: Optometric Physician, former Consultant to the White House & the U.S. Capitol. Assistant Professor & Private Practice.

Member Association: Jain Society of Metro Washington, DC  

Statement: During my tenure I like to focus on LIVE & HELP LIVE. With help of EC & Board of Directors we will accomplish this by:

·       Making effective use of knowledge & Experience to enhance & support the quality of our current operations by making JAINA financially strong & transparent.

·       Sharing knowledge with our member and partner organizations to accomplish common goals & objectives by making JAINA a Global organization.  

·       Helping member organizations enhance their capacity to generate, access and use knowledge & experience from all sources thereby, Make JAINA the #1 service organization to the Jain community.                 

Accomplishments:

·       JAINA First VP & Convener, JAINA convener 2011– inspiring hundreds of volunteers to insure success resulting in over all ahead of schedule progress, one Grand Sangh Pati, three Sangh Pati & many grand sponsors. Many new initiatives in progress including promoting vegan education & food.

·       JAINA Key person - Passing of Law – HR 5202 Plant based Healthy School lunch program partner with PCRM.

·       Instrumental in inclusion of Tirthankar Mahavir  Nirvan Divas in President Obama’s speech.

·       Arranged Legislative conference on Non-violence in Partnership with AJC & NAACP.

·       Organized & Led Medical Mission in partnership with Sean Penn’s Organization to assist in Haiti.

·       JAINA Secretary 2003-05, 2007-09

·       Regional VP 2001-2003

·       Chairman Public Affairs Council 1999-2008.

·       Lobbied 17 UN ambassadors to gain NGO status

·       Member - 2007 JAINA Convention Board.

·       Board Member - Interfaith Conference of DC Represented JAINA at The White House conference on "Faith-Based & Community Initiatives” as well as "Caring for ill and Dying.

·       As local President 2005-2008 – Leading teams of volunteers to manage activities of Jain Temple. Previously served as Joint-Secretary, and Youth Coordinator in the JSMW for 15 years.

·       Jain & Hindu representative to Dept. of Defense to develop Faith based meals for use in operational environment. 

·       Participated in 18 eye camp missions (10 days each) around the globe for over 65000 patients.

Position:     First Vice President

Name:  Prem Jain

Education: B.E. (Hons) BITS Pilani, MS (EE/CS) UCD 1976

Occupation: Engineering (executive management)

Senior VP at Cisco Systems Inc (currently senior advisor to John Chambers (CEO Cisco),  prior to current position was SVP Server Access & virtualization group ( founder, CDO and CFO of Nuova Systems, acquired by Cisco 2008 ), SVP of Routing Technology Group until 2005 (managed  6B  dollar Service Provider business for Cisco, managed 5000+ people), Joined Cisco in 1993 when Cisco acquired Crescendo Communications (founder of Crescendo)

Member Association: Jain Center of Northern California      

Statement:

• Make JAINA a global organization
• Make JAINA financially strong
• Make JAINA the #1 service organization to the Jain community in North America

Accomplishments: JAINA

Founding member of JAINA 1981

Convener, Sixth biennial JAINA Convention 1991 and Chairperson of Program Committee
JAINA Regional VP from West 1989-1991

Patron member of JAINA

JAINA Director & Director at Large multiple terms

Over the years served on Various Committees to name a few:

JAINA convention 2005 (Program committee)

JAINA convention 2007 (Program committee advisor)

JAINA convention 2011 (Program committee advisor)

Member of LRP committee multiple terms (2005-current)

Member of JAINA Election Committee (multiple terms)

JAINA Constitution Committee member (multiple terms)

Chairperson. Advisor Council to JAINA president 1995

Created JAINA 25th^th anniversary video

Created a video of blessing from Acharyas of all traditions for JAINA convention 2005

Co-chaired with Dr. Dipak Jain multiple conferences for JAINA leadership at Kellogg School of Management

JAIN Digest executive advisory board (1989-1991)

Speaking engagements at many YJA/YJI/YJP/JAINA conventions

Accomplishments: Jain Centre of Northern California (JCNC)

Founding member of Jain Centre

Started  pathsala at JCNC,

JAINA Recognition Award (1993 and 1997) 

JCNC Outstanding Service Award (1998)

YJA Distinguished Service Award  (2002)

Chairperson of JCNC 10^th anniversary celebration 2010

JCNC Board of Directors & Chairman of the JCNC board (multiple terms)

Accomplishments: Other Social Activities

Founding advisory board member of The Ahimsa Center, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

Board member,  Bhagawan Mahavir Professorship of Jain Studies at Florida International University

Founding Director for YJI (Young JAINS of India)

Position:     First Vice President

Position:  Secretary

Name:   Ashok Domadia

Education: M.S USA

Occupation: Manufacturing Manager, Cisco Systems

Member Association:  Jain Center of Northern California, CA

JAINA and Jain Center Achievements:

Developed guidelines for charitable donations in collaboration with Jaina EC

Personally implemented an imprompt fundraising at last convention to raise $22.000.

Initiated the novel concept of a Gobal Jain Milan to connect Jains from around the world. Outreach is an important part of JAINA’s future. I have the knowledge and experience to interconnect Jain community in places such as Europe and Africa with US/Canada.

Active in JAINA Convention planning/execution for past 8 years by serving as a Registration and Programming Chairman at four conventions. Enhanced communication and collaboration among volunteers from various Jain centers.

Developed and implemented Jain Center of Northern California (JCNC) Religious policies in 2001, which are being used to date. Elected to JCNC BOD in 2003 and 2010.

Youth Participation:

As a founder and chairman of JAINA Campus Outreach Committee, I initiated a program to link Jain students in college with local Jain community, Program is implemented in over 10 college campuses.

Instrumental in arranging 2011 Jain Milan in San Francisco so that Jain youths can interact to find life partner.

Business Achievements:

Patented novel semi-conductor technology. Routinely lead effective global meeting to increase contact between all team members, boosting overall productivity.

Sucesfully managing Real Estate portfolio of over $10 million.

Vision:

The world is adopting  many aspects of Jain dharma, which we as Jains have been practicing for over 2600 years. As the global community discovers the value of Jainism, JAINA has the unique opportunity to lead in this revolution for ecological awareness, animal rights, non-violence, and vegetarianism/veganism. As  JAINA Secretary, I will facilitate and lead this emerging Jain movement.

My goal as JAINA Secretary is also to bring JAINA closer to local Jain Centres by improving communication, arranging joint projects, and driving initiatives of local centres at a national level. My role as JAINA Secretary will leverage my vast knowledge and experience at both local and national levels to further shape JAINA’s vision, strategy and execution.

Position:  Treasurer
Name:  Dipak Doshi
                           Education: M.S., IIT (Chicago) and Gujarat Univ. (India)
Business Accounting, College of Lake County, IL
Business Management, Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison   Member Association: Jain Center of Metro Chicago

JAINA TREASURERSHIP                                                   

I can contribute to the goals of JAINA by:
Providing strategic and financial planning.

·       Creating a financial plan and ensuring periodic monitoring.

·       Implementing structured reporting with an accounting oversight

·       Establishing accounting processes based on good accounting principles.

·       Securing financially viability to strengthen the JAINA platform.

RESPONSIBILITIES HELD
JAINA/JAIN CENTERS/COMMUNITY

·       2011 to 2012 JAINA Director.

·       2011 JAINA Convention Board Member – Marketing             &public Relations

·       2009 to 2011 Member of JAINA LRP

·       2008 and 2010 Speaker and Moderator at YJA and JAINA Conventions

·       2008 and 2009 Chairman of Board and Trustee of Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC)

·       1996 to 2003 Chief Election Judge for JSMC Elections

·       1991 to 1998 Secretary, Treasurer, and VP of JSG

PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL
1996 to 2011 Founder and CEO of Protocol Link, Inc.
1991 to 1998 VP of PDA
1987 to 2011 CFO and Trustee of IMD Trust

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

·       JAINA Convention Board Member – Early drive of 2,400 registrations, $240K in registration revenue and $255K in sponsorship revenues.

·       JAINA LRP – Presented at LRP Conferences – Kellogg, Siddhachalam, WashingtonDC.

·       JSMC Chairman of Board and Trustee – Chicago’s Jain Center became substantially debt-free from a liability of $6.5 MM.  Managed budget of $850K/year and $5.8MM in new donations.

·       CFO and Trustee of IMD Trust – Collected and disbursed $1.5MM in donations.  Raised $30,000 for earthquake relief drive; executed on ground ZERO in India.

·       Founder, CEO, CFO of Protocol Link – Manages annual budget of $6-8MM for 630+ projects in 23 countries.

Position:  Vice President, West USA

Name:   Rajendra K Dhami,

Education: Bachelors Degree in Mech. Engg & Masters degree in Industrial Engg & Management

Occupation: Retired

Member Association:  Jain Center of Southern California, CA

Experience:

·     30+ years with Toyota Motor Sales USA as National Operations Manager.

·     JCSC Building committee for the Phase I&II expansion.

·     JCSC BoD member from 2002 thru 2006

·     JCSC BoD member currently from 2010 thru 2014.

·     Jaina BoD member since 2009

·     BoD member for Annekant Community Center since 2011.

·     Past BoD member for Indo American Senior Heritage Organisation in LA.

·     BoD member for Pratham - LA

Position:     Vice President, Southeast USA

Name:     Deepika K Dalal

Education:  Physician M.D., Board Certified  Anesthesiology

Occupation:  Associate Professor in Anesthesiology and Obstetrics-Gynecology

Member Association: Jain Center of S. Florida, FL                                

Experience:

Goal

·   Practical use of ANEKANTVAD:Bridging the gap between different faith.

·   Communication with different centers to learn various approaches to the common problems at regional jain centers and improving the outlook and visiting some centers. -2010.

·   Participate in Jain Digest and E-Flash Editing team -2009-11.

·   Health: participate in community health related program as first generation reaches to retirement age.

·   Use Education model to inspire and motivate young ones to keep our heritage.

Participation in JAINA:

·   Participated in Palitana Medical camp-2009.

·   Collaborating and participating in health track program as a part of the convention team JAlNA convention 2011.

·   Visited some Florida Jain Centers, gave a talk at Jain Center of Tempa "Preserving Jain heritage in S. India" 2010.

·   Active participation in Jain Digest and E-Flash Editing Team 2009-2011.

·   JAlNA Meeting: Attended most of the direct and Teleconferences. L.A., Siddhachalam, Houstonx2 2009-2011 Good Team Player.

JAlN CENTER OF SOUTH FLORIDA (JCSF)

·   As a President of JCSF 2007-2009: Actively involved in building Jain center, Shilanyas etc ... Planning for Pratistha. 2009 April Pratistha was performed.

·   2010,2011 -Tampa and Orlando sangh visited our place for a Chaitya Paripati.

·   Land was bought during my past presidency of 1997 and Bhumi pujan was performed. Good fund raising was obtained. Due to the change in the law, the land was sold.

·   New trend in pratikraman: from 2007, while respecting others faith and learning from that we perform pratikraman for 2 days  for all faiths.

·   Education: Organizing Shibir for Children and adults, I have given power point presentation on Namo Ayariyanam, Jambuswamy, Penance, and Scientific and meditation way of Namokar Mantra, Rishabhdev and Simandhar Swamy, Preserving Jain Heritage in South India. Help children to participate in Interfaith program .-2009-2011.

Community Services:

·   J.C. S.F.: Vice Chair Board of Director and trustee JCSF -2011Secretary and Trustee-2010

·   Executive Committee Vice president JCSF 2009 .President JCSF - 2007-2008,1997-1999

·   JAINA Director : 1996-to present

·   Teaching Special Children : as a volunteer in elementary and middle school- 1994-2004

·   Indian Religious Cultural Center -Vice Presidentl985, President -1986,Chairman 1987

·   Active Participation South Florida Hindu Temple 1986-1992

·   Participating in Medical Camp-Mt. Kailash -2004

Business achievement:

·   Associate Professor in anesthesiology/Ob.Gyn-1988 to Present

·   Medical director of Post anesthesia Care Unit : 1989-2006

·   Assistant Professor anesthesiology ,1981-1988

·   Critical care and trauma attending at Uni. Of Maryland Hospital, 1979-1981

Clinical research: Published on Neuromuscular blocks, pulmonary edema and many Recovery rooms related subjects

Position:     Vice President, Southwest

Name:         Udai C. Jain

Education:  Engineering

Occupation:  Business wholesale and Importer of Diamonds

Member Association: Jain Society of Houston, TX

Experience:

·       Currently JAINA VP of Southwest

·       Currently Co-Convenor of 2011 convention.

·       Currently Maha-Sampathi of 2011

·       Chairperson of Patron Committee of JAINA

·       Vice Chairperson for 2005 JAINA convention fund raising committee

·       Chief Trustee  Jain Society of Houston 1990 to 2001..

·       Served as Chairman of the Fund Raising, Pritistha, and Constitution of Jain Society of Houston, TX Committee.

·       Served Indian Cultural Center of Houston as Director.

Position:   Vice President, Northeast 

Name:   Yogendra Jain

Education: BS Engg.; M.S., MBA

Occupation:  Engineering and Management

Member Association: Jain Center of Greater Boston, MA

Experience:

Yogendra Jain is a technologist, serial entrepreneur, and a passionate practitioner and promoter of Jain Way of Life.He started his career at MIT Lincoln Labs and Texas Instruments before founding and operating several successful companies. He holds a B.S. from Boston University, an M.S. degree in electrical engineering from Rice University, and an M.B.A. from Babson College. Yogendra grew up in the Boston area for most of his life while observing and participating in the inception and growth of one of the leading Jain Centers in North America. 

His accomplishments include:
Local Level:
-  Co-founders of JCGB Pathshala and developed the earliest English course material
-  Coordinated the first Jain Teacher’s Conference in Boston (80 attendees)
-  Member of JCGB Executive Committee
-  Elected as JAINA Director for second term
-  Pathshala teacher for over 25 years; currently teaching Level 5B
National Level:
-  JAINA Vice President/North East – Led multiple projects including www.jaina.org. 2011 JAINA Convention "Innovative Poster Project”,  newsletter, Director’s selection guidelines and Leadership Conference in Siddhachalam.
-  Chairman - JAINA Long Range Planning - One of the most active JAINA committees and delivered JAINA Vision/Mission and proposal for strengthening JAINA’s foundation.
- Co-developer of www.jainlink.org (1000 signed members and 4000 others)
- Coordinated and presented at Jain Leadership Conferences in multiple cities
- Coordinated and presented at three Jain Kellogg’s Leadership and Strategy Sessions
Author/Speaker:
- Author of Jain Way of Life book (www.jwol.org) – over 2000 in circulation
- Presented and led multiple teams to JAINA/YJA with "out of the box” groundbreaking projects, including Tattvarth Sutra: Ancient Scriptures Come Alive, Comparative Religion, Essence of Jainism, Rebranding and Repackaging Jainism, Discovery of the Soul, Strengthening of Faith, and Measuring JWOL Progress.
- Branding of the "Elevator Speech” (simple way to explain Jainism)
- Presented Tattvarth Sutra: Ancient Scriptures Come Alive at Harvard University
- Presented in India at YJA and other multiple forums

Position:   Vice President, Midwest USA

Name:   Manish Mehta

Education: BS, MS & Ph.D (Ind. Eng.); Univ of Michigan Business School Executive Program

Occupation: Executive Director of a Manufacturing Research Institute, Ann Arbor, MI

Member Association: Jain Society of Greater Detroit

Experience:

I am settled in Ann Arbor, MI with my wife and two sons. I have lived/schooled in East Africa, India, Singapore and USA. I have volunteered with Jain Society of Greater Detroit (JAINA Director since 2005), Rotary Club of Ann Arbor North (President 1998-99) and American Red Cross Board (2001-07).  In the next term, I am committed to (A) Promoting Jain Way of Life to mainstream Americans, (B) Addressing challenges facing aging Jains, (C) Strengthening local Centers, JAINA Director engagement thru’ strategic planning training; and (D) Preparing next generation Jains to address societal, moral and ethical dilemmas. 

My JAINA VP experience comprises educational, social and humanitarian activities:                         

1.     Organized 3 teleconferences of Midwest Directors; Attended Pratishtha of Cleveland Jain Temple (2010);

2.     Organized visits by JAINA President (2010) and First VP (2011) to Detroit Jain Society;

3.     Organizing Chairman of 2009 and 2011 Jain Diaspora Conferences at JAINA Conventions – perform outreach to  Jain leaders in 36 countries;

4.     Attended 100% JAINA EC Meetings, and 2 Kellogg Long Range Planning Workshops;

5.      JAINA Congressional Visit (October 2009) to Washington DC.

6.     Represented JAINA in 2007-2011at Annual Jaina Studies Workshops at University of London – published event highlights;

7.     Member, Governing Council of International School for Jain Studies;

8.     Initiated discussion with Girl Scouts of America to introduce a Jain Badge.

9.     Pathshala Teacher for high school students at Detroit Jain Study Class 1999-2010, and  Jain Center of Cincinnati-Dayton in 1985-88.

­­

Position: Vice President, Mideast USA

Name:   Haresh Shah

Occupation: Self Employed

Member Association: The Jain Sangh Of Cherry Hill. NJ

Accomplishments:

JAIN SANGH: Vice President at The Jain Sangh, of Cherry Hill. Successfully worked with kitchen committee to serve over 50,000 meals in last Five years. Successfully Organised and managed Five Chaitya Paripati Trips.

JAINA Director Since 2005. Attended 1999, 2005, 2007, 2009, Jaina Conventions and 2010 YJA Convention. During 2007 Jaina Convention Successfully Manged Volunteers, and as a special assistant to the convener, coordinated the workds of Food Committee, Facility Team , Programming Committee, Registration and Transportation Committee. On behalf of Cherry Hill Sangh, Actively involved with Souvenier Committee. Supported, Participated and Donated in Various Jaina Activities.

YOUTH: Supported Jaina Campus Outreach Committee, In touch with Campus students since 2007. Involve Campus students in temple activities. Bringing students from campus to temple every weekend. Help campus based Jain activities like lectures, seminars or discourses by our visiting scholars or enabling Mahavir Jayanti celebration on campus.

YJA Convention: Strong supporter and Volunteer of 2010 YJA Convention Hosted by The Jain Sangh of Cherry Hill.

Self Employed: Owned Retail Businesses and Successfully managed them for over 26 years with turnover of over $ 8 Million annually.

Vision: I see ever-increasing need for Jain Centers in any given region to interact with each other – increased communication and sharing programs, best practices and resources. JAINA can be a catalyst for this kind of initiatives.

Goal : I would like to make JAINA a service organization and help JAINA become true representative of member Jain centers.

JAINA has a highly talented pool of candidates for Executive Committee 2011-2013 election.  Each JAINA member center has 1, 2 or 3 Directors (approximately 110 total in North America) who will cast their vote for the positions of:

- President

- Vice President

- First Vice President

- Secretary

- Treasurer

- Vice President, West USA

- Vice President, Southeast USA

- Vice President, Northeast, USA

- Vice President, Midwest USA

- Vice President, Mideast USA

- Vice President, Canada

The ballots will be opened and counted during the Board of Directors meeting to be held on July 1, 2011 at 1 PM during JAINA Convention in Houston, TX. 

See the biographical sketches of the candidates below.

Position:     President

Name:    Sushil Jain, CAPT, US Navy-Ret

Education: B. Sc., OD, MS, FAAO (All in USA) 

Occupation: Optometric Physician, former Consultant to the White House & the U.S. Capitol. Assistant Professor & Private Practice.

Member Association: Jain Society of Metro Washington, DC  

Statement: During my tenure I like to focus on LIVE & HELP LIVE. With help of EC & Board of Directors we will accomplish this by:

·       Making effective use of knowledge & Experience to enhance & support the quality of our current operations by making JAINA financially strong & transparent.

·       Sharing knowledge with our member and partner organizations to accomplish common goals & objectives by making JAINA a Global organization.  

·       Helping member organizations enhance their capacity to generate, access and use knowledge & experience from all sources thereby, Make JAINA the #1 service organization to the Jain community.                 

Accomplishments:

·       JAINA First VP & Convener, JAINA convener 2011– inspiring hundreds of volunteers to insure success resulting in over all ahead of schedule progress, one Grand Sangh Pati, three Sangh Pati & many grand sponsors. Many new initiatives in progress including promoting vegan education & food.

·       JAINA Key person - Passing of Law – HR 5202 Plant based Healthy School lunch program partner with PCRM.

·       Instrumental in inclusion of Tirthankar Mahavir  Nirvan Divas in President Obama’s speech.

·       Arranged Legislative conference on Non-violence in Partnership with AJC & NAACP.

·       Organized & Led Medical Mission in partnership with Sean Penn’s Organization to assist in Haiti.

·       JAINA Secretary 2003-05, 2007-09

·       Regional VP 2001-2003

·       Chairman Public Affairs Council 1999-2008.

·       Lobbied 17 UN ambassadors to gain NGO status

·       Member - 2007 JAINA Convention Board.

·       Board Member - Interfaith Conference of DC Represented JAINA at The White House conference on "Faith-Based & Community Initiatives” as well as "Caring for ill and Dying.

·       As local President 2005-2008 – Leading teams of volunteers to manage activities of Jain Temple. Previously served as Joint-Secretary, and Youth Coordinator in the JSMW for 15 years.

·       Jain & Hindu representative to Dept. of Defense to develop Faith based meals for use in operational environment. 

·       Participated in 18 eye camp missions (10 days each) around the globe for over 65000 patients.

Position:     President

Name:   Pravin K Shah

Education: MS Elect. Eng.

Occupation: Engineer; retired from IBM after 34 Years of service  (2002)

Member Association: Jain Study Center of North Carolina, Raleigh, NC

Accomplishments:

Awards: Awards: JAINA Ratna Award - 1999 (JAINA's highest award); Award of Excellence (Promotion of Ahimsa), Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, New York; YJA Leadership Award for Distinguished Services; Promotion of Jainism Awards from Jain Center of Greater Boston, Chicago, and the International Jain Sangh.

Activities:

Organizational: (1) JAINA Board of Directors since 1986; Regional Vice-President of JAINA 2003-2005; Advisor - YJA and YJP Committees.  (2) Chairperson of JAINA Education Committee since 2001 and member since its beginning;  (3) Founding member (1979) of Jain Study Center of North Carolina  and president for eight years;  (4) Member of Advisory Council of the Pluralism Project, Harvard University since 1995; (5) Board Member of Interfaith Alliance of Wake County, North Carolina 2002;

Educational:  (1) Have prepared, published, and distributed Jain Päthashälä education material, including 12 books from elementary to college level. These books are used by 3500 Päthashälä students of North America as well as by Päthashäläs in the United Kingdom, Africa, Dubai, Singapore, and India.  (2) Have presented and published more than 50 papers on various aspects of Jainism, comparative religion, non-violence, ecology, and the environment at various conventions and seminars.

Leadership Skills:  (1)  Management experience with IBM - nine years;  (2)  President of Jain Study Center of North Carolina - eight Years;  (3)  JAINA Education Committee – involves managing approximately 20 volunteers to prepare, edit, print, and distribute Päthashälä educational materials;   (4)  Fund raising for JAINA Education Committee ($25,000 raised every year to support educational activities);  (5)  Päthashälä Teachers Yahoo group (more than 400 teachers are members);

Statement:

I am a self-motivated and result-oriented person with a strong desire to continue my work for the Jain community. Over the years, I have developed a broad network of with Jain organizations, ascetics, scholars, youth, and community leaders from all over the world and from all sects of Jainism. As a result of my 34 years at IBM and my past work with JAINA, I have the necessary administrative, management and leadership skills. I am retired, and can and will commit to devote all my energy to serving JAINA and leading the organization to its next phase of growth and responsibility. 

Position:     First Vice President

Name:  Prem Jain

Education: B.E. (Hons) BITS Pilani, MS (EE/CS) UCD 1976

Occupation: Engineering (executive management)

Senior VP at Cisco Systems Inc (currently senior advisor to John Chambers (CEO Cisco),  prior to current position was SVP Server Access & virtualization group ( founder, CDO and CFO of Nuova Systems, acquired by Cisco 2008 ), SVP of Routing Technology Group until 2005 (managed  6B  dollar Service Provider business for Cisco, managed 5000+ people), Joined Cisco in 1993 when Cisco acquired Crescendo Communications (founder of Crescendo)

Member Association: Jain Center of Northern California      

Statement:

§  Make JAINA a global organization

§  Make JAINA financially strong

§  Make JAINA the #1 service organization to the Jain community in North America

Accomplishments: JAINA

Founding member of JAINA 1981

Convener, Sixth biennial JAINA Convention 1991 and Chairperson of Program Committee
JAINA Regional VP from West 1989-1991

Patron member of JAINA

JAINA Director & Director at Large multiple terms

Over the years served on Various Committees to name a few:

JAINA convention 2005 (Program committee)

JAINA convention 2007 (Program committee advisor)

JAINA convention 2011 (Program committee advisor)

Member of LRP committee multiple terms (2005-current)

Member of JAINA Election Committee (multiple terms)

JAINA Constitution Committee member (multiple terms)

Chairperson. Advisor Council to JAINA president 1995

Created JAINA 25th^th anniversary video

Created a video of blessing from Acharyas of all traditions for JAINA convention 2005

Co-chaired with Dr. Dipak Jain multiple conferences for JAINA leadership at Kellogg School of Management

JAIN Digest executive advisory board (1989-1991)

Speaking engagements at many YJA/YJI/YJP/JAINA conventions

Accomplishments: Jain Centre of Northern California (JCNC)

Founding member of Jain Centre

Started  pathsala at JCNC,

JAINA Recognition Award (1993 and 1997) 

JCNC Outstanding Service Award (1998)

YJA Distinguished Service Award  (2002)

Chairperson of JCNC 10^th anniversary celebration 2010

JCNC Board of Directors & Chairman of the JCNC board (multiple terms)

Accomplishments: Other Social Activities

Founding advisory board member of The Ahimsa Center, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

Board member,  Bhagawan Mahavir Professorship of Jain Studies at Florida International University

Founding Director for YJI (Young JAINS of India)

Position:     First Vice President

Position:     First Vice President
Name: Dilip Punatar

Education: MS, BS (ALL in USA)

Occupation: Program Manager ($25M portfolio)

Member Association: Jain Center of Cincinnati/Dayton, Ohio

Experience:

My Objectives are :

Ø  To strengthen JAINA by providing services and key products to Jain Centers in North America.

Ø  To create a model for JAINA convention, increase participation and strengthen JAINA’s Finances

Ø  To revive JIAIN DIGEST for timely communication with the community.

JAINA and Jain Centers:

·       2009-Present, Secretary-JAINA, Board of director, Jain center of Cincinnati Dayton.

·       2007-2009 – Convention Board Member  15^th Biennial JAINA Convention Anaheim. Editor-Jain Digest, winter 2009, Vice President JAINA Midwest Region, Board of Director Jain Center of Cincinnati Dayton.

·       2005-2007 - Co-Convener, 14^th Biennial JAINA Convention 2007, Edison, NJ. , JAINA Director, Jain Center of Cincinnati-Dayton.

·       2003 - 2005 - Convention Board Member, 13^th Biennial JAINA Convention, Santa Clara, San Fransisco.

·       2001-2003 - Co-Convener, Chairman - Program Committee, 12^th Biennial JAINA Convention, Cincinnati, OH.

·       1999 - President, Jain Center of Cincinnati-Dayton, OH.

·       Temple Committee member to build temples in Chicago and Cincinnati Drayton.

·       1998- Distinguished Service Award in recognition of Exceptional Leadership and Devoted Service to The Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago

Social/Youth:

·       2004-2006 -  Donated $10,000 worth of surgical supplies to JAINA, Bidada Medical Camp in Kutch, India.

·       Supported  Ahimsa Day celebration in North America.

·       Fund raising/services: March of Dimes, Day of Caring Breakfast for Homeless, Cancer Research and Treatment, Served vegetarian Food in soup kitchen.

·       Life Membership : Jain Center of Cincinnati Dayton, Jain Society of Metropolitan. Chicago, India Club of Dayton, Umang Gujarati Samaj Dayton.

·       Mentored Youth for JAINA convention, Jain Centers, JNF, YJA/YJP and the Air Force

Position:  Secretary

Name:   Ashok Domadia

Education: M.S USA

Occupation: Manufacturing Manager, Cisco Systems

Member Association:  Jain Center of Northern California, CA

JAINA and Jain Center Achievements:

Developed guidelines for charitable donations in collaboration with Jaina EC

Personally implemented an imprompt fundraising at last convention to raise $22.000.

Initiated the novel concept of a Gobal Jain Milan to connect Jains from around the world. Outreach is an important part of JAINA’s future. I have the knowledge and experience to interconnect Jain community in places such as Europe and Africa with US/Canada.

Active in JAINA Convention planning/execution for past 8 years by serving as a Registration and Programming Chairman at four conventions. Enhanced communication and collaboration among volunteers from various Jain centers.

Developed and implemented Jain Center of Northern California (JCNC) Religious policies in 2001, which are being used to date. Elected to JCNC BOD in 2003 and 2010.

Youth Participation:

As a founder and chairman of JAINA Campus Outreach Committee, I initiated a program to link Jain students in college with local Jain community, Program is implemented in over 10 college campuses.

Instrumental in arranging 2011 Jain Milan in San Francisco so that Jain youths can interact to find life partner.

Business Achievements:

Patented novel semi-conductor technology. Routinely lead effective global meeting to increase contact between all team members, boosting overall productivity.

Sucesfully managing Real Estate portfolio of over $10 million.

Vision:

The world is adopting  many aspects of Jain dharma, which we as Jains have been practicing for over 2600 years. As the global community discovers the value of Jainism, JAINA has the unique opportunity to lead in this revolution for ecological awareness, animal rights, non-violence, and vegetarianism/veganism. As  JAINA Secretary, I will facilitate and lead this emerging Jain movement.

My goal as JAINA Secretary is also to bring JAINA closer to local Jain Centres by improving communication, arranging joint projects, and driving initiatives of local centres at a national level. My role as JAINA Secretary will leverage my vast knowledge and experience at both local and national levels to further shape JAINA’s vision, strategy and execution.

Position:   Treasurer

Name:  Gunvant Shah

Education:   M.S. (Chicago), M.Sc. (India), LUTCF.

Occupation:  Professor of Mathematics at Rutgers Univ. Motel

Business owner. Real Estate Developer and Investor.    

Member Association: Jain Center of New Jersey, Essex Fells, NJ.

Experience:

§  2005-07, 2009-11: JAINA Regional VP, EC member. Helped JAINA 2007 Convention Board find facilities in NJ. JAINA Director from Jain Center of NJ (JCNJ) since 2003.

§  2006-11 Chairman, Jain Milan: Initiated and organized five annual Matrimonial 3-day Conventions in CA, NJ, TX and NY for more than 600 Jain youth. Paired at least 50 couples. Managed approx. $100K. 

§  1980-2008: EC member of JCNJ; Served as Treasurer, Secretary, VP and under various subcommittees. Managed accounting of $3 million of funds for a number of years. Organized $5 million fund raising for Temple.

§  1982-2011: Served as EC member, Treasurer, Secretary and PR for a largest Indian Cultural Organization in Central NJ. Managed accounting of net assets of over $300K and income–expense of over $500K per/year.

§  JAINA, Chairman, Senior Housing Committee: Lead project to find site for Senior Housing Project in FL and other states.

§  Member: Public Affairs Council and Campus Outreach Program.

§  1990-2011: Founding President: Jain Batrishi Sangh of USA.

§  Organized Chaitra Paripathis for JCNJ for over 20 years.

§  As a R.E. Agent, helped JCNJ find a large Temple Site and served as a member of fund raising and Construction committees.

§  Organized 4 Fund Raising events for NJ Assemblyman Mr Chivukula.

§  1980-87: Initiated and organized Jain Bhavana Group, Pathashala and Gujarati Language classes at my house.

§  1995-05: Member of MATRI: Help Indian youth find life partner.

Interest: 

§  Make JAINA financially strong without cutting programs. Help JAINA Fund Raising activities. Have Quarterly Reports available.

§  Organize Jain Milan every year to help Jain youth find Jain life partner. 

§  Establish College Scholarship program for Jain students.

§  Introduce Senior Activities in all Jain Centers.

Position:  Treasurer
Name:  Dipak Doshi
                           Education: M.S., IIT (Chicago) and Gujarat Univ. (India)
Business Accounting, College of Lake County, IL
Business Management, Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison   Member Association: Jain Center of Metro Chicago

JAINA TREASURERSHIP                                                     I can contribute to the goals of JAINA by:
Providing strategic and financial planning.

·       Creating a financial plan and ensuring periodic monitoring.

·       Implementing structured reporting with an accounting oversight

·       Establishing accounting processes based on good accounting principles.

·       Securing financially viability to strengthen the JAINA platform.

RESPONSIBILITIES HELD
JAINA/JAIN CENTERS/COMMUNITY

·       2011 to 2012 JAINA Director.

·       2011 JAINA Convention Board Member – Marketing             &public Relations

·       2009 to 2011 Member of JAINA LRP

·       2008 and 2010 Speaker and Moderator at YJA and JAINA Conventions

·       2008 and 2009 Chairman of Board and Trustee of Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC)

·       1996 to 2003 Chief Election Judge for JSMC Elections

·       1991 to 1998 Secretary, Treasurer, and VP of JSG

PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL
1996 to 2011 Founder and CEO of Protocol Link, Inc.
1991 to 1998 VP of PDA
1987 to 2011 CFO and Trustee of IMD Trust

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

·       JAINA Convention Board Member – Early drive of 2,400 registrations, $240K in registration revenue and $255K in sponsorship revenues.

·       JAINA LRP – Presented at LRP Conferences – Kellogg, Siddhachalam, WashingtonDC.

·       JSMC Chairman of Board and Trustee – Chicago’s Jain Center became substantially debt-free from a liability of $6.5 MM.  Managed budget of $850K/year and $5.8MM in new donations.

·       CFO and Trustee of IMD Trust – Collected and disbursed $1.5MM in donations.  Raised $30,000 for earthquake relief drive; executed on ground ZERO in India.

·       Founder, CEO, CFO of Protocol Link – Manages annual budget of $6-8MM for 630+ projects in 23 countries.

Position:  Vice President, West USA

Name:   Rajendra K Dhami,

Education: Bachelors Degree in Mech. Engg & Masters degree in Industrial Engg & Management

Occupation: Retired

Member Association:  Jain Center of Southern California, CA

Experience:

·     30+ years with Toyota Motor Sales USA as National Operations Manager.

·     JCSC Building committee for the Phase I&II expansion.

·     JCSC BoD member from 2002 thru 2006

·     JCSC BoD member currently from 2010 thru 2014.

·     Jaina BoD member since 2009

·     BoD member for Annekant Community Center since 2011.

·     Past BoD member for Indo American Senior Heritage Organisation in LA.

·     BoD member for Pratham - LA

Position:     Vice President, Southeast USA

Name:     Deepika K Dalal

Education:  Physician M.D., Board Certified  Anesthesiology

Occupation:  Associate Professor in Anesthesiology and Obstetrics-Gynecology

Member Association: Jain Center of S. Florida, FL                                

Experience:

Goal

·   Practical use of ANEKANTVAD:Bridging the gap between different faith.

·   Communication with different centers to learn various approaches to the common problems at regional jain centers and improving the outlook and visiting some centers. -2010.

·   Participate in Jain Digest and E-Flash Editing team -2009-11.

·   Health: participate in community health related program as first generation reaches to retirement age.

·   Use Education model to inspire and motivate young ones to keep our heritage.

Participation in JAINA:

·   Participated in Palitana Medical camp-2009.

·   Collaborating and participating in health track program as a part of the convention team JAlNA convention 2011.

·   Visited some Florida Jain Centers, gave a talk at Jain Center of Tempa "Preserving Jain heritage in S. India" 2010.

·   Active participation in Jain Digest and E-Flash Editing Team 2009-2011.

·   JAlNA Meeting: Attended most of the direct and Teleconferences. L.A., Siddhachalam, Houstonx2 2009-2011 Good Team Player.

JAlN CENTER OF SOUTH FLORIDA (JCSF)

·   As a President of JCSF 2007-2009: Actively involved in building Jain center, Shilanyas etc ... Planning for Pratistha. 2009 April Pratistha was performed.

·   2010,2011 -Tampa and Orlando sangh visited our place for a Chaitya Paripati.

·   Land was bought during my past presidency of 1997 and Bhumi pujan was performed. Good fund raising was obtained. Due to the change in the law, the land was sold.

·   New trend in pratikraman: from 2007, while respecting others faith and learning from that we perform pratikraman for 2 days  for all faiths.

·   Education: Organizing Shibir for Children and adults, I have given power point presentation on Namo Ayariyanam, Jambuswamy, Penance, and Scientific and meditation way of Namokar Mantra, Rishabhdev and Simandhar Swamy, Preserving Jain Heritage in South India. Help children to participate in Interfaith program .-2009-2011.

Community Services:

·   J.C. S.F.: Vice Chair Board of Director and trustee JCSF -2011Secretary and Trustee-2010

·   Executive Committee Vice president JCSF 2009 .President JCSF - 2007-2008,1997-1999

·   JAINA Director : 1996-to present

·   Teaching Special Children : as a volunteer in elementary and middle school- 1994-2004

·   Indian Religious Cultural Center -Vice Presidentl985, President -1986,Chairman 1987

·   Active Participation South Florida Hindu Temple 1986-1992

·   Participating in Medical Camp-Mt. Kailash -2004

Business achievement:

·   Associate Professor in anesthesiology/Ob.Gyn-1988 to Present

·   Medical director of Post anesthesia Care Unit : 1989-2006

·   Assistant Professor anesthesiology ,1981-1988

·   Critical care and trauma attending at Uni. Of Maryland Hospital, 1979-1981

Clinical research: Published on Neuromuscular blocks, pulmonary edema and many Recovery rooms related subjects

Position:     Vice President, Southwest

Name:         Udai C. Jain

Education:  Engineering

Occupation:  Business wholesale and Importer of Diamonds

Member Association: Jain Society of Houston, TX

Experience:

·       Currently JAINA VP of Southwest

·       Currently Co-Convenor of 2011 convention.

·       Currently Maha-Sampathi of 2011

·       Chairperson of Patron Committee of JAINA

·       Vice Chairperson for 2005 JAINA convention fund raising committee

·       Chief Trustee  Jain Society of Houston 1990 to 2001..

·       Served as Chairman of the Fund Raising, Pritistha, and Constitution of Jain Society of Houston, TX Committee.

·       Served Indian Cultural Center of Houston as Director.

Position:   Vice President, Northeast 

Name:   Yogendra Jain

Education: BS Engg.; M.S., MBA

Occupation:  Engineering and Management

Member Association: Jain Center of Greater Boston, MA

Experience:

Yogendra Jain is a technologist, serial entrepreneur, and a passionate practitioner and promoter of Jain Way of Life.He started his career at MIT Lincoln Labs and Texas Instruments before founding and operating several successful companies. He holds a B.S. from Boston University, an M.S. degree in electrical engineering from Rice University, and an M.B.A. from Babson College. Yogendra grew up in the Boston area for most of his life while observing and participating in the inception and growth of one of the leading Jain Centers in North America. 

His accomplishments include:
Local Level:
-  Co-founders of JCGB Pathshala and developed the earliest English course material
-  Coordinated the first Jain Teacher’s Conference in Boston (80 attendees)
-  Member of JCGB Executive Committee
-  Elected as JAINA Director for second term
-  Pathshala teacher for over 25 years; currently teaching Level 5B
National Level:
-  JAINA Vice President/North East – Led multiple projects including www.jaina.org. 2011 JAINA Convention "Innovative Poster Project”,  newsletter, Director’s selection guidelines and Leadership Conference in Siddhachalam.
-  Chairman - JAINA Long Range Planning - One of the most active JAINA committees and delivered JAINA Vision/Mission and proposal for strengthening JAINA’s foundation.
- Co-developer of www.jainlink.org (1000 signed members and 4000 others)
- Coordinated and presented at Jain Leadership Conferences in multiple cities
- Coordinated and presented at three Jain Kellogg’s Leadership and Strategy Sessions
Author/Speaker:
- Author of Jain Way of Life book (www.jwol.org) – over 2000 in circulation
- Presented and led multiple teams to JAINA/YJA with "out of the box” groundbreaking projects, including Tattvarth Sutra: Ancient Scriptures Come Alive, Comparative Religion, Essence of Jainism, Rebranding and Repackaging Jainism, Discovery of the Soul, Strengthening of Faith, and Measuring JWOL Progress.
- Branding of the "Elevator Speech” (simple way to explain Jainism)
- Presented Tattvarth Sutra: Ancient Scriptures Come Alive at Harvard University
- Presented in India at YJA and other multiple forums

Position:   Vice President, Midwest USA

Name:   Manish Mehta

Education: BS, MS & Ph.D (Ind. Eng.); Univ of Michigan Business School Executive Program

Occupation: Executive Director of a Manufacturing Research Institute, Ann Arbor, MI

Member Association: Jain Society of Greater Detroit

Experience:

I am settled in Ann Arbor, MI with my wife and two sons. I have lived/schooled in East Africa, India, Singapore and USA. I have volunteered with Jain Society of Greater Detroit (JAINA Director since 2005), Rotary Club of Ann Arbor North (President 1998-99) and American Red Cross Board (2001-07).  In the next term, I am committed to (A) Promoting Jain Way of Life to mainstream Americans, (B) Addressing challenges facing aging Jains, (C) Strengthening local Centers, JAINA Director engagement thru’ strategic planning training; and (D) Preparing next generation Jains to address societal, moral and ethical dilemmas. 

My JAINA VP experience comprises educational, social and humanitarian activities:                         

1.     Organized 3 teleconferences of Midwest Directors; Attended Pratishtha of Cleveland Jain Temple (2010);

2.     Organized visits by JAINA President (2010) and First VP (2011) to Detroit Jain Society;

3.     Organizing Chairman of 2009 and 2011 Jain Diaspora Conferences at JAINA Conventions – perform outreach to  Jain leaders in 36 countries;

4.     Attended 100% JAINA EC Meetings, and 2 Kellogg Long Range Planning Workshops;

5.      JAINA Congressional Visit (October 2009) to Washington DC.

6.     Represented JAINA in 2007-2011at Annual Jaina Studies Workshops at University of London – published event highlights;

7.     Member, Governing Council of International School for Jain Studies;

8.     Initiated discussion with Girl Scouts of America to introduce a Jain Badge.

9.     Pathshala Teacher for high school students at Detroit Jain Study Class 1999-2010, and  Jain Center of Cincinnati-Dayton in 1985-88.

­­Position:   Vice President, Midwest USA

Name:   Hemal Sanghvi

Education:     Masters in Information Management

Occupation:  Business Leader / Director, MasterCard Worldwide

Member Association:Jain Center of Greater St.Louis MO

Accomplishments:

JAINA

JAINA Director from St. Louis and mentor.

Jain Center of Greater St. Louis

·       Served as President from 2006-2008

·       Serving in the EC committee (Secretary and others) for the past 4-5 years

·       Hosted numerous events for the Jain Center, as well as have been honored to host several Jain dignitaries who visit St. Louis.

BalVihar of St. Louis, Center of Indian Cultural Education

Core team member of the fund raising event in 2009-1010. The team raised $250,000 to fund a new facility for the local BalVihar organization.

Professional Experience

Over 25 years of professional experience in the IT industry with the last 14 years in the financial sector.

Washington University of St. Louis

Mentor for the Engineering School, providing them guidance on real world work place situations to help them prepare for the job market.

Junior Achievement of St. Louis

JA-in-a-Day program that teaches finance to children of middle and high school, have participated in this program for the last 4 years.

Statement:

The basic principles of the Jain religion have provided me the strength, tolerance and guidance towards positively impacting lives of people around me. I firmly believe that the local Jain Centers, Jain Temples and JAINA play a very critical role in sustaining the values and principles of the Jain religion. Fund raising is an important activity for all non-profit organizations. My Financial Services & BalVihar experience I can support JAINA’s fund raising events. With my IT experience I can help JAINA with technology directions including reaching out to our youth with the various online channels.

Position: Vice President, Mideast USA

Name:   Hansa R. Shah

Education: Master of Arts (Gujarati and Hindi), India

                   Master of Education, India

                   Master of Science in Learning Disability, USA

Occupation: Retired from NJ Schools and education in 2006 (after 40 years)

                    President - Hansa Inc.

                    VP - Shah Group Investments, LLC

Member Association: Samarpan Jain Sangh, Inc.

Accomplishments:

• Vice President of JAINA convention 1999 Philadelphia, PA, One of the largely attended and very successful convention.

• Vice President of Samarpan Jain Sangh, Inc. PA

• Jaina’s director since 1999  from Samarpan Jain Sangh, Inc. PA.

• Cheery hill Jain Sangh,  Inc. NJ - in past took active part as committee member and  represented Delaware

• 1971 to 1981 took active part in Jain society of Chicago in growing years.

• Trustee and Founding member of Gujarati Samaj of Delaware. 

• Past President of Delaware Business and Professional Woman’s Association 1988-1989

• Vice President of principal advisory committee-Brandywine High School 1989-1992

·       Hold different positions at Glassboro Education Association.

·       Year Book Advisor - more than 10 years in USA and also in India.

·       Use different media and methods to promote  Indian Culture in USA  among different groups and youth.                                                                                                  

·       Editor of "Form” Published by Akhil Hind Mahila Parishad.

Position: Vice President, Mideast USA

Name:   Haresh Shah

Occupation: Self Employed

Member Association: The Jain Sangh Of Cherry Hill. NJ

Accomplishments:

JAIN SANGH: Vice President at The Jain Sangh, of Cherry Hill. Successfully worked with kitchen committee to serve over 50,000 meals in last Five years. Successfully Organised and managed Five Chaitya Paripati Trips.

JAINA Director Since 2005. Attended 1999, 2005, 2007, 2009, Jaina Conventions and 2010 YJA Convention. During 2007 Jaina Convention Successfully Manged Volunteers, and as a special assistant to the convener, coordinated the workds of Food Committee, Facility Team , Programming Committee, Registration and Transportation Committee. On behalf of Cherry Hill Sangh, Actively involved with Souvenier Committee. Supported, Participated and Donated in Various Jaina Activities.

YOUTH: Supported Jaina Campus Outreach Committee, In touch with Campus students since 2007. Involve Campus students in temple activities. Bringing students from campus to temple every weekend. Help campus based Jain activities like lectures, seminars or discourses by our visiting scholars or enabling Mahavir Jayanti celebration on campus.

YJA Convention: Strong supporter and Volunteer of 2010 YJA Convention Hosted by The Jain Sangh of Cherry Hill.

Self Employed: Owned Retail Businesses and Successfully managed them for over 26 years with turnover of over $ 8 Million annually.

Vision: I see ever-increasing need for Jain Centers in any given region to interact with each other – increased communication and sharing programs, best practices and resources. JAINA can be a catalyst for this kind of initiatives.

Goal : I would like to make JAINA a service organization and help JAINA become true representative of member Jain centers.

December 2010

Dear Dharambandhu, 

Jai Jinendra!

JAINA is delighted to present you the JAINA 2011 Calendar. This year's calendar continues its Yaatra of the rich history of Jain Temple Art and Architecture. These pictures showing the Rang Mandap or Grand Hall of 12 architecturally and historically important Jain Temples and Jain Tirths dispersed throughout India depict the richness and vastness of the Jain culture.

The JAINA 2011 Calendar includes a brief Profile of the first 12 Tirthankars, along with their Symbols that are familiar to all Jains. These Symbols, engraved or carved on each idol, identify the individual Tirthankar to the worshipper. In addition, the profile provides other details about their gotra, parents name, place of birth, place of enlightenment and nirvan, yakhs and yakshini, and chief disciple.

Thanks to an overwhelmingly positive response by the Jain Community, we are again able to freely distribute 11,000 copies of the JAINA 2011 Calendar to Jain families across North America and other parts of the world. Over 3,500 sets of the JAINA Mini - Library have been distributed to all those who responded and requested these Book Sets.

We are also very excited to let you know that we will be launching a new JAINA Project, an extensive hard bound 4-color Coffee Table Book of Ancient Jain Temples ~ Yaatra geographically spread throughout India. This book will be laid out as a tourist guide companion with the Temples categorized by the States and Regions of India. The book will include full color pictures of over 40 important Jain Temples alongside related text explaining the historical, architectural and religious significance, as well as the general location of each temple.

All our past success has been possible only by the wholehearted financial contributions and valuable suggestions from thoughtful individuals like you. JAINA Calendar Committee and JAINA Executive Board sincerely thank you for your continued contribution towards this educational activity and welcome your strong support to enable us to continue this project incorporating all of your valuable suggestions.

Please take a moment to fill out the enclosed JAINA 2011 Calendar Response Form and mail it in the enclosed pre-addressed envelope with your Tax-Deductible Contribution check made to JAINA Calendar. In this difficult economic condition many charitable institutions have suffered steep declines in contributions… we are no exception to this.Please Donate generously as thisNon-Profit project is entirely Supported by your Valuable Donations, which makes it possible for us to freely distribute this Calendar to over 11,000 Jain Families.

Wishing you all a Very Happy, Healthy, Prosperous and a Peaceful New Year.

Warm Regards,

Rajeev Pandya

Chairman, JAINA Calendar and Mini Library Committee

For more information

January 15, 2010

Haiti Earthquake Victims

Please donate securely on-line .. click here

Jai Jinendra:

News reports on TV and in newspapers have provided us detailed pictures of death, devastation and misery visited upon the poor nation of Haiti. As steadfast believer in Jivdaya, we Jains have moral obligation to help out the survivors of this calamity. JAINA World Community Service is launching a fund drive for the unfortunate victims of this unfathomable tragedy and appeals all the Jains of North America to contribute to this fund which will be used for a humanitarian project we will select and carry out once the relief operations stop and rehabilitation work begins.

As in many instances in the past, JAINA World Community Service (WCS) always gets involved and provides a helping hand whenever a natural or man made disaster strikes in any corner of the earth. Our volunteers work directly in the affected area to deliver aid keeping in mind Jain traditions. Our efforts are always directed towards projects with long term benefits like building a school, hospital, housing or a rehabilitation center. JAINA’s administrative expenses in carrying out any project is limited to 3% of the funds raised compared to up to 40% cost experienced by many relief organizations. Please contribute generously in the spirit of Bhagwan Mahavir’s message of compassion - service to the sick and the poor is the true service to our Lord.

The Survivors urgently need basic necessities like Water, food, Clothes, shelter and Medical Supplies. We have already sent 5,000 hygienic kits with Fairfax County Rescue squads.

Please donate on-line or send your tax-deductible contribution (USA) payable to "JAINA” and mail to:

Prakash Mehta

2960 Motherwell Ct.

Oak Hill, VA 20171

Email: Pmehta@psiint.com

 or

Please donate securely on-line .. click here

For further information and suggestions, please contact the following JAINA Representatives:

Lata Champsee                       Dhiraj Shah M.D.                  Prakash Mehta                       

President, JAINA                    Chairman, WCS                   Co-Chairman, WCS

Dear Dharambandhu,                                                          December 2009

Jai Jinendra!

JAINA is delighted to present you the JAINA 2010 Calendar. This year's calendar continues its Yatra of the rich history of Jain Temple Art & Architecture. These pictures of 12 architecturally and historically important Jain Temples and Jain Tirths dispersed throughout India and the USA, depict the richness and vastness of Jain culture.

The JAINA 2010 Calendar includes the unique Astrological concept of 9 Navgraha (Planets) and 8 Karmas (Deeds). Jainism says that these planets have ‘Akritrim’ (Self Made) temples of 24 ‘Tirthankars’ (Absolute Souls). During the birth of our Tirthankars, these planets were in their most auspicious position. These planets throw light and indicate what Karmas are occurring and will come into an individual’s life. This light gives indications which get filtered through the respective zodiac signs and planetary combinations of one’s existence to cause a good or adverse effect on one’s life. When we realize that our Karmas are obscuring us from our path to Moksha, we should pray to the respective Tirthankars to bring us out of  doubt and help us come closer to the right path.

Thanks to an overwhelmingly positive response by the Jain Community, we are again able to freely distribute 11,000 copies of the JAINA 2010 Calendar to Jain families across North America and other parts of the world. Over 3,500 sets of the JAINA Mini - Library have been distributed to all those who responded and requested these Book Sets. We hope to continue to make these Book Sets available to selected College Libraries and to all the Jain Center's Pathsala Teachers in North America.

We are also very excited to let you know that early next year we will be launching a new JAINA Project, an extensive hard bound 4-color Coffee Table Book of Ancient Jain Temples geographically spread throughout India. This book will be laid out as a tourist guide companion with the Temples categorized by the States and Regions of India. The book will include full color pictures of over 40 important Jain Temples alongside related text explaining the historical, architectural & religious significance and general location of each temple.

All our past success has been possible only by the wholehearted financial contributions and valuable suggestions from thoughtful individuals like you. JAINA Calendar Committee and JAINA Executive Board sincerely thank you for your continued contribution towards this educational activity and welcome your strong support to enable us to continue this project incorporating all of your valuable suggestions.

Please take a moment to fill out the enclosed JAINA 2010 Calendar Response form and mail it in the enclosed pre-addressed envelope with your Tax-Deductible Contribution check made to JAINA Calendar. In this difficult economic climate many charitable institutions have suffered steep declines in contributions… we are no exception to this. 

Please Donate generously(Click here..) as this Non-Profit project is entirely Supported by your Valuable Donations, which makes it possible for us to freely distribute this Calendar to over 11,000 Jain Families.

Wishing you all a Very Happy, Healthy, Prosperous and a Peaceful New Year.

Warm Regards,

Rajeev Pandya

Chairman, JAINA Calendar and Mini Library Committee