Jai Jinendra! My name is Saurin Shah and I'm from Bloomington, Illinois. I'm currently studying Cognitive Science at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. I am very interested in the brain, science and technology as well as volunteering and non-profit work. Previously, I spent a year in Brazil learning the language and culture as part of the Rotary International Youth Exchange Program. I also completed a Yuva for Sewa internship through Sewa International, in which I developed a drug awareness curriculum for a grassroots NGO running study centers in some of the slums of Pune.

So far in my JASI internship, I've learned about the incredible breadth, as well as depth, of JAINA's projects. From working with local and federal government agencies and schools to supporting programs helping those in need in India, JAINA has a wide reach. We have also covered some of the values of Jainism and how they can be put into action and improve the world we live in. I am very excited to be a part of JAINA and to work on improving its infrastructure and offerings to best serve the Jains of North America.

My name is Palak Bhandari and I am a rising sophomore at Bryn Mawr College near Philadelphia, PA. I am originally from Tysons Corner, Virginia. I was on my school newspaper for three years and held editorial board positions for two of them. I was also a youth member of the Rajasthali Association, a cultural organization aimed at increasing awareness of Rajasthan and Indian culture. I am currently undeclared when it comes to my major but I think that I am leaning toward studying International Studies and the Growth and Structure of Cities.

I am really excited to be one of JAINA’s two JASI interns. I am looking forward to working alongside the many amazing people who make this organization the best it can be. In the past few days, I have learned much more about the vast scope of JAINA, such as Mangalam and JAINA’s projects in India. Additionally, I am excited to apply ideas such as the concept of the servant-leader to the Jain Way of Life while learning more about Jainism and helping continue the development of the multi-faceted identity of JAINA.