Website: www.kojain.org A non-profit Organization Tax Exempt No: 06-1442444 Volume 18, Issue 3, December 2013

Board of Directors - Officers:

President: Navin S. Dedhia (408) 629-1723 [email protected] INSIDE THIS ISSUE Vice President: Dinesh K. Chheda (973) 394-1701 [email protected] Page SUBJECT Secretary: Nitul S. Haria # (650) 714-0668 [email protected] 2 - 3 President’s Message Treasurer: Piyush J. Vora (203) 967-3807 [email protected] 3 KOJAIN Key Activities/Projects 2010- 2013 Regional Directors: 3 General Body Meeting July 6, 2013 Notes Region 1: AZ, CO, HI, NM, So.CA, UT 4 KOAJIN Membership Form Niketa Dedhia Shah (719) 244-3428 [email protected] 5 Advertisements Rates for the e-Newsletter Region 2: AK, ID, MT, NV, No.CA, OR, WA, WY KOJAIN 2013 Election Results, 2014-2015 5 Sarla Chheda (Kansara) (510) 226-8450 BOD Members [email protected] Region 3: AR, KS, LA, MO, OK, TX KOJAIN Regional News - 6 - 11 Geeta Gala (281) 398-7402 News from Regions: 1, 2, 3. 4, 6, 7, 8 & 10 [email protected] 11 -13 Region 4: IL, IN, IA, MN, NE, ND, SD, WI : Organizations News Louis K. Shah (630) 670-6039 14 - 15 General information [email protected] KOJAIN Merit Scholarship Awardee – Essay Region 5: AL, FL, GA, MS, TN 16-17 Vinay L. Tejani (423) 842-6463 by Dipal Nagda [email protected] 19 Last Page Region 6: KY, MI, OH, W.PA, WV Chirag L. Shah (551) 580-8355 [email protected] Region 7: WA. DC., MD, NC, SC, VA, KOJAIN NEWSLETTER Kanti N. Gangar (301) 598-3093 Secretary, KOJAIN [email protected] Region 8: DE, E.PA, NJ 36627 Oak Street OPEN Fremont, CA 9453 Website: www.kojain.org Region 9: NY Kusum Kenia (914) 309-8394 www.facebook.com/PanjoKojain [email protected] Region 10: CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT A Non-Profit Organization Chandrika Shah (978)794-3028 [email protected] Region 11: Canada Pradip V. Savla (416) 292-9302 [email protected]

Past President Vijay D. Chheda (714) 654-6097 [email protected]

Page 1 of 19 Website: www.kojain.org A non-profit Organization Tax Exempt No: 06-1442444 Volume 18, Issue 3, December 2013

Board of Directors - Officers:

President: Navin S. Dedhia (408) 629-1723 [email protected] PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Vice President: Dinesh K. Chheda

(973) 394-1701 [email protected]

Secretary: Nitul S. Haria (650) 714-0668 [email protected] Treasurer: Piyush J. Vora Dear Fellow Kachchhi Oswals,

(203) 967-3807 [email protected] Pranam, !!! Regional Directors: Region 1: AZ, CO, HI, NM, So.CA, UT Season’s Greetings & Happy New Year!!! Niketa Dedhia Shah (719) 244-3428 A long overdue Newsletter is presented here. Between the last [email protected] Newsletter, August 2013, and this Newsletter, many key events Region 2: AK, ID, MT, NV, No.CA, OR, WA, such as Paryushan Maha Parva, , etc. have passed by. WY 2013 is coming quicker to an end. Sarla Chheda (Kansara) (510) 226-8450 [email protected] Certainly, 2013 has been a busy year with many activities, th Region 3: AR, KS, LA, MO, OK, TX commitments, priorities, attending 17 Biennial JAINA Convention in Detroit area, Michigan and other travels. Geeta Gala (281) 398-7402 [email protected] After four years at helm, I shall be giving the helm on January Region 4: IL, IN, IA, MN, NE, ND, SD, WI 1, 2014 to Dineshbhai K. Chheda of New Jersey. The journey Louis K. Shah (630) 670-6039 has been challenging, educational and at all times rewarding. We celebrated and learned and kept the organization and most [email protected] importantly, you, the members as our key priority. KOJAIN Region 5: AL, FL, GA, MS, TN Board strived to serve you well while performing the highest Vinay L. Tejani (423) 842-6463 levels of professional service. Board Members’ dedication and [email protected] efforts have taught me a lot over the time.

Region 6: KY, MI, OH, W.PA, WV It has been my privilege to lead and serve KOJAIN during 2010 Chirag L. Shah (551) 580-8355 – 2013. The success ultimately depends on your support and [email protected] participation. Our mission will always continue the journey with your support and with great team of leaders and service Region 7: WA. DC., MD, NC, SC, VA, providers. Dineshbhai Chheda has served KOJAIN since its Kanti N. Gangar (301) 598-3093 inception in 1995. I am delighted our members have chosen a [email protected] capable and dedicated leader to lead the way forward. Region 8: DE, E.PA, NJ Dineshbhai’s energy, thoughtful decision making and understanding of your needs as well as KOJAINs will serve Open well. Please join me in congratulating him and wishing much continued success. KOJAIN is in good hands and would like to Region 9: NY acknowledge the tireless contributions of our volunteers. They Kusum Kenia (914) 309-8394 serve at your pleasure year in year out, and do a wonderful job.

[email protected] As the year is quickly coming to a close, I wanted to take a Region 10: CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT moment to thank you. KOJAIN appreciates your loyalty, Chandrika Shah (978)794-3028 support and cooperation. KOJAIN hopes that we helped make [email protected] lifetime event memories for you and your loved ones. I have to state with great admiration and pride that everyone supported Region 11: Canada me wholeheartedly. KOJAIN’s officers - Dineshbhai Chheda, Pradip V. Savla (416) 292-9302 Nitulbhai Haria, Piyushbhai Vora , Regional Directors, and [email protected] Committee Chair Persons worked hard to meet our goals and Past President objectives. Directory Committee Lead persons Nitulbhai Haria Vijay D. Chheda (714) 654-6097 and Jaideepbhai Shah spent many nights to clean up [email protected] directory database and format it for publication. I cannot forget to thank Harkbhai Gala of Maryland, who have been filing IRS taxes every year on a timely basis.

…………………………..……………..[Continued on the next page]

Page 2 of 19

[President’s Message continuing from the previous page]…….

I have been honored and humbled to have had the chance to work with such dedicated and inspiring group of friends and contributors.

It has been my distinct and memorable pleasure to be a part of KOJAIN family.

KOJAIN would love to receive your feedback on activities, programs and events.

Thank you and wishing you all a Happy, Relaxed and Enjoyable 2014.

Sincerely,

Navin S. Dedhia

KOJAIN KEY ACTIVITIES/PROJECTS (2010 – 2013)

1) Periodic telecoms with Board Members to communicate and get them involved. 2) BOD Minutes of the Telecom Meeting published on a timely basis 3) Periodic publication of KOJAIN Newsletters 4) Periodic e-communication to the members using yahoogroups 5) KOJAIN www.kojain.com website 6) www.kojain.org was made operational and working in parallel with www.kojain.com 7) Standalone KOJAIN Entrepreneurship Workshop was held during Oct 1 – 2, 2010 in Laurel, Maryland. 110 attendees participated. Workshop brochure was published. A KOJAIN Business Directory was created and published. 8) KOJAIN Entrepreneurial Workshop was held in conjunction with 7th KOJAIN Sammelan in Chicago Area, Illinois. 85 attendees participated. Workshop Brochure was published 9) 2012 Chicago Sammelan in Rolling Meadows, Illinois was successful. 500 attendees participated. A commemorative souvenir was published 10) KOJAIN General Membership meeting and Get-Together took place during 16th JAINA Convention (July 2, 2011) in Houston,Texas and 17th JAINA Convention (July 6, 2013) in Novi, Michigan. 11) 2011 and 2013 Election was conducted by Board established independent Election Committee. 12) 2013 Directory Publication project was taken on hand. Directory Committee was established. 13) Each year Annual Taxes (Form 990/8879-EO) were prepared by etax Corporation (Hark Gala, Maryland) and were filed with IRS on a timely basis. 14) Host Family Program, Marriage Information Service, Loan Program for Needy, Merit cholarship Program, Medical Information, KOJAIN Recognition Awards Committees actively provided services as needed. 15) Directors and Officers Liability Insurance was renewed every year in September. 16) Foreign Donation, Sammelan Grand Sponsorship, Recognition Awards Policies and Procedures were created/updated and implemented. KOJAIN Policies and Procedures are available on website www.kojain.org 17) During 2012 7th KOJAIN Sammelan volunteers and individuals were recognized with an appropriate plques for their contributions to the community, profession and/or humanitarian work. 18) News inputs for the Newsletter were sought from the community members.

KOJAIN Get-Together Meeting during 17th Biennial JAINA Convention, Novi (Detroit) Michigan on Saturday, July 6, 2013

KOJAIN General Membership Meeting took place in Novi, Michigan on July 6, 2013 during 17th Biennial JAINA Convention. About 100 KOJAINs were in attendance. KOJAIN Board and Committee Members in attendance were introduced. JAINA Award recipient Shree Bidada Sarvodaya Trust (Vijay Chheda), Lata Champsee (Canada) and Ram Gada (Minnesota) were recognized. KOJAIN members for the JAINA and Convention Committee were recognized. Updates on upcoming Election process, Nomination Process and Election Committee Members were provided. A briefing on 2013 KOJAIN Directory project, its Committee Members, Data Entry Process and Sponsorships/Advertisement Opportunities was given. KOJAIN Merit Scholarship Application Process was described. Feedback and Q&A from the attendees were invited. Meeting was adjourned in time for get-together, networking and meeting relatives and friends. Youth members met after the meeting to discuss future involvement in KOJAIN’s activities

Photo Link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fn3zo0vy4xdwdck/SNietfYmvX#/

Photo Courtesy: Sushila & Khushal Vira, Illinois, [email protected] and Pradip Savla, Canada, [email protected]

Page 3 of 19

KOJAIN MEMBERSHIP FORM IN AIN Last Name First Name Middle Name Email Phone Occupation Village in Kachchh Spouse – First Name Spouse – Email Spouse – Phone Spouse – Occupation Spouse – Village in Kachchh (Before Marriage) Home Address – Street Home Address – City Home Address – State, Zip Code & Country Child 1 Name Child 1 Year Born (if Married do not enter year born) Child 2 Name Child 2 Year Born (if Married do not enter year born) Child 3 Name Child 3 Year Born (if Married do not enter year born)

[ ] Family Life Membership (US $250) [ ] Family 2 Year Membership (US $40) [ ] Individual Life Membership (US $200) [ ] Individual 2 Year Membership (US $40)

We urge every KOJAIN family to send the duly completed form to maintain KOJAIN Database. Help us make the database as complete as possible. Thank you for your support and cooperation.

Signed by: Date:

 Make your check payable to KOJAIN. Mail your Check and completely filled form to: Piyush J. Vora, 603 Morehouse Hwy, Fairfield, CT 06825, USA Tel: 203-967-3807 (email: [email protected] )

Page 4 of 19

ADVERTISEMENTS IN KOJAIN ENEWSLETTER

KOJAIN is very happy to publish your personal (including matrimonial or seeking life-partner), business or organization advertisement(s) in KOJAIN quarterly E- News Letter. KOJAIN e-newsletter is available to 1600+ Kachchhi Oswals listed in the KOJAIN database.

Advertisement Size in inch Adv. ID Rate (One Annual Rate (W X L) Issue) (Four Issues)

Full Page 8”x 10” Full Page $ 150 $ 500 Half Page 8” X 5” Half Page $ 100 $ 300

Contact: Nitul S. Haria, Secretary of KOJAIN 36627 Oak Street, Fremont, CA 94536 Tel: 650-714-0668 [email protected]

KOJAIN 2013 ELECTION RESULTS

2014 – 2015 KOJAIN BOARD MEMBERS

Name Position Village (US Residence) Dinesh K. Chheda President Nalia (Parsippany, NJ)

Anil R. Shah Vice-President Devpur (Concord, MA)

Alka Rambhia Secretary Ramania (Pittsburgh, PA)

Piyush J. Vora Treasurer Moti Varandi (Fairfield, CT)

Niketa Dedhia-Shah Region 1: AZ, CO, HI, NM, So.CA, UT Bhujpur (Monument, CO) Director Nitul S. Haria Region 2: AK, ID, MT, NV, No.CA, OR, Devpur (Fremont, CA) Director WA, WY Geeta Gala Region 3: AR, KS, LA, MO, OK, TX Vadala (Katy, TX) Director Laxmichand (Louis) K. Region 4: IL, IN, IA, MN, NE, ND, SD, WI Nangalpur (Schaumburg, IL) Shah Director

Hemant L. Mota* Region 5: AL, FL, GA, MS, TN Pundi (Ridgeland, MS) (Member after the Director Nomination deadline) Open* Region 6: KY, MI, OH, W. PA, WV Open deadline) Director Open* Region 7: MD, NC, SC, VA, WA D. C. Open Director Open* Region 8: DE, E. PA, NJ Open Director Kusum Kenia Region 9: NY Baroi (New Rochelle, NY) Director Chandrika Shah Region 10: CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT Sherdi (N. Andover, MA) Director Pradip V. Savla Region 11: Canada Nani Khakhar (Toronto, ON) Director Navin S. Dedhia Ex – Officio Past President Bidada (San Jose, CA)

* 2014 – 2015 BOD (Dineshbhai Chheda & his Team) will nominate and fill-in the positions

Page 5 of 19

KOJAIN REGIONAL NEWS

REGION 1: AZ, CO, HI, NM, So.CA, UT Beth and Anil Shah of San Diego, California (Village: Bhujpur) successfully completed 26.2 Miles marathon in Las Vegas, Nevada during November 2013. Anil Shah is a *Jain Center of Southern California (Los physician with US Navy and Beth is a Attorney with US An geles Area, California) Navy in San Diego, California.

2013 Paryushan Parva Tap Aradhna - KOJAIN Tapsavis [Contact: Anil Shah, [email protected] ]

* KOJAINs of Colorado

Ashok Vijay Gautam Savla Chheda Savla

1) Ashok K. Savla 10 Upvaas [ City, California, Village: Faradi] 2) Vijay D. Chheda 9 Upvaas [Tustin, California, Village: Kundrodi] 3) Gautam Savla 8 Upvaas [Temple City, California, Village: Faradi] A group of 16 KOJAINs met on August 16, 2013 at Niketa [Contact: Ashok K. Savla, [email protected], and Dr. Sandeep Shah’s home in Monument, Colorado Tel: 626-372-4246] for the first time. KOJAIN Group consisting of Dr.Sandeep * Congratulations to Darshni Vira, MD for Shah and Nikki Dedhia-Shah, Prabha and Mahendra Maru, Ketna and Raj Shah, Falguni and Dr. Parag Shah, completing her ENT Residency Namrata and Bhavin Gala, Gaurav Chheda, meets regularly to network strengthen urther their bondage with each other. Darshni Vira, daughter of Kastur and Dilip Vira of Palmdale, California [Village: Ratadia Ganeshwala], [Contact: Nikki Dedhia-Shah, [email protected], Completed her ENT residency from UCLA. Tel: 719 260 1268 ]

[Contact: Kastur & Dilip Vira, [email protected], REGION 2: AK, ID, MT, NV, No.CA, OR, WA, WY Tel: 661-943-1115] * Ami & Hiten N. Gada relocating to India * Beth and Anil Shah Ran 26.2 miles (41.92 kilometers) in Las Vegas Marathon Hiten, Ami, Naman and Rivaan (San Jose, California, Village: Koday) will be moving to back to Pune, Maharashtra, a San Jose sister city during January 2014.

KOJAIN wishes all the best to the family as they are relocating to India.

[Contact: Ami/Hiten Gada, [email protected], Tel: 925-209-7769].

* Sweta & Kunal Haria are blessed with a baby girl, named "Raya" (means friend), born on Sept 10, 2013

[Contact: Kunal Haria, [email protected] ]

Page 6 of 19 becoming closer by showing enthusiasm and sincerity * Sejal Dedhia & Pinak are overjoyed to with presence. announce Rutvi, born on Nov 29, 2013 Valley Ki Diwali had 93 rocking participants and leads ranging from 2 yr old to the dedicated ones who participate every year since the KOJAIN Bay Area Diwali started.

Featured activities during the event included Funny picture booth, Family photo booth, Interactive entertainment, Ice breaking opportunity, Chhota bazaar, Dance medley, Qawwali, Bhangra, Natak & Kathputli. The Sacred Heart donation drive was a huge success.

For photos click at:

https://plus.google.com/117199859071816769018/photos? hl=en&partnerid=gplp0#117199859071816769018/photos? hl=en&partnerid=gplp0 [Contact: Sejal Dedhia, [email protected] ] Red Carpet Video link at http://youtu.be/naCm-GJI-t8 * Nivita & Monish Bhatia of San Francisco Previews of performances can be viewed at: (Village: Bidada) are blessed with Second Son, named Saveer http://kojain-bayarea.com/diwali/

The Kojain BayArea Wall of Fame Site:

http://kojain-bayarea.com/walloffame/

http://www.kojain-bayarea.com/blog/

Saveer Kumar Bhatia was born on October 15, 2013.

Big brother Shailen, Cousins (Kayan, Jaisen and Liya Shah), Masi/Masa (Neha/Raoul Shah of San Jose) and Nana (Navin S. Dedhia of San Jose) are happy to welcome New Arrival in the Family

* San Francisco Bay Area KOJAINs Activities

1) 2014 KutchValley Group Camping is planned during the memorial day weekend,, Fri, May 23 – Mon, May 26 at South Shore, Lake Comanche , about 116 miles from San Jose, approx 2 hours drive

[Contact: Bhavini Gada, [email protected]; Nitul aria, email [email protected], http://www.kutchvalley.com/ http://www.kavita.kutchvalley.com/ ]

2) Valley Ki Diwali 2013

Valley Ki Diwali was organized on Saturday, Nov 16, 2013 at Golden Peacock Banquets & Restaurant, Hayward, California.

With a record breaking 244 attendees, the Bay Area KOJAIN community is not only growing, but also

Page 7 of 19 8.Harsh Patel (Fremont) 8 Ekasana 2013 KOJAIN Bay Area Diwali Team members were (12 years old, parents: Kavita Gala/Hasmukh Patel) Ami & Hiten Gada, Bhavini & Jayesh Gada, Madhavi Khona, Nitul Haria, Smita & Rupesh Gala. REGION 3: AR, KS, LA, MO, OK, TX

[Contact: Bhavini Gada, [email protected] ] * Jain Society of Houston – Houston, Texas

* Information Blogs for today’s Moms – Neha 2013 Paryushan Maha Parva, was conducted by Shri Dedhia Shah, San Jose, California Bhadrabahuji (from ). The pravachans were delivered in Gujarati and Hindi languages. KOJAIN Tapasvi names are: http://babyrecs.com 1) Meena Shah [Houston, Texas, Village: Naredi] Neha Dedhia-Shah, in May 2011, started a baby product 8 Upvaas review blog BabyRecs, http://babyrecs.com and works on her site when her kids are in school or sleeping. Baby 2) Namisha Jain [Houston, Texas, Village: Halapur] Recs site offers advice, review and description of Baby 8 Upvaas Products such as toys, crib mobiles, bath & potty, 3) Kantilal Nishar 8 Upvaas diapering, baby education - books/CD/DVDs, baby food, bottles, bibs, high chairs, bouncers, car seats, strollers, [Contact: Geeta Gala, [email protected] swings, baby proofing the residence, first aid, humidifiers, Tel: 281-398-7402, 713-382-3246] blankets, clothes, furniture, diaper bags, travelling with baby, deals, technology etc. etc. * Jain Association of Kansas City, Kansas

Masalamommas - An Online Magazine for today's Moms 2013 Paryushan Maha Parva Tap Aradhna with a South Asian Connection - with over 30 applications from moms answering Masalamommas call out for volunteers, Neha Dedhia Shah was chosen for this incredible group in an effort to provide different locations, cultural backgrounds and parenting experiences to help Masalamommas direct some of our content to reflect our global Masalamommas community.

Neha Dedhia Shah was chosen based on her experience as mom where she lives, the culture she brings and breath of insight she can bring to Masalamomma's parenting stories.

http://masalamommas.com/about/ is an online [L – R: Rahul Dedhia, Nipa Dedhia] Magazine for today’s South Asian mothers and moms-to- be or moms with a South Asian connection, showcasing 1) Rahul Shantilal Dedhia (Overland Park, Kansas, ideas and experiences that enable them to juggle Village: Bhorara) 11 Upvaas everyday life. 2) Nipa Rahul Dedhia (Overland Park,Kansas, Village: Bhorara) 11 Upvaas Neha Dedhia Shah, Masalamommas Parenting Editorial Board member, can be viewed at [Contact: Rahul Dedhia, [email protected] ]

http://masalamommas.com/2013/04/26/parenting- * Nevin Shah & Niloy Shah Received editorial-board/ Congressional Award Gold Medal

[Contact: Neha Dedhia Shah, San Jose, California, [email protected] ]

* Jain Center of Northern California, Milpitas, www.JCNC.org

2013 Paryushan Tap Aradhna in the San Francisco Bay Area by KOJAINs

1.Sarojben Dagli (Fremont, Village: Baroi) 9 Upvaas 2.Navin S. Dedhia (San Jose, Vilalge: Bidada) 9 Upvaas 3.Hardik Chheda 8 Upvaas 4.Jinal Naman Gala (San Jose) 8 Upvaas 5.Swati Haria (Fremont, Vilalge; Devpur) 8 Upvaas 6.Hasmukh Patel (Fremont) 8 Upvaas 7.Belina Harshal Vira 8 Upvaas On June 20th, 2013, two brothers, Nevin Shah & Niloy

Page 8 of 19 Shah, of Sugar Land, Texas, were awarded the Congressional Award Gold Medal in Washington, D.C. Nevin Shah (Senior) and Niloy Shah (Sophomore) are the sons of Naresh M. and Rupa S. Shah of Sugarland, Region 6: KY, MI, OH, W.PA, WV, Texas (Village: Koday). * 2013 Paryushan Maha Parva Aththhai Tap [Contact: Rupa/Naresh Shah, [email protected], Aradhna [email protected] ] Sanjiv Manilal Karani of Mason, Ohio (Village: Dumra) REGION 4: IL, IN, IA, MN, NE, ND, SD, WI did 8 days of fasting - This is his 5th Aththai in past 7 years

* Neha Shah Graduated with a Master of [Contact: Reshma & Sanjiv Karani, International Affairs Degree [email protected] ]

Neha Shah daughter of Dr. Surendra & Bharti Shah of REGION 7: WA. DC., MD, NC, SC, VA, Schererville, Indiana (Village: Koday) graduated during May 2013 with a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University's (N.Y.) School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). At SIPA, she concentrated on * Jain Adhyatmik Activities in North America International Finance and Economic Policy (IFEP) with a Management specialization. She earned her B.A. in Das Lakshan Parva was celebrated during September 9 Economics from the New York University. She recently – 18, 2013 throughout North America via telecom. joined the Federal Reserve Bank of N.Y. Many KOJAINs took active part during the Das Laxana Parva. Scholars from India also joined the Adhyatmic discussions and question-answer sessions over the telecom. Adhyatmic discussion topics included ‘Samaysaar, Jain Geography and Das Lakshan Parva’.

Starting 2013 September until April 2014, second and fourth Sunday, ongoing discourses by Ramnikbhai Savla on Pujya Gurudev’s Vachanamrut will continue. Ramnikbhai Savla left USA during 1975 and presently residing in Devlali, Maharashtra. He has written many Adhyatmic books and given numerous pravachans.

[Contact Bhavi Jain, [email protected], [email protected]. ] [L-R: Dr. Surendra Shah, Neha Shah, Bharti Shah] * Smithsonian Indian American [Contact: Neha Shah, [email protected]] Heritage Project

* Congratulations to Ayesha and Ketan Gada ‘Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation’ on New Arrival, son Raiyaan exhibition can be visited late February through February 2015 to see the mosaic of memories, moments and magnificent community contributions that are all part of Indian American heritage in the United States. Beyond Bollywood will also tour through various cities around the nation until 2020.

Originally launched as the Homespun Project in 2008, the Indian American Heritage Project (IAHP) is a groundbreaking initiative by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center to chronicle the stories of Indian immigrants and their descendants in the U.S. While we trace our heritage to India, our lives now are centered in the U.S. numbering more than 3 million. Beyond Bollywood is the Smithsonian's first exhibition dedicated

to the life and history of Indian American. Grandparents Neena & Ram Gada of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Village: Bada) are overjoyed to [Contact: Dr. Masum Momaya,Curator, welcome New Arrival of grandson, Raiyaan ,born to [email protected] Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Ayesha & Ketan Gada ,on October 8,2013 in Center, Capital Gallery, Suite 7065, MRC: 516, P.O. Box London, England. 37012, Washington, DC20013, [email protected] http://apa.si.edu/indianamerican] [Contact: Neena/Ram Gada, [email protected] ]

Page 9 of 19

Lankesh is Nitul aria’s (KOJAIN’s Secretay) brother.

REGION 8: DE, E.PA, NJ [Contact: Anisha/Lankesh Haria

* Congratulations to Manilal J. Savla, for [email protected] Receiving US Patent 8,511,464 [email protected]]

KOJAIN is proud of Manilal J. Savla of Manalapan, NJ, * Parents Komal Gala Choksi and Raj Choksi [Village: Mota Asambia], who received on August 20, 2013 US Patent 8,511,464 on use of of Voorhees, NJ welcome Son, Riyan superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) for water management. The invention deals with harvesting water from rain and dew using the specialty polymers. He has one more patent pending. He plans to pursue his ideas to bring them to practice to help solve water crisis facing the world.

[Contact: Manilal J. Savla, [email protected], Tel: 732-863-1365]

* Jain Center of New Jersey – Franklin

Township Nita and Bhavesh Gala of Berlin, New Jersey (Village: 70 KOJAINs did Achalgachchh Tradition 2013 Bhujpur) are proud grandparents of Riyan Choksi, born Samvatsarik Pratkraman during Paryushan Maha Parva. on August 4, 2013.

The following individuals did 8 days of fasting during the [Contact: Bhavesh Gala, [email protected] ] Paryushan Maha Parva: REGION 9: New York 1) Deepak Gada (Paramus, NJ)

2) Vishal Gala (Maun Athai) (Parlin, NJ) 3) Kanti Gala, (Manalapan, NJ) * 2013 Paryushan Maha Parva Aththhai Tap 4) Paresh Gada (Paramus, NJ) Aradhna 5) Aaushi Kiran Sangoi (15 years old, daughter of Bharti & Kiran Sangoi of Parmi Mukesh Kenia (New Rochelle, NY, Village: Baroi) Metuchen NJ, Village: Nani Tumbdi) 6) 3) Pulin Visaria (West Windsor, NJ) [Contact: Parmi Kenia Tel: 914-235-9226]

[Contact: Shailesh Gala, [email protected] ; Kiran Sangoi, [email protected] ] REGION 10: CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT

* Parents Anisha & Lankesh Haria are * New England KOJAINs Diwali Celebration, Celebrating Arrival of Son Aarav Nov 2, 2013

New England KOJAINs celebrated Diwali with a fun filled evening -- "Chamkati Sham" on November 2, 2013 at the Indian Society of Worcester, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts.

[Contact: Vijay Savla, [email protected]; Vasant Nagda, [email protected]

Pooja Baua [email protected] Congratulations to Anisha & Lankesh Haria of Chester Kirtana/Sagar Dedhia [email protected] ] Springs, Pennsylvania (Village: Devpur) on arrival of their son, Aarav, on May 9, 2013. * Dipti Dedhia to teach Physics at a New York City High School

Page 10 of 19

2) International Institute recognition award from JAINA to Bidada Sarvodaya Ttrust in Novi, Michigan, July 2013 3) Humanitarion award from jain Center of Southern California to Bidada Sarvodaya Trust. 4) Award from Chief Minister of , Narendra Modi, for selfless humanity work by Bachubhai Rambhia 5) Award from Giant international to Bachubhai Rambhia, September 17, 2013

Congratulations to Dipti Dedhia for graduating from Brown University, Providence, RI in May 2013 with a Masters in Urban Education Policy. In addition to completing her degree, she worked as a Project Manager with the Rhode Island Afterschool Plus Alliance to lead professional development with stakeholders in the Rhode Island educational realm. She also created a financial literacy curriculum. [Bachubhai Rambhia, Chairman of Bidada Sarvodaya Previously, Dipti taught science and math in Boston, MA. Trust, receiving the Giants International award from She also wrote the school’s Physics curriculum and Mukesh Ambani] introduced a multitude of math and science initiatives for students. th * Volunteering during 40 Medical & Surgical Dipti plans to use her background in Education and Camp at Bidada Kachchh, Gujarat Policy along with her undergraduate degree in Chemistry to teach Physics and Economics this coming year at “Without your involvement, we can’t succeed. With your Democracy Prep Charter High School in NYC. The involvement, we can’t fail.” Charter school is recognized internationally and has just graduated their first senior class. You are invited to volunteer for the Medical and Surgical Dipti is the daughter of Jyoti and Suresh Dedhia of Camp organized by the Bidada Trust during January Norwalk, Connecticut (Village: Talvana} 4 - 26, 2014. You can join for a few days or longer. Trust will make arrangement for your travel from Mumbai to [Contact: Jyoti and Suresh Dedhia, kutch and back to Mumbai and your lodging and [email protected] ] boarding facility during your stay for the Medical Camp.

You will be working with many doctors and volunteer from around the world, who join for the Medical Camp. Shree Bidada Sarvodaya Trust, Bidada, Kachchh Camp Opening Ceremony will take place on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 4:00 pm. Opened in the early 1980′s, Bidada ospital is a 80-bed Bidada Trust has received many national and hospital in Bidada, a small village in Kutch. The hospital international awards and accolodades from several provides year around eye, dental, gynecological, organizations including government of India. rehabilitative, naturopathic and other medical services.

Approximately 300 patients are seen at the clinic on daily [Contact: Vijay D. Chheda, [email protected] , basis, and five to ten patients are admitted for surgery. Tel: 714-654-6097, OR Shree Bidada Sarvodaya Trust Village: Bidada, Taluka Mandvi-Kutch. Gujarat-India. * Shree Bidada Sarvodaya Trust Received 5 370 435. [email protected], Awards During 2013 Tel: 011-91-2834-244444, 011-91-2834-244143, http://www.bidada.com/ Shree Bidada Sarvoday Trust received the following http://www.bidada.org/index.php awards from various institutions, organizations and [email protected] governments for its selfless humanitarian activities and programs: * Ratan Veer Nature Cure Center, Bidada, 1) Empowerment of persons with disability award from Kachchh Govternment of India by President Pranab Mukerjee, New Delhi The Ratan Veer Nature Cure Centre fulfills two main

Page 11 of 19 objectives. Firstly, to help guests who live away from Kutch, to re-discover the benefits of India's traditional and State:-Gujarat, Tel: (02846) 244324, alternative system of medicine. Secondly, to give new life Cell: (091) 99241-69988, [email protected]; style concept for relaxing and rejuvenating health of the people visiting the facility. Mumbai Head Office: 34/2 Minerva Building, 9 Madhavdas Pasta Road, Dadar (C. R.), Treatments and Therapies offered include Hydro Mumbai 400 013, Tel: (022) 2416- 5639] Therapy, Massage Therapy, Diet Therapy, Accupressure, Accupuncture, Vibro Massage, Kerala Ayurvedic Therapy, Mud Therapy, Magnet Therapy, Swedish Massage, Ozone Therapy, Meditation, Sheth Dhanji Devshi KVO Kelvani Yogasana, Jacuzzi, Steam and Sauna, Shirodhara, Fund…..Journey of Hundred Years Panchkarma, Dhanji Devshi Kelvani Fund recently celebrated 100 years. [Ratan Veer Nature Cure Centre, Shree K . M. Patel The three prominent personality namely Sam Pitroda, Arogyadham, Bidada, Kutch , Gujarat, India 370435 Parimal Merchant and Amrish Patel delivered inspirational Tel : (091-2834) 244445 [email protected], speeches related to education on the occasion. www.ratanveer.com; These speeches are available on YouTube at Mumbai office Address - Maru Hospital, 286-B, Dr. B. A. road, Opp. ITC Hotel, Parel, Mumbai – 12, http://m.youtube.com/channel/UCvk9W3hvQojLLw4BeNSu Tel: (091-22) 2417 – 7272] 6lg?&desktop_uri=%2Fchannel%2FUCvk9W3hvQojLLw4B eNSu6lg * Jaya Rehabiltation Institute and Research Center, Bidada, Kachchh Sheth Dhanji Devshi K.V.O. Kelavani Fund has been nurturing and supporting educational activities since 1912. In response to the massive 2001 earthquake in Kutch, A total of 124 students have received financial assistance the Trust treated 30,000 earthquake victims. It performed during 1958 - 1985 for pursuing education abroad. surgery on 3000 patients, provided food and shelter to 200,000 displaced persons, and built 1400 houses in 18 Other organizations, which became active in the field of villages. Subsequently, the Trust opened the Jaya education are Rehabilitation Institute and Research Center, providing services in Orthopedics, Prosthetics, Physiotherapy, and Occupational Therapy. 1) Matushri Manibai Shivji Devji Kanya Kelavani Fund – Chinchpokli, Mumbai Jaya Rehabilitation Institute & Research center is a 50 2) Shri K.V.O. Seva Samaj- Chinchbunder, Mumbai bed Rehab Center, easily accessible and barrier free. It 3) Shah & Anchor Kutchi Engineering College – Chembur, is well equipped with advanced equipments & facilities Mumbai under one roof with well qualified and experienced staff. The Center involves in early intervention, prevention and [Contact: Reg.Off: M/s. Nappoo Nensee & Co., 83, Clive management of all disabilities. Road, Dana Bundar, Mumbai-400009.

[www.jayarehab.org] Adm. Off: 301, Velbai Hall Building, Plot No. 310, Chandavarkar Road, Matunga, C.R., Mumbai 400019.

Shree Mahavir Jain Charitra Kalyan Tel: (091) 91677-70651, www.dhanjidevshi.org Ratnashram (Songadh), Gujarat [email protected] [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/dhanji.devshi ,

Charitra Kalyan Sandesh is a Quarterly Magazine of Lax Kenia, email: [email protected] Songadh Ashram. 422 students are studying at Songadh Laxmichand K. Jain Tel: (091) 98210-72960] Ashram. Junior College and Vocational Institution have been started starting July 2012. Shree C.V.O. Deravasi Jain Mahajan, Mumbai 90 years back Muniraj Shree Charitravijayji Bapa and Muniraj Shree Kalyanchandraji Bapa decided to start the * Shree C. V. O. Deravasi Jain Mahajan, educational institution. In addition to the standard education, students get involved in religious, sports and Mumbai – A Brief History other cultural activities. 2012 SSC exam result for the Songadh Ashram was 100 %. History of Shree C. V. O. Deravasi Jain Mahajan goes back to the year 1854 and beyond. The anointment Songadh Ashram is ISO 9001:2008 certified by DNV (Pratishtha) of Company. -Adinath Bhagwan in Bhatbazar Derasar , Mumbai, took place on Februay 2, 1860 [Contact: Shree Mahavir Jain Charitra Kalyan -Jiravala Parasnath in Ghatkopar East Derasar, Mumbai Ratnashram, Charitra Kalyan marg, Songadh took place on June 5, 1908 (), Taluka:Sihor , Dis t.

Page 12 of 19 -Suvidhinath Bhagwan in Lalbag Derasar, Mumbai took place on June 23, 1926 http://www.themasterclass.in – Core purspos of Master -Kutchi Bhavan in was established in 2003 ClassTM is to contribute, in our own way, to the economic development of our country by helping Shree C. V. O. Deravasi Jain High school was Indian organizations and individuals reach the next level established during 1902 in Mahajanwadi. Purbai School of success by providing simplified training programs, tools for girls was established during 1916. Purbai Dharmshala and consulting services, through various mediums across came into existence in Palitana during 1910. the country, through professionals with practical industry experience. Bhatbazar Derasar Building, Chinchbunder Mahajanvadi Building, Lalbag Derasar Building, and Palitana Kutchi [Contact: Lax Kenia [email protected] ] Bhavan is owned and operated by the Mahajan.

[source: Shri Kutchi Jain Seva Samaj, Ahmedabad Magazine Mangal Mandir, April 2013;

Shree CVOD Jain Pathshala Trust, (Palagaly School), 84, Samuel Street, Mumbai - 400 009. Tel: (091-22) 2347 – 1201, [email protected] ]

* Orchids the international School (Palagaly),

Mumbai), Mumbai K.V.O SEVA

Shree C. V. O. Deravasi Jain Mahajan run Palagaly High school is over 108 years old. Orchids the International School was started in support and cooperation with Navneet Publications and an Educational Institution from South India ‘K12 Techno Services Pvt. Ltd.’ during June ’ 2013. At present, ICSE and ICCSE Board curriculum is established for the 1st th Grade – 5 Grade Students.

[Contact: Shree CVOD Jain Pathshala Trust, (Palagaly School), 84, hazrat Abbas (A.S) Street, Samuel Street, Mumbai – 400 009. Tel: (011-91-22) 2347-1201, email: [email protected]]

Shri K.V.O SEVA SAMAJ, Mumbai

* Foreign Education Function , December 15, 2013 Shree KVO Seva Samaj, Mumbai organized a session on Foreign Education on Sunday December 15, 2013, Matunga Boarding, Mumbai. Students desiring to go overseas were invited along with their parents. USA NRI Visitors Parin Dedhia - IT Engineer (San Francisco Bay Area, California) and Pallavi Dedhia (North Billerica, Massachusetts) participated in talk and Q& A Panel Discussion Session along with other speakers.

[Contact: [email protected] , [email protected], www.kvoss.org http://orkut.kvoss.org/?xg_source=msg_mes_network ]

* Business Education and Transformation

KVO Seva samaj's initiative to educate community with modern business practices thru short workshop with "Master Class" is creating great awareness. Some penetration in Borivali and Dombivali suburbs occured.

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Sheth History & Activities

Sheth Anandji Kalyanji Trust is one of the oldest and powerful Jain trusts in India. Seth Anandji Kalyanji is force behind the several Shwetambar projects. The trust is nearly 250-year old and its foundations were laid by powerful Sheth Shantidas Zaveri. Today, this trust undertakes the administration and caretaking of some of the most famous Jain and establishments of the Shwetambar Jains in the country. Presently, Sheth Shantidas' eleventh generation Shrenik Lalbhai heads the trust. It was founded to manage but later it became one of the main trusts.Among the temples. This trust controls or share the administration of Shatrunjaya, , , Kumbharia, Taranga, Makshiji, Sherisa, Muchchhala Mahavir Temple, Sherisa Vamaj, besides several Jain temples in Ahmedabad. The trust offices are functional in Mumabi, Pune, Mysore, Udaipur, Bikaner, Ratlam, Indore Ujjain, , Bangalore, Belgaum, Kolkatta, Patna, Ludhiana, Ambala and Chennai.

It is worth noting that it was in 1880 that the trust was accepted as a pan-India trust for taking care of the monuments of the Shwetambar sect. Gaurav Sheth, one of the trustees since 1978 said, "It is one of the oldest Jain trusts in the country and the most active also. One of its fortes has been high discipline and credibility it has garnered over the years." In recent times, some of the major works that had been undertaken involved the renovation and restoration of Ranakpur temple under the Presidentship of . The restoration continued for nearly 12 years before the renovated temple was gifted to the people in 1953. After Ranakpurr Temple was the renovation of Palitana temple in 1974. Today, a large number of temples are being restored, including the Hutheesing Jain temple at Delhi Darwaza, which will continue for three years. The trust spends more than Rs 15 crores every year in renovation and repair works of various Jain temples across the country. The trust members and representatives of various cities meet twice a year and finalize a working agenda for the trust.

The names, Anandji Kalyanji are imaginary and they refer to the role of the trust bringing pleasure and bliss to the Jain pilgrims.

[Source: Ahimsa Times - December 2013 Issue, Ahimsa Foundation, 21, Skipper House, 9, Pusa Road, New Delhi - 110005, India, Tel: (091-11) 2875- 4012, [email protected], www.jainsamaj.org, http://www.jainsamaj.org/magazines/ahimsatimesshow.php?id=348

Sheth, .Anandji Kalyanji Trust, 25 Vasantkunj, New Sharda Mandir Road. Paldi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat Tel: (091-79) 2660-8255, [email protected]] y,

Shishuvan School, Matunga, Mumbai, India

Shishuvan is a English Medium school, run by Hirji Bhojraj trust ( Matunga Boarding ) located in Matunga (near Kings Circle), Mumbai. Matunga Boarding is 97 old organisation, and community is very proud to run a Shishuvan school of very high quality education and making children ' All Rounder'.

Hemant H. Maru (Village: Chiasar) moved to India after staying 20+ years in Long Island Area, NY. In India He is associated with Matunga Boarding and Shishuvan School that is run on the premises of the Matunga Boarding. North American school going students wanting to be exchange students or just join for few weeks Shishuvan school should contact Hemant Maru, who can facilitate setup in Shishuvan school, Matunga.

[Contact: Hemant Maru, [email protected] Tel: (091) 98337- 66640]

General Information

* Still Tasty: Your Ultimate Shelf Life Guide

http://www.stilltasty.com/ - This site lists all kind of foods and how to keep them fresh longer as well as when to get rid of them. Browse shelf life information by category. The creation of a magazine writer and her food-scientist mother, StillTasty.com has information on safe storage for thousands of foods and drinks - where and how to store them, how to tell if they’re safe to eat and why you occasionally might need to bite the bullet and toss them.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/long-website-answers-questions-storage-times-thousands-foods- article-1.466155#ixzz2oHU0z7ef

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Virchand Raghavji – VRG (Aug 25, 1864 – Aug 7, 1901)

- Virchand Raghavji Gandhi – VRG ( August 25, 1864 – August 7, 1901) Wallpapers

Virchand Raghavji Gandhi was a Jain scholar who represented at the first World Parliament of Religions in 1893. A barrister by trade, he worked to defend the rights of Jains, and wrote and lectured extensively on Jainism, other religions, and philosophy.

Gandhi was born in Mahuva, Gujarat, India. In 1885, at the age of 21, he became the first honorary secretary of the Jain Association of India. During his term, he fought against a tax being levied by the ruler of Gujarat on pilgrims visiting Mount Shatrunjay, Palitana. Gandhi also fought to close a pig slaughterhouse that had been started in 1891 close to Mount Sametshikhar, a holy place of Jain pilgrimage. Gandhi represented Jainism at the first World Parliament of Religions, held in Chicago in 1893. His statue still stands at the Jain temple in Chicago. He was a contemporary to Swami Vivekanand, who deeply admired him.

He propagated the relevance of Jain tenets and 's message of non-violence. In total, he delivered about 535 speeches on Jainism, other religions, and social and cultural lives in India, all of which received wide publication.

VRG’s photo can be accessed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/herenow4u/sets/72157632530942412/detail/

[Source: Pankaz Jain, [email protected] ]

Scholarships Information

* ASQ Inspection Division H. J. Harrington Scholarship

The ASQ (American Society for Quality - www.asq.org) Inspection Division offers its membership the opportunity to submit themselves, a co-worker, a family member, etc., for the H. James Harrington Scholarship. Visit the ASQ Inspection Division web site at http://asq.org/inspect/index.html to download the applications and for more information about this scholarship.

Application deadline for the Harrington Scholarship is Feb 15, 2014.

This scholarship was created to help members, their family or friends defray the costs associated with college expenses. For information on the Scholarship, visit the site at http://asq.org/divisions-forums/inspect/about/inspect_scholarships

[Contact: Navin S. Dedhia [email protected] ]

* The International Alumni Association of Shri Mahavira Jain Vidyalaya (IAAMJV)

2014 Schoalrship Programs for Jain Students

The association has initiated three scholarship programs aimed at helping deserving students in the following categories:

1) Loan Scholarship for Graduate students from India studying for Masters Program in USA

2) Undergraduate students residing in India

3) High School Seniors / undergraduates residing in the United States

For more information visit website at http://www.iaamjv.org/ http://www.iaamjv.org/scholarship-loan-forms

[Contact: International Alumni Association Of Shri Mahavira Jain Vidyalaya, 318 Grant Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110 Tel: 973-661-3904 [email protected]]

Page 15 of 19

KOJAIN 2013 Merit Scholarship Awardee – Dipal Nagda of Massachusetts

Each year KOJAIN awards one time Merit Scholarships to ownership, before finally arriving upon the necessary North American Kachchhi Oswal Jain students, entering steps to create a safer tomorrow. their first year of college/university by Fall and whose Parents are current KOJAIN life-members. Ms. Dipal First, let us examine a fictional novel and the effects gun Nagda (daughter of Dr. Jyotsna & Vasant Nagda of violence had on the society around. Jodi Pacolet’s novel Newton, Massachusetts, Village: Mothara) was awarded Nineteen Minutes, one of most thought-provoking and 2013 Merit Scholarship. Ms. Dipal Nagda is well emotionally straining books that I have ever come across, deserved recipient of the KOJAIN Scholarship Award. Her tells the story of a high school shooting from the GPA, SAT scores, extracurricular activities, letter of perspective of the shooter himself. Pacolet depicts an recommendation, community service and written essay ordinary town, much like one that you or I live in, that is are very impressive. Dipal is pursuing her undergraduate suddenly faced with the tragic loss of young students. work at Brown University, MA. One of the requirements Peter, the main gunman, shows readers how he was of Scholarship is to write an essay along with the ostracized throughout his entire life, always bullied and application. looked down upon not only by his peers, but also by his family. After putting up with extreme frustration for his Her essay on ‘Guns and Violence in the Twenty-First entire life, Peter lashes out against his community and Century’ is included here. takes the lives of ten of his fellow students. Though fictional, Pacolet’s story has become relevant today when school shootings are heard about every so often. Just six months ago, Adam Lanza walked through the halls of Sandy Hook elementary school, murdering 20 innocent children. What Peter and Lanza had in common was a mental handicap. Both had faced neglect throughout their childhood and needed some way to express their anger. And these are the cases where gun ownership can be fatal. When placed in the hands of a psychologically imbalanced person, a gun is used as a weapon of revenge, often slaying the innocent. Clearly, our society must reassess who has the right own a gun in this day and age.

The right to gun ownership has also been seriously debated in the last few weeks through the case of Traven Martin’s shooting in February, 2012. In the small Guns and Violence in the Twenty-First neighborhood of Sanford, Florida, George Zimmerman had Century been the watch coordinator for a gated community when he fatally shot Traven Martin, a 17-year-old African American high school student. His trial on July 13, 2013 In the past year, the issue of guns and violence has come deemed Zimmerman not guilty of manslaughter on the to the forefront of the public eye, not only in the United grounds that he was acting in self-defense. In fact, Florida States but all across the world. The right to bear arms has a “Stand Your Ground Law” which allows Florida’s in America stemmed from a deep influence by the English citizens to use heavy arms in order to avoid a dangerous Bill of Rights, leading our forefathers to pass the Second situation. And on the principle “innocent until proven guilty,” Amendment in September, 1971 which stated, “A well the six jurorsconcluded that there was not enough regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free evidence to charge Zimmerman with manslaughter. Here is State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall where, I believe, morals conflict with law. Non-violence and not be infringed.” Ahimsa have always been the basic tenets of Jainism - thus, morally, we would believe in using peace to avoid Since then, however, the possession of guns has sparked a dangerous situation. On moral grounds, I firmly believe controversy between protecting the people and upholding that Zimmerman should have been charged with murder. individual rights. While some argue that every citizen has From the legal standpoint, however, his actions can be individual freedoms that cannot be infringed upon, others passed as “self defense.” Similarly, many Americans today believe that guns within our society lead to violence and feel that the “Stand Your Ground” law is morally invalid, hatred. The core of the matter: privacy versus protection. that heavy guns should not cure problems. Florida’s Nevertheless, in 2013, especially within the last couple Senate Democratic leader himself said, “This bill actually weeks, the issue of violence has taken a whole other turn encourages people to shoot their way out of situations and – ranging from the Traven Martin shooting to the Whitey that's not how we live in a civilized society.” Incidences like Bugler trial. We hear about college shootings or individual the Zimmerman acquittal show us that our society’s gun homicides on an almost daily basis. Clearly, our nation’s laws undoubtedly must change. Finally, our entire nation gun policy must be changed very soon. Today, we will has turned its attention to Boston, my hometown, in the examine three case studies in depth to assess the source aftermath of the Boston Marathon Bombings in mid April. of the violence and weigh the pros and cons of gun Dzhokhar and Tamerlane Starwave were accused of

Page 16 of 19

planting two pressure cooker bombs that exploded near legislation to prevent tragedies from occurring in the the finish line, killing three people and injuring 264. Later future. We must commit to change. that week, the two brothers allegedly hijacked a car at gunpoint, shot and killed an MIT police officer, and injured [Contact: Dipal Nagda, [email protected]; an MBTA officer. Watertown, a town neighboring my city, was on lockdown for almost 24 hours while the police Scholarship Committee Chair: tied to locate the younger brother, Dzhokhar. Though I Chandrika Shah, [email protected]] was not at home at the time, my friends and family were terrorized by one man carrying heavy arms.

The whole community sat in fear, waiting for the lockdown Students Hostels in Mumbai, India to be lifted and peace to be restored. But the peace that we in Boston had known for so long was never the same again. Almost everyone, including myself, knew someone or someone’s relative who had lost a limb or passed 1. CB Mehta Vidyalay/ KR Sanghrajka Brothers Vidyalay away. The city that I had once believed was one of the 258/259 Station Road, Wadala. most safe places had turned into a place of chaos and Mumbai 400331, Tel: 022 2412 7049 022 2412 7254 doubt. Though Boston came together in unity to face the attacks, the Tsarnaev brothers’ actions have left me 2. Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalay, CD Barfivala Marg, Juhu seriously reconsidering the second amendment. Lane, S N Vidyalaya, Opp. Local Self Govt. Office, Andheri West, Mumbai 400058, Tel: 022 2671 We, as an entire nation, have to reassess the right to bear 8641 022 6504 6397 022 6522 8386 arms, not only from a Jain perspective but also as a safety precaution. There are two main points of focus: 3. Samyukta Jain Vidyarthi Griha, The United Jain mental stability and legislation. Students' Home, 64 CU Shah, Bhavan, Behind SIES College, Sion West, Mumbai 400022, Tel: 022 2401 Primarily, based upon the school shootings that have 7835 022 2407 3632 022 2407 4701 increased, we need to pay attention to the mentally handicapped citizens within our community and their 4. Virji Ladhabhai Kutchi Dasa Osval Jain Vidyarthi Grih, access to arms. If I were a leader, I would implement Lakshmi Nivas, Cama Lane, Kirol Road, stronger screening processes in school that are tailored Ghatkopar West, Mumbai 400086, Tel: 022 2510 0157 to determining the mental stability of each child. The 022 2513 3174 screening processes would include questions about their lives at home, their interactions with other students, etc. I 5. United Jain Vidyarthi Grih, CU Shah Working Boys' would also create a stronger guidance department in all Hostel, 89/4 Princess Street, Peerbhoy Mansion, schools, from elementary to college, that provide support Mumbai 400002, Tel: 022 2209 1483 and psychological advice for students. Hopefully, measures such as these can help us identify mentally 6. Saurashtra Hostel, 17 A Cowasji Patel Road, Above unstable students such as Adam Lanza and reduce the Blitz Newspaper Office, Fort, Mumbai 400001 frequency of school shootings. Similarly, I would implement gun awareness programs in high schools to 7. Goculdas Mulchand Jain Hostel, 38 B Jain Building, show students the dangers and fatal consequences that Opposite Elphinstone Road Railway Station, bearing arms can have upon the community. Elphinstone Road, Mumbai 400013, Tel: 022 2422 5315

As a leader, I would also reconsider all laws such as the 8. Rajasthan Vidyarthi Grih, (Rajpuri Vidyalay), Lallubhai Florida “Stand Your Ground” ownership has resulted in far Park, SV Road, Andheri West, Mumbai too many deaths and injuries. In such cases, the safety of 400058, Tel: 022 2628 1547 022 2628 8292 the people overrules an individual’s rights. Thus, I would tighten all measures to obtain a gun - creating longer and 9.Goculdas Tejpal Boarding, August Kranti Marg, Near more in depth application processes, and further limiting Tejpal Hall, Mumbai 400026, Tel:022 6633 7196 (w) the number of guns that are issued every year. These measures would be in the hope that people like the 10. Shah Malsi Ghelabhai Gundalawala Kutch Jain Starwave brothers cannot access guns as readily as they Sarvodaya Kendra, 122 Dr Maisheri Road, Dongri, can now. At the national level, perhaps we need to Opp. Sandhurst Road Station, Mumbai 400009, Tel: reconsider the second amendment. I would implement 022 2370 0064 022 2377 0108 nation-wide gun control laws that limit the number of arms flowing into and out of the nation. Though I firmly do 11. Seth Hirachand Gumanji Jain Boarding Hostel, 148 believe in the right of each individual, far too many people Tardeo Bridge Crossing, Near Minerva Theatre, have lost their lives due to unnecessary gun violence. Mumbai 400007, Tel: 98332 86460 (m) 022 2307 6918

In fact, after the Sandy Hook shooting, gun purchases 12. Hirji Bhojraj & Sons Kutchi Visa Osval Jain Chhatralay, have skyrocketed nation-wide. Have any gun control 426 Shraddhanand Road, Matunga, Mumbai measures been taken? Unfortunately, not yet. Clearly, we 400019, Tel: 022 2402 2353 must take a stand now. We must begin to identify dangerous, psychologically handicapped individuals 13. Patidar Seva Samaj, 167 Jagmohandas Marg, Mumbai before they can hurt the community. We must pass active 400007, Tel: 022 2309 1902

Page 17 of 19

th 14. Patidar Seva Samaj Hostel, 6 Mafatlal Building, French KOJAIN Get-Together Meeting during 17 Bridge, Mumbai 400007, Tel: 022 2369 4373 Biennial JAINA Convention, Novi (Detroit) Michigan on Saturday, July 6, 2013 15. Vardhaman Jain Vidyalay, Poonam Vidyalay, Poonam

Vihar, 100 DP Road, Opposite Sector 2, Mira Road East, Thane 401 107, Tel: 022 2810 2244 022 2810 4242

16. Mahavir Jain Hostel, 18 B Patel Estate Road, Pushtikar Society, Jogeshvari West, Mumbai 400102,

17. Modh Vanik Vidyarthi Grih, 15/2 Kohinoor Road, Opp. Yogi Sabhagrih, Dadar, East, Mumbai 400014, Tel: 022 2417 9419

18. International Students' Hostel, C Road, Churchgate, Mumbai 400020, Tel: 022 2204 4780

19. Jagannath Shankarseth Students' Hall Hostel, C Road, Churchgate, Mumbai 400020, Tel: 022 2204 0986

20. Karmavira Bhaurao Patil Boys' Hostel, Mumbai University Campus, Kalina,Santacruz East, Mumbai 400098, Tel: 022 2652 6683 [KOJAIN Youth Meeting followed KOJAIN Membership 21. Pandita Ramabai Girls' Hostel, Mumbai University Meeting] Campus, Kalina, Santacruz East, Mumbai 400098, Tel: 022 2652 7963

22. Savitribai Phule Girls' Hostel, Mumbai University Campus, Kalina, Santacruz East, Mumbai 400098, Tel: 022 2652 6223

23. Narandas Dhanji Dharamsi Vadi Trust Sanchalit Higher Education, Near Kanakia School, Behind Cinemax, Opp. Kanakia Police Station, Mira Road East, Thane 401107, Tel: 022 2810 8964

24. Osval Mitra Mandal, Near Santoshi Mata Temple, LBS Marg, Near Checkpost, Mulund, Mumbai 400080, Tel: 0 98201 25842 (m) 022 2281 6775 022 2620 0503

25. Runwal Girls' Hostel, Runwal Estate, Ghodbunder Road, Thane West, Thane [Attendees during the KOJAIN Membership Meeting] 26. Kanji Khetsi Kanya Chhatralay, Kanji Khatsi Charities, 65 Mint Road, Fort Mumbai 400001, Tel: 022 2261 3248

28. Bhanbai Nenshi Mahila Vidyalay, 82 B Gulmohar Road, JVPD, Vile Parle West, Mumbai 400056, Tel: 022 2377 6935 022 2620 5835

[Source: [email protected] [email protected] ]

[KOJAIN BOD Attendees & KOJAIN Convention Leaders]

Page 18 of 19

KOJAIN 2014 NEW JERSEY SAMMELAN Will Not Be Held KOJAIN has been informed that New Jersey Team will not be able to hold the KOJAIN Sammelan in 2014.

Please send your details to KOJAIN if any group/city/state wants to host KOJAIN Sammelan during 2014.

2013 KOJAIN DIRECTORY PUBLICATION KOJAIN Directory is getting ready for publication. Delay in the publication is due to personal commitments. Correcting, checking, verifying data entries are taking longer time than anticipated.

Directory will be in the mail during February 2014.

KOJAIN appreciates your patience and cooperation.

KOJAIN LIFE MEMBERSHIP 2013 Directory will be mailed to the Life Members only as previously announced. ‘Current Members List’ is available on KOJAIN’s Homepage at http://www.kojain.org/ http://kojain.com/sites/default/files/KOJAIN%20Members.xls

A Request Stay in touch with North American KOJAIN Community wherever you are whenever you want. Start today by accessing our website www.KOJAIN.org. Make a habit to visit KOJAIN website periodically to view new updates. Join KOJAIN Yahoogroup.

Season’s Greetings & Happy New Year

Wishing you

Season’s Greetings and

A Happy, Healthy, & Prosperous New Year!

May the magic of holidays never end and its greatest gift is family and friends.

From:

Nitul S. Haria Please send Change of Address/Updates to: 36627 Oak Street [email protected] Fremont, CA 94536

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