Ahimsa Times
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NEW DELHI'S BHAGWAN MAHAVIR MEMORIAL IS NOW WRESTLING RING FOR JAIN LEADERSHIP
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The National Committee was constituted by the Government of India for the celebration of 2500 Nirvan Mahotsav of Bhagwan Mahavir under the Chairmanship of the then Prime Minister late Smt. Indira Gandhi. As part of celebration, Smt. Indra Gandhi wished a befitting memorial of Bhagwan Mahavir in the national capital. In pursuance of the said objective âBhagwan Mahavir Memorial Samitiâ was constituted under the leadership of 16 prominent Jains who were responsible to raise and develop memorial as per the vision and concept of the National Committee for 2500 Nirvan Mahotsav. The Government of India allotted a 4.04 acres of land adjacent to South Campus Delhi University, New Delhi and also gave financial grant for construction of Memorial to Bhagwan Mahavir Memorial Samiti. The foundation stone of memorial building was laid down by the then Prime Minister late Shri Morarji Desai and a building was inaugurated in the year 1999 by the then Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Bhagwan Mahavir Memorial Samiti was registered with the following objectives:-
1. To celebrate the 2500th Nirvan Mahotsava.
2. To erect a befitting Bhagwan Mahavir Memorial in Delhi.
3. To provide a Library on Jainism and research facilities.
4. To promote the teachings Bhagwan Mahavir
Mrs. Gandhi also took the initiative and further allotted 25 acres of land for the development of Bhagwan Mahavir Vanasthali near Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. Today, it is indeed traumatic to write that, this visionary project of Smt. Indira Gandhi and the iconic institution of entire Jain Diaspora is in disastrous state. In its existence of over 40 years under the domination of most respected and recognized community stalwarts little could be done towards its objectives. The community has failed to put up Smt. Indra Gandhiâs envisioned memorial of Bhagwan Mahavir. Besides, other objectives are irrelevant in the current context. On the contrary today this 4 acre land valued at over 500 crores is at the mercy of Indian judiciary for all the frivolous and superficial reasons. Delhi police and its economic offence wing is investigating the economic affairs of the memorial. The verbal observations of the judges about the management of memorial during are awfully embarrassing for the community as a whole. The Judge in open court verbalizes â¦. How can the followers of Mahavir behave like this â¦.. Is it a private club of elite Jains â¦. Settle the issues yourself..â¦. otherwise I have all the rights to do needfulâ¦. We have many other important and pressing issues â¦.. why are you wasting courtâs precious timeâ¦.etc etc.
Prima facie it appears conflicts and confusions relate to non-compliance of constitutional provisions, questionable amendments in original constitutional, appointment of governing council members and its office bearers, admission of new members, some irregular payments etc. These are all administrative issues which can be comfortably resolved with positive and ego free anekantwadi approach. If the tempers of conflicting groups remain on the same pitch . the day is not far . we may even loose this precious piece of land in the most sought after location of capital of India. We sincerely hope serenity will prevail in all splinter groups and Bhagwan Mahavir Memorial will become an institution of pride for the Jain community. Regrettably, so far, there is no dialogue about building the Memorial of Bhagwan Mahavir or propagating his philosophy.
RECENT COURT ORDERS ARE REPRODUCED HEREIN BELOW
IN THE COURT OF SH. SURINDER S. RATHI: LD. ADDITIONAL DISTRICT JUDGE 03
PATIALA HOUSE COURT: NEW DELHI DISTRICT
CS No. 348/2016
Bhagwan Mahavir Vs. SBI
16.05.2016
Present:
Shri Anuj Jain, Ld. Counsel for the plaintiff.
Shri Ram Kanwar, Ld. Counsel for defendant No.1.
Shri Ashok Kumar Jain, Shri Anup Jain and Shri Abhishek Baid,
Ld. Counsel for defendants no. 3 to 5.
This suit has been filed by the plaintiff a society registered under Society Registration Act since 1974. The Society was incorporated under the banner of Jainism for celebrating 2500 Nirvan Mahautsav of 24th Tirthantak Mahavir across the country with active participation of Government of India. The other objectives included building of a unique Bhagwan Mahavir Memorial so as to propagate and spread the religious beliefs of Jainism and preaching of Bhagwan Mahavir. For this purpose Society was alloted a plot admeasuring 4 acres at the institutional area Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi in the year 1975. It is submitted on behalf of the Society that the desired memorial is yet to be constructed and as of now only a small building exists which has a hall and office space. For running its day to day affairs this society has two saving accounts, one each with defendant no.1 SBI and defendant No.2, HDFC Bank. As per the bylaws and the resolutions passed by their Governing Council in this regard, these accounts are maintained by five signatories, four of whom are governing council members and one is a Member who has also been office bearer. As per the instructions issued to the Bank any two of the above five authorized signatories can operate the account in terms of bylaws and the resolution passed qua day to day expense. The grievance of the plaintiff is that defendants no. 3, 4 and 5 who are Treasurer, Vice President and Additional Secretary of the current set of office bearers have illegally and unauthorizedly issued a letter dated 11.01.2016 to both the banks requesting them to suspend the operation of both these bank accounts. In pursuance of this letter the two defendant banks have suspended the operation of the accounts owned, run and maintained by the plaintiff society. Even though the plaintiff society issued a request letter dated 12.01.2016 to make the account operational but the request was declined by both the banks. Aggrieved by this act of defendants no.1 and 2 Banks of unauthorized suspension of bank account upon asking of defendant nos. 3 to 5 the society was constrained to file the suit in hand. Joint Written Statement has been filed on behalf of defendants no. 3 to 5 apart from application under Order 7 Rule 11 CPC.
Separate Written Statement filed on behalf of SBI. Copy supplied. No Written Statement has been filed on behalf of defendant no.2 HDFC Bank despite served on 25.04.2016. 30 days are yet to expire.
Submissions on plaintiff's ad interim application heard. File perused. It has been argued on behalf of Ld. Counsel for defendant no. 3 to 5 Shri Ashok Kumar Jain that they were constrained to issue the letter dated 11.01.2016 to the bank for stopping the operation of the account in so far as the plaintiff society was indulging in misuse of funds by undertaking unauthorized withdrawal of funds. It was also necessitated as the corpus fund of the society lying in the above two funds was being used for purposes other than what the corpus is meant for. On the contrary, it is argued on behalf of the society that the act of defendants no.3 to 5 is totally illegal and contrary to the constitution and bylaws of the society. It is submitted that no misuse of the funds as claimed is happening. It is further argued that there is no separate bank account maintained for the claimed corpus fund in so far as the corpus fund is safe in separate fixed deposit receipts. It is argued that on account of the above explained illegal act of the defendants, the plaintiff society is finding it difficult to undertake its day to day function including disbursement of the salary to its employees apart from other utility services like electricity, water and other government bills. It is further pointed out that there is no resolution by the General Body or the Governing Council of the society to authorise the defendant nos. 3 to 5 to suspend the operation of Bank account maintained by the society with SBI and HDFC.
It goes without saying that societies are like corporations which have to be run through a collective decision making body i.e. Governing Council. Untill and unless an action is made part of an agenda of any such meeting and is discussed and passed in clear and specific terms. Any action by an individual member or even by two or three of them cannot usurp the collective decision making power of the Governing Council. If such like acts are allowed and encouraged then the internal democratic functioning of the Societies like the plaintiff would crumble and would lead to multifarious financial complications. Every ordinary member of such a Society including the office bearers and Governing Council Members are expected to uphold the constitution and bylaws of the society and work only under them. Each Member is well within the power to raise the issues of any financial irregularaity or misconduct but even this has to happen within the internal democratic framework of Constitution and Bylaws of the society by raising them in meeting and getting a Resolution passed on them. In so far as unilateral act of defendant's No. 3 to 5 of freezing the Bank accounts of Society is per se found contrary to the above, defendants no.1 SBI and defendant no.2 HSFC are hereby directed to make the Bhagwan Mahavir Society's Bank Accounts operational. It is clarified that the bank account shall remain operational as per previous practice.
Copy of order be given dasti to parties. Now to come up for 04.08.2016 for completion of pleadings, admission/denial of documents and framing of issues as well as disposal of other miscellaneous applications.
(Surinder S. Rathi)
ADJ03/ PHC/NEW DELHI
16.05.2016
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IN THE COURT OF SH. SURINDER S. RATHI: LD. ADDITIONAL DISTRICT JUDGE 03
PATIALA HOUSE COURT: NEW DELHI DISTRICT
CS No. 159/2016
Kishore Kochar & Anr. Vs. Bhagwan Mahavir Memorial Society
16.05.2016
Present:
Shri Abhishek Bali, Ld. Counsel for the plaintiff.
Shri Anuj Jain, ld. Counsel for defendants no.1 to 3.
Shri Saumyen Dass, Ld. Counsel for defendant no.4.
Shri Devanshu Kumar Devesh, Ld. Counsel for defendant no.5.
Parties were advised to settle the present matter in the Mediation Centre but no settlement arrived despite efforts. This suit has been filed by two plaintiffs who are ordinary Member and Governing Council Member respectively of the defendant no.1 Society. The suit prays for relief of declaration that a notice dated 03.02.2016 for convening a meeting of General Body of the defendant no.1 Society on 10.02.2016 be declared null and void in so far as it is against the Rules of the Society. Upon filing of this suit, appearance was entered by Ld. Counsel for defendant Society apart from defendants no.2 and 3 and in the light of apprehension expressed by the two plaintiffs in the suit an ad interim injunction order was passed with the consent of both the sides restraining both of them from convening any Governing Council Meeting or the General Body Meeting of the defendant Society till such time the Order 39 Rules 1 and 2 CPC application in the matter is decided on merits. Thereafter, joint Written Statement was filed on behalf of defendants no.1 to 3. Copy was supplied. Replication also filed. Defendants no. 4 and 5 have filed separate Written Statement, copy supplied. Separate replication filed only to Written Statement of defendant no.4. No replication filed for Written Statement of defendant no.5 in so far as he is per se supporting the Plaintiff's case. Separate four other miscellaneous applications also filed on behalf of plaintiffs. Copies supplied. Defendants seek supply to submit reply thereof. Today during the course of hearing the parties on the Order 39 Rules 1 and 2 CPC injunction application, it is found that the primary or core dispute between the parties is only qua act of defendant no.1 Society of passing a resolution dated 11.01.2016 whereby it was resolved that fresh members would be inducted into this Society. Thereafter they inducted around 85 new Members and collected a donation/ Membership Fee of around Rs.26 lacs from them.
However, it is found that this plaint does not seek any relief qua either of the above two developments and is only confined to seek a declaration of cancellation of notice convening a meeting on 10.02.2016. In so far as on 10.02.2016 no meeting was convened by either of the sides and the date has already passed, I have my reservations as to the maintainability of the pleadings and the prayers made therein as on date. Ld. Counsel for the plaintiffs has repeatedly objected to the acts and deeds of the defendants no.1 and 4 of inducting new Members and it appears that their grievance qua the allegedly convened meeting on 10.02.2016 was solely because the defendants were desirous of allowing these newly inducting Members to participate therein. At this juncture, Ld. Counsel for plaintiff submits that he is also conscious of the above factual position and now he is contemplating moving an amendment application in this suit. Record shows that defendant no.5 Mr. M C Shah who happens to be a President of defendant no.1 Society and is per se supporting the case of the plaitniffs had moved an application on 18.04.2016 praying therein permission to convene a Governing Council Meeting of defendant no.1 Society on a agenda proposed by him. It appears that this application was moved in the light of the fact that an injunction order was passed by the Court on 09.02.2016 injucting both the sides from holding any GB or GC Meeting.
Notice of this application was issued to both the sides. Even before the replies qua the same could be filed or submissions heard or any order passed, the Court is apprised by Ld. Counsel for defendant Society that despite the passing of a stay order, in violation thereof, plaintiff's and defendant no.5 apart from 12 other GC Members have adopted a resolution by circulation, on an agenda proposed by defendant no.5 apart from other issues. It is submitted that the resolution, was passed by these people in clear violation of this Court's order dated 09.02.2016 and without awaiting the fate of above application of defendant no.5. In view of this, defendants no.1 to 3 have moved a contempt application against the two plaintiffs and defendant no.5. Notice of the contempt application is issued to plaintiff and defendant no.5 who seeks time to submit reply thereof. In this backdrop defendant no.5 has moved another application seeking permission to implement the aforesaid resolution adopted by circulation on 14.05.2016. It would be considered on the next date.
Now to come up for 04.08.2016 for consideration of pending applications.
(Surinder S. Rathi)
ADJ03/PHC/NEW DELHI
16.05.2016
JAIN TEMPLES
US RETURNS ANCIENT JAIN ARTIFACTS TO PM MODI
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7th June 2016: The US has returned more than 200 pieces of rare cultural artefacts, including a Jain figure of Bahubali during the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM expressed his gratitude for the return of the ancient artifacts. "We are very grateful for government of the US and the President for returning a part of our culture. Usually it's the present that brings nations together, but sometimes it's the heritage that brings two nations closer. Over the past two years, various countries have endeavoured to return India's stolen cultural heritage". My gratitude to the US government for the sensitivity shown to India's heritage. This will evoke great respect among the people of India." During her address at ceremony of Repatriation of Cultural Property, US Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch said: "Today we begin the process of returning more than 200 stolen cultural objects back to India."
INTERNATIONAL JAIN GROUP SEEKS FUNDS FOR NEW JAIN TEMPLE IN LONDON
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A delegate of the Jain community in London visited Mumbai to seek sponsors for building a Jain temple, a multi-faith centre and a library in the British capital. The Jain Network of London, along with the Jain International Organisation, recently acquired a piece of property worth 7 million pounds in Colindale, London to build a Jain temple spread across 30,000sqft. It is estimated that the building structure will cost over Rs.70 crore, Three trustees of the Jain Network of London started the process of seeking donations and bidding for the project in Mumbai. All Jain sects are invited to contribute towards the project. The trustees expect to collect over Rs. 40 crores from India.
EIGHTH CENTURY JAIN ARTIFACTS AT ROCK FORT LIE NEGLECTED
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13th June 2016: Trichy: Stone inscriptions and sculptures dating to the eighth century, shedding light on the origins of Jainism in Trichy and the state, on Rockfort hillock lie in a sorry state owing to poor maintenance. Stone inscriptions dating to the eighth century give evidence of the presence of Jain monks and make Trichy one of the places with traces of Jainism. The sculptures, under the Thaiyumaanavar Sannidhi of the Rockfort, are in an isolated location filled with thorny bushes that have virtually kept the place hidden. There were evidence of more scripts close to the sculpture but were got erased due to lack of maintenance.
IDOL WORTH LAKHS STOLEN FROM NAGPUR JAIN TEMPLE
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1st June 2016: Sensation prevailed in Trimurty Nagar area when unidentified person took away an idol of Lord Vansupujya at Jain Temple under the jurisdiction of Gohalpur police station. The stolen idol was made with eight metals amounting to lakhs of rupees. Gohalpur police informed that Akhilesh Badkul, President of Trimurty Nagar Jain Mandir Samiti informed that the temple was locked after worship at about 9 pm. In morning, a worker reached the temple for cleanliness work. When he opened the doors of main temple, he found that the Ashthadhatu idol of Lord Vansupujya was missing from the temple. Learning about the incident, a large number of devotees and residents gathered at the temple. Receiving the information, police team reached the spot and started investigation into the case. Finger print experts and dog squad were called on the spot for further investigations into the case.
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FIVE THOUSAND YEAR OLD JAIN ROCK CARVING FOUND IN AFGANISTAN.
IT IS A STAMP OF GLORIOUS ANCIENT HISTORY OF JAINISM IN AFGANISTAN
JAIN SAINTS
AACHARYA MAHASHRAMAN JI YATRA COVERS 35000 KMS REACHES DIMAPUR
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10th June 2016: Dimapur: Acharya Shri Mahashramanji, who set out on foot as part of his Ahimsa Yatra, since November 9 2014 reached Dimapur on June 9. Nagaland Governor, P. B. Acharya and chief minister T. R. Zeliang attended the programme, in honour of Mahashramanji held at Mahabir Bhavan, Marwari Patti, Dimapur. The event was organised by Shree Jain Shwetambar Terapanth Sabha, Dimapur. Ahimsa Yatra has been extremely successful in promoting peace, harmony and de-addiction in large part of the country. For this Mahashramanji has travelled not only within India but also Bhutan and Nepal, covering a distance of around 35000 kms.
GOVT. OF INDIA HAS ISSUED POSTAL TICKET IN THE NAME OF PARAM PUJYA VIDYASAGAR MAHARAJ JI.
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POPE MEETS WITH JAINS TO PROMOTE HUMAN HEALING AND CARING
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1st June 2016:Vatican: The Institute of Jainology and International Jain Organisation led its delegation to the Vatican to meet with the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue. The last two meetings were in 1995 and 2011. The 35- strong international Jain delegation was led by Nemu Chandaria, Chairman of the IoJ and had Jain leaders from the UK, India and the Middle East. The delegations discussed the topic of âTaking care of the Earth, the home of the human familyâ.
Mehool H Sanghrajka, Director of the IoJ, presented a paper from the Jain perspective in which he said; "The signs of our environmental damage are all around us. Degradation of the environment and climate change are already causing great suffering. Unchecked consumerism and wastefulness, the hallmarks of modern life, continue to cause irreparable damage to the planet. From a Jain perspective, taking care of the earth is not merely concern for the environment. It is far deeper, and rooted at the heart of Jain preaching. Co-existing with all other forms of life in an interdependent world, is about not causing harm to our fellow souls, and sin to one's self." The Jain delegation and the PCID issued a joint press communiqué in which they called upon âthe followers of both religious traditions to promote respect for the environment, non-exploitation of natural resources, reduction of wastefulness, care for all forms of life, and concern for future generationsâ.
Expressing his joy at the encounter, Pope Francis welcomed the Jains saying that "This encounter nurtures our responsibility to care for creation", and calling creation a "gift that we have all received" he said "creation is Godâs mirror, the mirror of the Creator, the mirror of nature, and it is our mirror too. We all love mother Earth, because she is the one who has given us life and safeguards us; I would also call her sister Earth, who accompanies us during the journey of our existence. Our duty is to take care of her just as we would take care of a mother or of a sister, with responsibility, with tenderness and with peace. Nemu Chandaria, Chairman of the IoJ, commented; "We have mutual respect and friendship with the Catholic Church that has been built over two decades. We look forward to deepening cooperation at local levels whilst calling for responsible stewardship of the natural world. At the end of the meeting, the Jains joined the Pope for a photo.The video is available here: www.youtu.be/EOnH-NmkMv0
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ANOTHER JAIN SADHVI KILLED IN ROAD ACCIDENT NEAR ANAND
23rd May 2016: Vadodara: Jain Sadhvi Dakshasha Maharaj and her accomplice Jyotika were killed after being hit by an unidentified vehicle Anand district in the morning on 22nd May. Jyotika died on the spot while 50-year-old sadhvi Dakshasha Maharaj succumbed at a hospital. The sadhvi, who was wheel chair bound, and Jyotika had started their journey from temple town Palitana on May 9 and were on their way to a derasar in Chhani area of Vadodara. The wheelchair bound sadhvi, who originally belonged to Vadodara, and her sevika were killed on Tarapur-Vataman highway in Anand district at around 5.30am when they were hit by an unidentified vehicle. The duo was a part of a group of 27 sadhvis, eight monks, three 'diksharthis' and 10 sevaks who had started their journey after attending a 'varshitap parna' ritual from the holy town of Palitana. After a halt at Indranaj, they started the onward journey towards Vadodara.
JAIN SADHVI CONFERRED MAHAMANDLESHWAR TITLE
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12th May 2016: Ujjain: First time in the history of Kumb Mela, a Jain sadhvi will take Diksha of Sanatan Dharma and will become the part of Juna Akhara. Chandanprabha-Giri Prior to this ritual, Mahapujan of Sadhvi Chandanprabha Nand Giri was performed by 1008 couples at the grand program. Confluence of two religions, Jainism and Hinduism was witnessed here at Maa Chandan Padmawati Darbaar where Jain Sadhvi Chandanprabhanand Giri embraced Hindu religion and became Mahamandleshwar of Juna Akhara. On the occasion saint Awadheshanand Giri said âI am not changing anyoneâs religionâ¦a personâs deed becomes his religion. âI will work for the welfare of humanity and act as a bridge between both the religions,â he said. Bhajan singer of Mumbai Vicky Parekh sang Bhajans at the camp in evening which enthralled the present audience. The Pattabhishek ceremony of the Sadhvi Chandanprabha Nand Giri was performed by Aacharya Mahamandleshwar of Juna Akhara, Swami Awadheshanand in the presence of Shri Mahant of Juna Akhara and general secretary of Akhara Parishad, Hari Giri and hundreds of saints.
AHIMSA & ANIMAL CRUELTY
POLITICS OF EGGS IN MADHYA PRADESH
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14th June 2016:Eggs were banned from midday meals after Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had vowed not to allow eggs in anganwadi and school meals to honour a promise he had earlier made to Jain saints. Chouhan, a sworn vegetarian, made the promise while addressing the Jain community in 2010. Last year, Chouhan had asserted that eggs will not be introduced in midday meals in the BJP-governed state âas long I am the CM of Madhya Pradeshâ.
But a survey by Registrar General of India survey reveals that more men, and nearly half the women of Madhya Pradesh have a non-vegetarian diet. Right to food activists say the figures could be more if the SC/ST populations are surveyed properly. This as resulted into a political campaign by section of activists in favour of providing egg in midday meal to children. Acharya Vidyasagar, a prominent Jain saint has also asked the Speaker to impress upon the Centre to reconsider the policy to include eggs in midday meals. Mahajan, a Lok Sabha member from Indore in MP, had called on Vidyasagar at Kundalpur in Damoh district. It was learnt that the Jain saint suggested that bananas or other fruit with more nutrients should replace eggs in the midday meal. Agreeing that eggs should not be made compulsory, Mahajan promised to raise the issue with appropriate authorities, Sandesh Jain, the working president of Kundalpur Mahotsava Samiti, told The Indian Express.
ABUSE AND KILLING OF COWS IN MILK PRODUCTION
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Although cow is recognized and considered as most sacred animal all over India, it is saddening to mention that cows are the worst abused and badly treated. The abuse and killing of cows on dairy farms is the main reason why many members of the Jain community have decided to make a switch to a vegan lifestyle. The most common abuses are:
1. The cow is forcefully impregnated by means of artificial insemination. If a cow isnât made pregnant, she wonât produce milk.
2. The newborn calf is normally taken away from its mother within 24-48 hours. This is traumatic for cows, who, like human mothers, are very motherly and develop strong bonds with their babies.
3. Male calves are killed shortly after birth or sold on for meat/leather production. They have no other use to dairy farmers.
4. Female calves are kept on to replace their mothers as milk-producing cows.
5. The mother cow will be killed when 5-7 years old, even though she could live for 20 to 30 years if given the chance. This is because after bearing a calf and giving milk each year, her milk yield drops such that it is no longer profitable for a dairy farmer to keep her alive.
6. Even though cows on organic farms might experience slightly better conditions, they are still artificially inseminated and killed long before they would leave their bodies naturally.
For further information about the way in which cows and other animals are exploited in the milk production process, please visit the Vegan Society website: www.vegansociety.com
AWARD AND ACHIEVEMENTS
PRIYANKA JAIN AWARDED $100,000 FOR CANCER RESEARCH
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1st June 2016: New Mexico: Priyanka Jain, a La Cueva High School graduate from New Mexico, is one of the 19 Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars selected this year, to Notre Dame University. Priyanka Jain won the prestigious scholarship, which comes with $100,000 over the next four years, for her promising research on treatment of cancer. Priyanka Jain was selected after competing in the International Science and Engineering Fair for her project on cancer treatment. She developed a method to target and kill cancer cells without life threatening side effects, which had promising results.
Out of more than 1,700 contestants from 77 countries, she was placed second in her category. She will study biochemistry at Notre Dame. She would like to become an orthopedic surgeon while continuing her cancer research. Her high school accolades include founding a science bowl club to spread STEM awareness, captaining a Model UN team and several Science Olympiad events, serving as an ambassador to the National Society of High School Scholars, and being a member of several national honor societies. She is a finalist for the National Merit and AXA Achievement Scholarships, and was the only finalist from the state of New Mexico for the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. She has also been the JV Tennis team co-captain and loves to play piano and violin.
AYUSH JAIN EXCELS IN CBSE EXAMINATION
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21st May 2016: Jaipur: Ayush Jain has scored an impressive 98.4% in his Class 12 board examinations, the results of which were declared by Central board of Secondary Education recently. A student of Saint Xavierâs School, Jain scored the highest in Jaipur with an exceptional 99 in chemistry and physics and a 98 in biology. But it was Informatics Practices that got him a perfect 100. He wants to become a doctor like his father and credits him for being the inspiration in his life.
VISUALLY IMPAIRED ARJAV JAIN SCORES 96% IN CBSE
22nd May 2016: Kanpur: 'Where there is will there is way', the adage stands true for 18 year old Arjav Jain who despite being visually impaired since birth managed to score 96 percent marks in the class XII of board exams conducted by CBSE.A student of Delhi Public School, Azad Nagar, Arjav was also amongst the city toppers and brought name and fame to his parents, school principal and teachers. The outstanding performance by Arjav though was expected by his parents and teachers, but it still took everyone by surprise.
This was so because not only he scored exceptionally high like other normal students, he also wrote the exams in a challenging manner. Arjav used to write on computer keyboard after listening to the questions on headphone. Arjav is the only student in the country who attempted Hindi question paper in Hindi by punching the answers on keyboard, claimed Arjav's father. Most importantly, he did not seek help of a writer during the board exam. He did not use even braille system of writing.
In 2014 Arjav had scored 10 out of 10 CGPA and this time again Arjav scored over and above the expectations of everyone. Extremely talented Arjav is also a recipient of Bal Shri 2016 which was awarded to him by Union Minister Smriti Irani in February this year. He has interest in classical music and has been taking classes for past nine years. According to Arjav, he used to listen to the questions through headphone and punched the answers on the computer keyboard. He did not demand extra time from CBSE board and used to write all his papers within the three hours deadline. He said that his punching speed is good and that he is easily able to write on computer using a keyboard.
An overwhelmed Rajesh Jain, father of Arjav said that his son has been blessed by the almighty and despite being visually impaired since birth, he had some extra qualities. "We were expecting a good result from Arjav and that his son proved his mettle. Writing answers on computer keyboard was never a challenge for him because Arjav had been practising to write on keyboard since his class IVth. Therefore, during the board examination he could easily write the answers by hearing questions on headphone", said Arjav's father.
He further said that all this was possible with the help of the two softwares JAWS and NVDA. He also said that for Arjav's convenience all the subject books were scanned by him and converted into E-text which Arjav used to hear on headphone to learn."Having interest in Indian classic music Arjav had started playing the initial instruments when he was in class IVth and managed to learn learn a lot. According to his mother, it is because of his deep love for music that Arjav would further learn the Indian classic music".
ASHMITA JAIN OF NEW PANVEL SCORES 99.6% IN CBSE
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22nd May 2016: Mumbai: For Ashmita Jain of St Joseph's High School in Khanda Colony, life changed for the best between Jurassic Park and Jungle Book. Before appearing for her Class X Central Board of School Examination, she watched the Steven Spielberg movie. After the exam, she saw the Jon Favreau blockbuster. And when results came out, her score was 99.6%. She scored 498 out of 500 marks, with 100% in three subjects. According to the school Principal, Kalpana Dwivedi, Ashmita is a multi-talented student and she made the school proud. "She is very disciplined and always took part in school activities," said Dwivedi. For St Joseph's High School, there are reasons to cheer.
ANURAG JAIN GETS EXTENSION AS JOINT SECRETARY IN PMO
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30th May 2016: New Delhi: Senior IAS officer Anurag Jain, who is working as Joint Secretary in Prime Minister's Office has been given two years of extension in central deputation. He is a 1989-batch IAS officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre. The Appointments Committee of Cabinet has approved the extension of central deputation tenure of Anurag Jain for a period of two years beyond June 28, 2016, an order issued by Department of Personnel and Training said. An IAS officer normally gets a minimum of five-year central deputation tenure which is further extendable for two more years. However, the Centre can extend the deputation period further under exceptional circumstances. Jain took over as the Joint Secretary in the PMO. He has held various posts both in the Centre and in the state including of Collector of Bhopal, Secretary to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Joint Secretary in the Finance Ministry.
MARATHON CHAMPION SUNIL JAIN SEEKS A PUSH FOR PARASPORTS
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29th May 2016: Bengaluru: Physical disability has never been a hurdle to Sunil Kumar Jain, now spearheading a movement for parasports in India. The disabled in India have little access to qualified coaches and adapted sports equipment. But Sunil Jain hopes his movement will bring change. At 40, when Jain decided to run a 10K marathon using a self-propelled wheelchair, he found no facilities for training, or even a coach. He found a wheelchair that could propel him forward. After a month and a half of practice at the Kanteerava Stadium, he was ready with a group of 24, including amputees and people on crutches, to take part in the marathon.
âWe took part in the TCS World 10K Bengaluru Marathon on May 15 to bring about in awareness about parasports, much neglected in India. Further, I wanted the public to see our commitment so that they could come out and help us,â he said. âThe Reebok Runners Group with seven regular marathoners backed us. Participants also raised funds through the run. We plan to set up the first completely accessible wheelchair tennis training facility in Bengaluru by mid-2017,â he said. According to Sunil Jain, " the project needs at least a 1 crore. We have approached Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza who have promised all support. Through Facebook, in the last two months we have raised 1.5 lakh." He elaborates, âSports is a great enabler for integration and inclusion. There are millions of people for whom we can provide sporting experiences. We can empower them to have an awesome life." At the marathon, Jain did 4.2 km in an hour and 47 minutes, using his evolving and innovative wheelchair. A Chartered Accountant, Sunil Jain has for a decade been doing his bit to empower the challenged through his organisation Astha.
What is parasport? It is sport for people with disability. The âparaâ stands for parallel. It is played with adapted equipment, and rules that make the game fun and accessible for everyone. Some parasports have no able-bodied equivalent.
ANSHUL JAIN TO HEAD CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD INDIA BUSINESS
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1st June 2016:New Delhi: Global property consultancy Cushman & Wakefield has appointed former DTZ India head Anshul Jain as Managing Director of its India operations. In his new role, Anshul Jain will be in charge of leading the India business and will work closely with the India leadership team in leveraging its existing successful platform and building on the continued growth momentum of Cushman & Wakefield's business across the region. Anshul Jain has over 20 years of experience in the real estate industry and has lead and managed key businesses across Asia Pacific and internationally in the UK. He has held job titles across a broad spectrum of real estate services including consulting and valuations, office design and build services, real estate private equity investments, and office leasing and investment sales. Jain had quit DTZ after its $2 billion global merger with Cushman &Wakefield last year.
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NDORE: MAHAK JAIN QUALIFIES FOR $10,000 MADRID TOURNAMENT
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7th June 2016: Indore: Mahak Jain of Indore has qualified for the International Tennis Federationâs $10,000 womenâs tournament being played at Ciudad De La Raqueta club in Madrid. Mahak, the only Indian girl in the event, entered the main draw by clearing the round of 64, where she won her three matches. She defeated Tyra Calderwood of Australia 6-2, 6-2 in the round one, followed by a win against eighth-seeded Meritxell Perera Ros of Spain by 6-4, 6-3. In the final qualifying round, the 14-year-girl scored 6-3, 6-3 victory against Akiko Okuda of the US. The tournament is being played on clay courts. Jain currently holds 98th rank in the world in the under-18 category and her victory has earned her place in WTA rankings too. Earlier, Jain emerged champion in the second edition of âRendez-vous a Roland-Garrosâ on red clay by defeating Humera Shaikh 6-2, 6-3 at the DLTA Complex in Delhi in February.
SATPAL JAIN IS PART-TIME MEMBER OF LAW COMMISSION
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12th June 2016: Chandigarh: Former MP and Additional Solicitor General of India Satya Pal Jain has been appointed as part-time member of the Law Commission of India. This appointment is in addition to his appointment as the Additional Solicitor General of India. Satya Pal Jain joined as the member of the commission in Delhi. The Law Commission has been constituted by the Central Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to study judicial reforms in the country and to make recommendations to the Government of India.
SONYA JAIN WINS WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP AWARD
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May 23, 2016 Arlington: Sonya Jain, President and CEO of e Global Tech (eGT), has received the Women in Technology Leadership Award honoring female professionals who bring unique vision and talent to the technology industry.The 17th annual WIT awards banquet, held on May 19, 2016, showcased a stellar slate of corporate, government and entrepreneurial talent as it honored women in the Greater Washington, DC area. The event welcomed more than 500 attendees, celebrating women who connect, lead and succeed in their professional endeavors. Sonya Jain won the WIT award in the corporate mid-market sector category.With more than 30 years of experience in information technology and management consulting, Sonya Jain has led eGT to an established record of high performance and delivering measurable results. Her previous awards include Smart CEO's Future 50 Award, Washington Technology Fast 50, and Smart CEO's Brava! Top Women in Business.
About Women in Technology: Women in Technology is a not-for-profit organization with the mission of advancing women in technology from the classroom to the boardroom by providing advocacy, leadership development, networking, mentoring and technology education. With nearly 1000 members in the Washington, D.C.area, WIT strives to meet its vision of being the premier organization empowering women to be architects of change in the technology industry.
About e Global Tech: e Global Tech (eGT) is a woman-owned, premier IT solutions, development, cyber security, and management consulting firm based in Arlington, Virginia. eGT specializes in transforming different technologies and developing solutions to meet client's varying business needs. eGT supports multiple federal customers including the Departments of Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, State, Education, Labor, Energy, Defense, and the General Services Administration.
CONFERENCES, SEMINARS AND EVENTS
HOUSTON (USA) JVB PREKSHA CENTER PRESENTS "AHIMSA PURAN"
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27th May 2016, Houston: Under the auspicious presence and guidance of Samani Vikas Pragyaji and Samani Maryada Pragyaji, JVB Center celebrated three major events, Mahavir Jayanti, Akshay Tritiya and Tribute to Gurus on May 15, with a magnificent musical play. The program started with JVB Gyanshala Cultural Team Coordinator, Anusha Jain narrating and kids recreating the scene of Samavasaran where Bhagwan Rishabh preaches the message of Ahimsa among a group of devotees. The youngest group of JVB Gyanshala, Arham & Gyan group sang the shlokas from the holy book, known as of Baktambar Stotra and recited their detailed meaning all along. Pretty costumes and props enthused the audience and they appreciated their performance which was crafted by Samani Maryada Pragyaji along with Gyanshala Cultural Team of Mukta & Anusha Jain.
Then followed an hour long magnificent display of a musical play called âThe Ahimsa Puranâ which was directed by Samani Vikas Pragyaji and presented by JVB Gyanshala parents where they glorified Bhagwan Rishabhdev & Bhagwan Mahavirâs teachings by bringing them to life through six different chapters and commemorated the lives and untiring efforts of Acharya Sri Tulsi & Acharya Shri Mahapragyaji, founders of Preksha Meditation Technique and taking their mission & vision forward by the current Acharya, Shri Mahashramanji. It was a spectacular story of an ancient culture told through striking audio & video slides, soulful music and meaningful lyrics.
Samani Vikas Pragyaji gave the discourse and emphasized the need of celebrating this special program to preserve our cultural and historical heritage of Non-Violence in todayâs unstable world. She also described how the behavioral & spiritual non-violence is the answer to this modern world. JVB Vice-President, Gaurav Jhaveri did the Vote of Thanks to a wonderful team of members who were behind the success of this mega event.
Houston based, JVB Preksha Meditation Center envisions a blissful and peaceful society through Yoga, Preksha Meditation and Education of Non-violence. It conducts weekly Meditation, Yoga and Swadhyay sessions under the auspicious guidance of Samanijis and runs special events and programs like I Choose, Meditation Camps and Gyanshala program for ages 4- 14 yrs. It is open to all and every session or event is free of charge to its attendees.
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY CELEBRATED
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While addressing the World Environment Day conference organised by International Chamber of Media and entertainment Industry in association with United Nations Information Centre in Film City Noida, Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti said that world is faced with the problem of climate change. Glaciers are melting, temperature is rising, and hole is created in ozone layer. All this is harmful for the life on earth. We have to find the root cause of environment pollution and work towards its solution. Acharya Lokesh said that nature and religion are the pillars of happy, healthy and comfortable life. Available natural resourced can fulfil our needs but they cannot fulfil our desires. When humans subjugated by selfish interests and greed go against the nature the happy, healthy and comfortable life is disturbed. Religion is not against development but development that is centred at consciousness and surrounded by materialistic development it becomes a blessing. We have to think about development that also protects environment. Acharya Lokesh said that Bhagwan Mahavir 2600 years back gave the principle of âSHAT JEVVNIKAYâ which means that earth, fire, water, wind, plant all are living. These should not be unnecessarily broken or punctured. They should not be used more than required. He said that desires are unlimited but resources are limited. Limited resources cannot fulfil unlimited desires. Source: Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti, E-Mail:
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NEW BOOKS ON JAINISM
AN AHIMSA CRISIS: YOU DECIDE
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An Ahimsa Crisis: You Decide - The 328 page book by Dr. Sulekh C. Jain of Houston illustrates with hundreds of actual current daily life examples and practices how compromises are made and how ahimsa is slipping away from us. There is a real crisis in its observance. The book covers many issues related to ahimsa with an analytical approach. In light of the doctrines, the author examines the prevailing decadence seen in ritualistic and traditional observations among Jains caused by ignorance as well as misinterpretation of the principles and doctrines. It is a thorough and well researched presentation deserving commendation.
Ahimsa and Ahimsa Parmodharma are the cardinal virtues of the three of the oldest and the major religions of the world (Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism). It is a doctrine that propounds in the sacredness of all living beings, since all living things have the same divine essence in them and therefore to hurt another living being is to hurt oneself. This naturally includes all acts of violence that may injure or kill another sentient being. The complexity and profundity with which the doctrine of unconditional Ahimsa/nonviolence is expanded upon in Jainism runs deeper than many people can imagine. It is far more radical, scrupulous and comprehensive in its understanding and implementation. It is the central and most important vow that all Jains subscribe to. This book is now available completely free and you can download it from www.isjs.in Author: Dr. Sulekh C. Jain, Houston, Texas, USA Home, Cell: 832-594-8005, E-Mail:
MISCELLANEOUS
'SHRUTGANGA'S THE REWRITING CENTER OF JAIN MANUSCRIPTS
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23rd May 2016: Mumbai:âShrutgangaâis the centre of rewriting Jain manuscripts on the third floor of Shrut Ganga Mandir situated amidst the hustle and bustle of of Kalbadevi in Mumbai.A dozen men seated in an organised sequence on the floor, work themselves into oblivion. They are rewriting ancient Jain manuscripts. Thousands of manuscripts are brought here from the libraries of the old town of Patan in Gujarat. Interestingly, these men, wearing traditional white robes and colourful turbans are either Maharashtrian or North Indian Brahmins. These men at their antique wooden desks reproduce each letter on sheets made out of jute paper in admirable calligraphy. The re-creation of each letter has a touch of artistic excellence requiring great precision and patience.
Among them is Hemang Mistry, who has been working at this centre ever since its inception. With focused gaze, he goes about codifying the manuscripts, arranging them neatly in carved cupboards made of teak wood. The ink is eco-friendly. Sesame oil when burnt produces deep soot. It is mixed with natural colours to give black ink. The paper used is handmade and of jute. The religious texts are mostly in Sanskrit, Prakrit and Magadhi languages. The centre uses two types of ink - black ink procured from burnt sesame and golden ink made of natural colors and gold dust. Depending on the colour of the ink, either white or black sheet of paper is chosen. The paper is pressed against strings attached on the surface of a rectangular piece of wood to create impression of rules. The traditional practice of rewriting manuscripts requires the writers to sit on the floor for long hours to rewrite, proof read and correct. of the 15 men at work, two Sanskrit scholars from Benares have assumed the mantle of proof reading.
Administrator Mahendra Gehlani explains the idea of streamlining the colossal task of scriptwriting. âWith most of the Jain manuscripts getting destroyed over a period of time, the community felt the need to preserve its ancient tradition. Ever since its inception, 6,500 manuscripts have been rewrittenâ. The proposed library for housing Jain manuscripts and religious texts is set to come up at Ahmedabad.
TELANGANA ACCORDS MINORITY STATUS TO JAINS
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22nd May 2016: Hyderabad: The Telangana Government has declared the Jain community as a religious minority. A government order was issued from the Minorities Welfare Department after the All India Digamber Jain Organisations Coordination Committee approached the government. The government will publish a notification in the next Telangana Gazette issue.
The committee reiterated that the Jain community was officially recognised as a religious minority in 2010 in the united state of Andhra Pradesh. Subsequently, it requested the Telangana government to accord the community the same status as the previous government which would enable it to establish and run educational and religious institutions as provided by Article 30 of the Constitution. Using the 2001 census data, the organisation noted that there are as many as 26,690 Jains in the state out of a population of 3.51 crore. This, it explained, constituted 0.075 per cent of the population of the state. Jain community members welcomed the move even as they said that the declaration would provide them with an equal footing vis-a-vis other religious minorities such as Muslims, Christians and Sikhs. According to Gautam Jain, a member of the State Minorities Commission, the community can now request the government to release Jain temples and prayer halls from the endowments department. We can now have the equivalent of a State Wakf Board to manage our places of worship. The declaration would allow several Jains from economically weak backgrounds to apply for loans and students to apply for the Overseas Study Scheme for Minorities, he added.
JAIN DIKSHA
ECONOMICS POST GRADUATE MADHURI OPTS FOR DIKSHA
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20th May 2016: Udaipur: It was a very special day for Madhuri and her loved ones. The 23-year-old Economics Postgraduate from Maharashtra, looked her best in the bridal attire, decked up all in gold and silver. Her âVarghodaâ was a loud affair with hundreds of men, women and children walking behind the buggie which carried her with full pomp and grandeur. It was a cocktail of emotions- melancholy as well as ecstasy. Tears were swelled up the eyes of Munni Bai, Maduriâs mother who knew she was seeing her dear daughter in the colourful dress for the last time for Madhuri would be seen only in white after receiving Diksha for remaining of her life.
Madhuri Sancheti, resident of Khapar in Maharashtra who chose to give up the material world have been living life of penance for two years now. It was in 2016 when the young girl happened to hear a Pravachan of a Jain Muni at Madangang in Kishangarh, Ajmer. The lecture impressed her so much so that she, a scholar who knew the intricacies of wealth, took to an instant disinterest from it.
She shared the feelings with her family who after some initial reservations agreed to her will. To find out if she could survive the hardships of a nunâs life, she lived in their company, walked for more than a 1000 kilometers during Vihaars, studied the Jain religious texts like Dash Vaikalik Sutras, Sukh Vipak sutras, Thokde, 25 bol etc. by heart. With the sudden demise of her father early this year, Madhuri also took to herself the responsibility of getting her sisters married off before she walked the spiritual path. Madhuri would undergo the âKeshlochâ and other rituals and be given the Diksha by Jain saint Shanti Muni. The event would be a much celebrated affair as thousands of community people from across the country have reached Udaipur to witness the ceremony.
FORMER IAS OFFICER A. K. JAIN PASSES AWAY
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31st May 2016: New Delhi: Senior Indian Administrative Service officer and former secretary to the Government of India. Arun Kumar Jain passed away on 30th May in a tragic car accident. He was 62. He is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters. Arun Jain was a 1977-batch officer of the Nagaland cadre, who retired as Secretary, Union Ministry of Women and Child Development. He had served the government in various other capacities, including as Nagaland's Home Secretary and Law Secretary; Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and Member (Finance) in Prasar Bharati.
He represented the Ministry of Home Affairs for three years at the U. N. Human Rights Commission Annual Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. He was a double-degree holder, Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi, and Business Management with specialisation in finance from University of Hull, the U. K. had extensive experience in administration and governance, besides having acquired special experience in matters relating to law, finance, management, project administration, public sector management and industrial investment.
As sub-divisional magistrate and additional district magistrate in the early years of career, he held the Court of Judicial Magistrate Class I and Sessions Court in the State of Nagaland and was entrusted with judicial responsibilities under applicable law at that time. He always stood up for high standards of professional competence, efficiency and integrity while serving government interests. During this posting from 2006 to 2012, he was amongst the first to resist the alleged financial irregularities committed during the Commonwealth Games 2010 in New Delhi.