"My goal is to make JAINA financially independent, increase communications between JAINA and its centers, and increase JAINA's participation at the international and interfaith level. Also, I would like to establish a senior community residence."
Education : B.A.
Occupation : Property Management
Member Association : Jain Society of Toronto, Canada
Goals
Make JAINA Financially independent ( Currently in RED, about $75,000)
Increased communications between JAINA and its centers
Increased JAINA’s participation at the international and interfaith level
Establishment of Senior Community residence
Accomplishments
JAINA
Convener for 2009 Convention. Moved convention from expensive venue to local Jain Center to avoid financial disaster for JAINA and make it affordable for the attendees. In spite of lowering registration fee by 45%, 2009 convention will generate slight profit or at least break even
Jain Digest - Editor in Chief for past 10 years, took the magazine from occasional publication in black and white to colorful voluminous quarterly issues with increased participation from scholars and circulation of 11,000+
President and Trustee of Jain Society of Toronto
Served JAINA for past 12 years in various capacities as Director, Regional Vice President, Secretary, First Vice President, etc.
Social
Presided over AWIC (South East Asian Women’s Organization), helped establish many new centers in Ontario State during my 25 years of services
Founder of Ontario Seniors Club
Chaired 2 Kutchi Conventions. Helped in raising over $40,000 for over 500 attendees each
Fundraising
Raised $50,000+ for PRIDE India (Social Work Agency) to help promote rural under privileged children
Raised $30,000 to purchase breast cancer diagnostic equipment for Nargis Dutt Foundation
Raised $125,000 for Latur Earthquake through telethon
Professional
Managing Real estate portfolio of over 100 million dollars
Supervised mega construction, renovation and sales of real estate
"During my tenure I focused on the concept of "LIVE & HELP LIVE". With the help of the Executive Committee & Board of Directors we accomplished this by using a three-pronged strategy. First, we made effective use of our knowledge & experience to enhance & support the quality of our current operations by making JAINA financially strong & transparent. Second, we shared knowledge with both our member and partner organizations to accomplish common goals & objectives by making JAINA a global organization. Third, we helped member organizations enhance their capacity to generate, access, and used knowledge & experience from all sources and thereby make JAINA the #1 service organization to the Jain community."
Education : B. Sc., OD, MS, FAAO (All in USA)
Occupation : Optometric Physician (Private Practice), former Consultant to the White House & the U.S. Capitol, Assistant Professor
Member Association : Jain Society of Metro Washington, DC (JSMW)
Goals
Make effective use of knowledge & experience to enhance & support the quality of our current operations by making JAINA financially strong & transparent
Share knowledge with our member and partner organizations to accomplish common goals & objectives by making JAINA a Global organization
Help 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
JAINA First VP (2011-13)
Convener, 2011 JAINA Convention
- overall ahead-of-schedule progress
- one Grand Sangh Pati
- three Sangh Pati
- many grand sponsors
- new initiatives in progress including promoting vegan education & food
Key JAINA Representative, Passing of Law HR 5202
- Plant-Based Healthy School Lunch Program (in partnership with PCRM)
Instrumental in inclusion of Tirthankar Mahavir Nirvan Divas in President Obama’s Diwali 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)
JAINA VP Mideast (2001-03)
Chairman, JAINA Public Affairs Council (1999-2008)
Lobbied 17 UN ambassadors to gain NGO status for JAINA
Member, 2007 JAINA Convention Board
Board Member, Interfaith Conference of DC
JAINA Representative, White House Conferences on Faith-Based & Community Initiatives and Caring for Ill and Dying
Jain Society of Metro Washington Temple 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, US Department of Defense
Helped 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
1999 - President, Jain Center of Cincinnati-Dayton, OH.
Supported the start of first Ahimsa Day celebration in North America
Active Member of International Alumni Association of Shri Mahavir Jain Vidhyalaya to promote the cause of professional higher education in the Jain community.
Active Temple Committee member to build temples in Chicago and Cincinnati
1998- Received Distinguished Service Award in recognition of Exceptional Leadership and Devoted Service to The Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago
Participated actively in many fund raising events: March of Dimes, Day of Caring Breakfast for Homeless, Cancer Research and Treatment, Served vegetarian food to homeless people in soup kitchen
- Other services: taking care of older parents, family counseling, suicide awareness and prevention, mentoring of young professionals
- Life Membership: Jain Center of Cincinnati Dayton, The Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago, India Club of Greater Dayton, Umang Gujarati Samaj of Dayton
Statement of Interest in serving JAINA
As a Secretary, arrange for teleconferences and meetings, prepare agenda, keep the minutes of all meetings of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors and distribute such minutes.
Promote religious, educational and charitable service activities leading toward nonviolence community
Promote principles and understanding of Jain religion
Assist in formation of new Jain Centers and temples in North America
Represent Jains/JAINA in any governmental agencies
Transition the activities of JAINA to next generation of youth
Leadership role in Biennial Jaina Convention
Develop and implement Process for the Jain Digest publication
Tulsa Jain Sangh
Tulsa Jain Sangh President, 2014
Volunteer Work
Serving other local non-profit organizations with their accounting and tax return needs.
Serving once a month vegetarian meal to homeless at Tulsa Day Care center.
" To make Jaina financially stronger and the best service organization, it is critical to be donor focus to meet their expectations. For that, I would like to provide resources to meet today's needs of donating in a various ways and to provide prompt response to all inquires. I am committed to maintain Jaina's tax exempt status and other certifications by filing all required documents on time."
Education : MBA, CPA
Occupation : Practicing Public Accounting - Self Employed
Member Association : Tulsa Jain Sangh, Tulsa
Goals
Start accepting (1) Security Donations,(2) more company matching donations &
(3) commitments for monthly ACH debits from donors' account.
Provide on time accurate and transparent financials to JAINA members, EC, and
committees besides providing necessary support on a regular basis.
Make JAINA financially stronger by increasing fundraising activities.
"Preserve and Share a Jain Way of Life is our Vision – to meet this challenge I would like to continue developing and strengthening JAINA infrastructure, grow our organization to 3 full time staff members, and execute 20 distinct projects."
Education : BS Eng., M.S., MBA
Occupation : Engineering and Management
Member Association : Jain Center of Greater Boston (JCGB)
Goals
Hire 3 full-time staff members
Successfully execute 20 projects
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.
Accomplishments
JAINA
JAINA VP Northeast (2009-13)
- Led multiple projects including
- www.jaina.org
- 2011 JAINA Convention "Innovative Poster Project”
- JAINA newsletter
- JAINA Director Selection Guidelines
- Jain Leadership Conference in Siddhachalam
Chairman, JAINA Long Range Planning Committee
- One of the most active JAINA committees
- Delivered JAINA Vision/Mission and proposal for strengthening JAINA’s foundation
Co-Developer, www.jainlink.org
- 1000 registered members and 4000 other users
Coordinator and Presenter, Jain Leadership Conference
- Multiple events and cities
Coordinator and Presenter, Jain Kellogg’s Leadership and Strategy Sessions
- Multiple events
JCGB
Co-Founder, JCGB Pathshala
- Developed the earliest English course material
Coordinator, 1st Jain Teacher’s Conference
- 80 attendees in Boston
Member, JCGB Executive Committee
JAINA Director (2 terms)
Pathshala Teacher (over 25 years)
- Currently teaching Level 5B
Writing & Speaking
Author, Jain Way of Life (www.jwol.org)
- Over 2000 books in circulation
Presenter and Team Leader, JAINA/YJA Conventions
- 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
- Measuring JWOL Progress
Developed branding of the "Jain Elevator Speech”
- A simple way to explain Jainism
Presented "Tattvarth Sutra: Ancient Scriptures Come Alive" at Harvard University
Presented in India, at YJA, and other multiple forums
Gunvant Shah
Mid East - Regional VP (States: DC,DE,MD,NJ,PA,VA,WV)
"My goals are to make JAINA financially strong without cutting programs, help JAINA fundraising activities, organize regional Jain Milan Conventions (the most urgent need for the Jain community), work closely with the Directors from all Jain Centers, and establish a college scholarship for Jain graduate students (I already have $100,000+ in commitments)."
Education : M.S. (USA), M. Sc. (India), LUTCF
Occupation : Professor, Business Owner & Real Estate Investor & Developer (Licensed Real Estate & Insurance Agent)
Member Association : Jain Center of New Jersey - Essex Falls, NJ (JCNJ)
Goals
Make JAINA financially strong without cutting programs
Help JAINA fundraising activities
Organize Regional Jain Milan Conventions
The most urgent need for the Jain community
Work closely with the Directors from all Jain Centers
Establish College Scholarship for Jain Graduate students
I have $100,000+ in commitments
Chairperson, JAINA Senior Housing Committee
- Conducted "Senior Housing Need” survey, receiving 100+ responses
- Traveled to FL to find building sites & to lead the project
JAIN Milan
Founder and Chairperson (2006-13)
- Organized annual Matrimonial Conventions for 8 years in NJ, TX & NY for 800+ Jain youth
- Maintained 3000+ Jains' e-mail contacts
- Managed $100,000+ funds
"My goals include a practical use of Anekantvad to bridge the gaps between different faiths. I also want to increase communication between Jain Centers to learn successful approaches to common problems and improve their outlook. I would also like to develop an education model to inspire and motivate young ones to keep our heritage."
Education : Physician M.D., Board Certified in Anesthesiology
Occupation : Associate Professor in Anesthesiology and Obstetrics & Gynecology
Member Association : Jain Center of South Florida
Goals
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 their outlook
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 an education model to inspire and motivate young ones to keep our heritage
Accomplishments
JAINA
Participated in Palitana Medical camp (2009)
Collaborating and participating in health track program as a part of the 2011 JAINA Convention
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, Houston*2 (2009-2011)
Jain Center of South Florida
As a President of JCSF 2007-2009: Actively involved in building Jain center, Shilanyas, etc. Planning for Pratistha. 2009 April Pratistha was performed.
Tampa and Orlando sangh visited our place for a Chaitya Paripati (2010, 2011)
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' faiths 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
JCSF Vice Chair Board of Directors and Trustee (2010) and Secretary (2011)
Executive Committee Vice President JCSF (2009) President JCSF - (2007-2008), (1997-1999)
JAINA Director : (1996-Present)
Teaching Special Children: Volunteer in elementary and middle school (1994-2004)
Indian Religious Cultural Center - Vice President (1985), President (1986), Chairman (1987)
Active Participation South Florida Hindu Temple (1986-1992)
Participating in Medical Camp-Mt. Kailash (2004)
Professional
Associate Professor in Anesthesiology/OBGYN (1988-Present)
Medical Director of Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (1989-2006)
Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology (1981-1988)
Critical Care and Trauma attending at University Of Maryland Hospital, (1979-1981)
Clinical research: Published on Neuromuscular blocks, pulmonary edema and many Recovery Room-related subjects
Manish Mehta
Mid West - Regional VP (States: IA,IL,IN,KS,MI,MN,MO,ND,NE,OH,SD,WI)
"In the next term, I am committed to promoting the Jain Way of Life to mainstream Americans, addressing challenges facing aging Jains, strengthening local Jain Centers and JAINA Director engagement through strategic planning training, and preparing the next generation of Jains to address societal, moral, and ethical dilemmas. "
Education : BS, MS & Ph.D (Industrial Engineering); University of Michigan Business School Executive Program
Occupation :Executive Director of a Manufacturing Research Institute, Ann Arbor, MI
Member Association : Jain Society of Greater Detroit
Goals
Promoting Jain Way of Life to mainstream Americans
Addressing challenges facing aging Jains
Strengthening local Centers and JAINA Director engagement through strategic planning training
Preparing the next generation Jains to address societal, moral and ethical dilemmas
Experience
I am settled in Ann Arbor, MI with my wife and two sons. I have lived/schooled in East Africa, India, Singapore, and the USA. I have volunteered with the 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).
Accomplishments
Organized 3 teleconferences of Midwest Directors; Attended Pratishtha of Cleveland Jain Temple (2010)
Organized visits by JAINA President (2010) and First VP (2011) to Detroit Jain Society
Organizing Chairman of 2009 and 2011 Jain Diaspora Conferences at JAINA Conventions – perform outreach to Jain leaders in 36 countries
Attended 100% JAINA EC Meetings, and 2 Kellogg Long Range Planning Workshops
JAINA Congressional Visit (October 2009) to Washington DC.
Represented JAINA from 2007-2011 at Annual Jaina Studies Workshops at University of London (published event highlights)
Member, Governing Council of International School for Jain Studies
Initiated discussion with Girl Scouts of America to introduce a Jain Badge
Pathshala Teacher for high school students at Detroit Jain Study Class (1999-2010), and Jain Center of Cincinnati-Dayton in (1985-88)
Udai Jain
South West - Regional VP (States: AZ,CO,NM,OK,TX,UT)
"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. My goal as is also to bring JAINA closer to local Jain Centres by improving communication, arranging joint projects, and driving initiatives of local centers at a national level."
Education : MSME (USA)
Occupation : Manufacturing Manager at Cisco Systems, Inc., Real Estate Investor
Member Association : Jain Center of Northern California
Goals
Bring JAINA closer to Jain Centres by improving communication, arranging joint projects, and driving initiatives of local centers at a national level
Facilitate and lead the emerging Jain movement in ecological awareness, animal rights, vegetarianism/veganism, and non-violence
Accomplishments
JAINA
JAINA Secretary (2011-13)
JAINA Director
Co-Author (collaboration with JAINA EC), JAINA Guidelines for Charitable Donations
Impromptu Fundraising, 2011 JAINA Convention
Raised $22,000+ in 22 minutes
Programming or Registration Chairman, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013 JAINA Conventions
Author, Jain Center of Northern California (JCNC) Religious Policies (2001)
JCNC Board of Directors (2003-05, 2010-13)
Founder and Chairman, JAINA Campus Outreach Committee
Organizer, 2011 Jain Milan
Professional
Patented novel semi-conductor technology
Successfully managing Real Estate portfolio of over $10 million
Vision
The world is adopting many aspects of Jain dharma, which we have been practicing for over 2,600 years. As the global community discovers the value of Jainism, JAINA has the unique opportunity to lead them in this revolution for ecological awareness, animal rights, non-violence, and vegetarianism/veganism.
JAINA was founded for all Jains. My goal is to enhance the balance to ensure that JAINA represents all traditions fairly. My goal is also to bring JAINA closer to our Jain Centers by improving collaboration, arranging joint projects, and driving initiatives of Jain centers at a national level.
Director – Gujarati Samaj Funeral Committee 2005 – Present
Board of Directors – Dorval Athletic Association 1998 – Present
Director – Jain Samaj of Montreal 2007
Performed two weddings as per Jain Vidhi
Performs funeral vidhi when in need.
Organizer – Toronto Sangh 2003 – 2004
Organized the visit of Pujya Shree Rakeshbhai
President – Jain Samaj of Montreal 2002 – 2004
Performed Snatrapuja and Jain Chopda Pujan for the past 7 years
Vice-President – Dorval Soccer Association 1994 – 1998
Committee Member – Montreal Gujarati Samaj Cultural Committee 1994 – 1996
Play Organizer – Gujarati Diwali Show of Montreal 1986 – 1996
Volunteer Soccer Coach – Dorval Soccer Association 1987 – 1994
Committee Member – Toronto Gujarati Samaj 1975 – 1976
Statement
Over the course of my lifetime, I have had the privilege of serving my community to the best of my abilities. I believe that the opportunity to serve the Jain community in a new way (through JAINA) will be the greatest yet. I believe in past two years EC has accomplished a lot and I was proud to be a contributor in that. We raised fund for Jaina, Calendars and Jive Daya.
In Canada and many parts of the world, there are many small Jain communities who are in need of spreading the message of Lord Mahavira. For example, in Montreal, we have a very small Jain community where only half of the families are active. We have to come up with ideas to not only interest the elders, but the youth as well. The youths are also in need of financial and moral support and guidance to move forward. Together, we will be able to generate the goals that we need to achieve in order to develop Jainism across North America.
Member Association : Jain Sangh of NJ,
Cherry Hill, NJ
Experience
I am a JAINA Director from Cherry Hill Jain Center in NJ for 14 years. I have served in various capacities in my Sangh from the very first day - served as Secretary, Trustee and Chairman of the Trustees.
In JAINA, I served as chair of the Pilgrimage Committee for 8 years and led 8 Yatras to Teerthdhams of India serving 500 Yatris from North America. I was Secretary of JAINA for 2 years; First Vice President for two years (2005-2007) and Convener of the 2007 JAINA Convention in NJ. Currently I am serving as President of JAINA.
I am a retired businessman living in Philadelphia. My passion is reading Jain literatur and writing for magazines. I often write articles in JAIN DIGEST like Convention reports, Book reviews etc. In 2005, I wrote a long article for the 2005 JAINA Convention - 25 Year History of JAINA and in 2007 I followed it up with my vision for JAINA for the next 25 years. JAINA EC has approved my vision as the agenda (Work in progress) for JAINA. That article is available on our jaina.org website. I plan to continue to work for JAINA to make that vision as reality.
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