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SAINTS
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ACHARYA MAHAPRAGYA CALLS CONFERENCE OF TERAPANTH SABHA REPRESENTATIVES.
A conference of the representatives of Tera Panth Mahasabha will be held at
Siriyari near Pali in Rajasthan, the place where Terapanth Acharya Shri
Mahapragya is having his Chaturmas from 22nd to 24th August, 2004. The delegates
attending the conference will come from all over the country and also abroad for
whom elaborate arrangements are being made by the organisers of Chaturmas. The
proceedings of the conference will include the past achievements of different
centres of Terapanth sabha, their future plans, discussion on creating a healthy
society, role of delegates in their regions and other subjects concerning
Terapanth community.
SRI ANANTHAPRABHA MUNIJI, HAILING FROM
WEST BENGAL, CONCLUDES 30-DAY FASTING.
Sri
Ananthaprabha Muniji, hailing from West Bengal, concluded his 30-day fasting at
Triplicane .The monk observed the fast in keeping with austerities set forth by
Jain Dharma. He took only warm water, in day time alone, on all the 30 days from
11 July. Sree Jain Swathamber Murthi Pujak Sangh organised a five-day
celebrations in connection with the conclusion of fasting by the monk. The
celebrations included special poojas, annadanam and a procession taken out by
members of the Jain community on 8 August. The 22-year-old monk has undertaken
similar fasts for shorter durations. He says such austeries would cleanse mind
of impurities and make an individual fit for liberation from all bonds.
Interview with Samani Pratibha Pragya on the 2004 Parliament of World's Religions at Barcelona , Spain By Carla Geerdes on 26.07.2004 , Pl. Click here for text.......
CONFERENCES
AND OTHER EVENTS
Barcelona
Parliament of World’s Religions
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( Left -Jain monks and sadhvis reciting prayers, Rigth - Jaina Delegation at Barcelona Spain. )
AISSJC TO HOLD NEXT PRESIDENTIAL
ELECTION ON 31ST OCTOBER, 2004 AT DHULIA.
The
next elections for the presidential of All India Sthankawasi Jain Conference (AISSJC)
is due this year as Mr. N. C. Chopra (Pali) are completing his term. ( With this
Mr. N. C. Jain , Chairman will also vacate the office ). This time it is the
turn of zone four to elect the president. AISSJC has divided the entire country
in five zones and president is elected for two years on rotational basis from
each zone. The previous presidents were from zone three. Zone four mainly
consists of Maharashtra area. To decide about the next elections the executive
body of AISSJC had a meeting at Ahmednagar on 15th August and it was decided
that the next general body meeting should take place on 30th October, 2004 and
next elections can take place on 31st October. The venue of the meeting and
election will be Dhulia town.
There are two preconditions for the contesting candidates for the presidentship
1. The candidate should be member of the executive body of the AISSJC for
four years or,
2. He should held position as office bearer of AISSJC for at least two
years.
After the elections the President nominates the executive body and other
committees etc. Any Sthankawasi Jain is eligible to vote who is member of AISSJC.
Any Sthanakwasi Jain can apply for life membership of AISSJC. The membership fee
is Rs. 500/-. Membership forms are available at Jain Bhawan, 12, Shaheed Bhagat
Singh Marg, Gole Market, New Delhi - 110001. For any further information one can
contact Shri Subhash Oswal, General Secretary, AISSJC, C-642, New Friends
Colony, New Delhi, Tel: 98-100-45440.
INTERNATIONAL PREKSHA MEDITATION CAMP
(FROM 15TH JAN. 2005 TO 22ND JAN. 2005).
This
8 day residential camp is being organized in the land of peace, penance &
peacock at Jain Vishva Bharti, Ladnun. Sages & seers have done meditation over
the centuries at the campus of Jain Vishva Bharti. This is the very place where
Acharya Mahapragya meditated for many years to rediscover Preksha Meditation.
The campus is designed in a fashion and style that is most suited to hold such
spiritual self-realizing events. This is a wonderful and once in a lifetime, not
to be missed opportunity. Seats being very limited, only fortunate ones will get
a chance to attend this camp. There is a screening process for selection of the
participants. The camp is open for both national as well as international
participants.
Pl.
Click here for further information...........
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SARAV DHARAM CONFERENCE AT LUDHIANA.
Your
kind attention is invited for the celebration of 111th Anniversary of Swami
Vivekananda's Address at Chicago,USA(in the world parliament of religions on
11th Sept,1893). Swami Vivekananda Study Circle,Regd. (H.O.Ludhiana)is going to
organise 'Sarav Dharam Conference' in the month of September,2004, at Ludhiana.
Speakers are invited from different sects/religions to present papers on the
theme topic, “Apne Dharam Mein, Dusre Dharmon ke Prati Samman”. Last year also
similar conference was successfully organised at Ludhiana. For details, please
contact: Dr. A.K.Jain, Ph.D., General Secretary, Ludhiana Chapter, 126-C,
Kitchlu Nagar, Ludhiana-141001 Ph. 0161-2303068(R) 98150-24022(mbl) Email :
info@swamivivekanand.org,
website :
www.swamivivekanand.org.
PRATISTHA MAHOTSAV AT ORLANDO, USA ON
AUGUST 20-22.
Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji will lead and bless the 3 day Pratistha Mahotsav of
Jain Society of Central Florida. Murties to be installed are: Rushabhdev Swami (Digamber),
Mahavir Swami (swetamber), Shimandhar Swami, Navkar Mantra Shila, Padmavati Devi
and Vir Ghantakaran. Ceremonies will be conducted by vidhikarak Shri
Narendrabhai Nandu and his group of Mumbai. Also gracing this occasion will be
visiting scholars: Samnijiies, Pujya Sunandaben Vora, Shri Dhirajlal Pandit Shri
Nautambhai Vakil and Pramodaben. The Society heartily invites everyone to come
and join in the festivities. Special arrangements have been made for hotel
accommodations. Call for details: Shashikant Shah (President) 407-323-3509, Ketu
Sheth (Secretary) 386-788-6502 or Renu Vardhan (Treasurer). 407-682-6476 Or
E-mail :
jsocf@hotmail.com.
2ND NATIONAL FJEI CONFERENCE AT BANGALORE - 21ST & 22ND NOVEMBER.
Second National Conference is to be held at the Jain Residential International
School Bangalore, India from November 21st to 22nd 2004. Federation of Jain
Educational Institutes, FJEI is the largest and only network of approx. 2000
educational institutes run by Jain Trusts across India. FJEI acts as a guiding
force to effectively address the challenges and opportunities emerging in the
field of Education, as one body, in consultation with Ernst & Young. For
details, contact: Shri Shanti Lal Muttha, National President, The theme of the
conference is: Importance of Education: FJEI's Vision. For more information
about FJEI, visit us at: www.fjei.org , Divya Khinvasara at E-mail
:
divya@fjei.org or 91-20-405 0000.
THIRD NATIONAL AHIMSA CONFERENCE AT
CALCUTTA.
The
third Ahimsa Sammelan will be held at Calcutta from 1st to 3rd October, 2004, as
announced by the Secretary, Indian Federation of Ahimsa Organisations, Dr.
Chiranji Lal Bagda. 1st October happens to be the World Vegetarian Day, 2nd
October, Gandhi jayanti and 3rd October, World Prayer Day for Animals. The
second such Conference was held last year at Sammet Shikharji. For details,
contact Dr. C.L. Bagda, 46, Strand road, 3rd floor, Calcutta-700007.
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TEMPLES
HOLIEST SHIKHERJE PARASNATH HILLS GO TO JHARKHAND GOVERNMENT.
As
per the news published by The Telegraph, on 25th Aug. a century-old dispute over
the ownership of Parasnath Hills was settled today when Jharkhand High Court set
aside the claims of Shwetambar and Digambar sects of Jainism. A full bench
headed by Chief Justice P.K.I. Balasubramanyan instead vested all rights in the
state. In its 83-page order, the high court vested the ownership of 16,000 acres
of land comprising the hill and adjacent areas in the state and gave it
permission to cancel the agreement the Bihar government and the Kalyanji Anandji
Trust sealed in 1965. The bench directed the state to appoint an administrator
and form a committee, with the deputy commissioner of Giridih as chairman, to
supervise the transition and ensure that religious ceremonies are conducted
smoothly. The three sects of Jainism — Murti Pujaks, Shwetambars and Digambars —
have been allowed to nominate one representative each to the committee while the
state government will nominate the fourth member from the Jain community, the
order said.It is not clear if the order will now be challenged before the
Supreme Court by one or both sects. The Kalyanji Anandji Trust, which controls
the hill and has a valid and ongoing agreement with the then Bihar government,
has the option of handing over the control to the state or seeking a stay order
from the apex court. The Digambars have fought a protracted legal battle to
ensure that they, too, get the right to manage Parasnath Hills described as the
holiest place for Jains. Over the years, the high court has grappled over the
Digambars’ plea for equal rights or rotational rights with the Swetambars. While
the former is believed to be numerically stronger, the latter is acknowledged as
the more affluent. The court order mentions that in 1933 the Privy Council had
accepted the ownership and control of the temple and the tonks by the Shwetambar
sect. While the Digambar sect had full and unrestricted rights of worship, they
were required to seek the permission of the controlling Shwetambars. It has also
directed the state to ensure that no pilgrim is discriminated against.
RUINED JAIN TEMPLE AT JUNA NEAR BARMER
NOW UNDER RESUSCITATIOn.
Once prosperous, the ancient village Juna, situated 27 km. from Barmer district
head quarters in Rajasthan has been till now in a totally shattered and ruined
state, mostly hidden under the sand dunes in a desolate and abandoned place. The
State Archeology department has now decided to take up the project of exploring
the past remains of the temple and bring out the golden era existing more than a
thousand years ago. The temple will be re-suscitated and renovated for the
eleventh finance commission has sanctioned a sum of Rs. 72.88 lakhs. The very
initial findings consist of a white marble idol of Bhagwan Padam Prabhu Ji and a
statue of a temple door man. These items have been placed in Jodhpur museum for
safe custody. Excavations at the site have further revealed the remains of a
'Hat Bazar', somewhat similar to Meena Bazar during the Moghul period and a
cluster of houses in the vicinity. Apart from the Jain temple, a ruined
structure of a Hindu temple has also been un-earthed and several statues and
other materials used in the building structures have been found. It is believed
that this region was governed by Chauhans in the 10-11th century period and
Mahmud Gazanavi while moving with his forces towards Gujarat had attacked and
destroyed the fort of Barmer, which used to be capital town of Chauhans. The
adjoining region, including Juna town were also destroyed in the attack and
later due to the savages of nature, the remains of the town got covered with
under the sand dunes.
RALLIES AND DHARNA AGAINST DEMOLITION OF
JAIN TEMPLE STRUCTURE AT MUMBAI.
Resentment amongst Jain community against Mumbai Municipal Corporation
authorities for passing wrongful orders to demolish the famous Jain temple of
Bhagwan Parshwa nath Ji at Jagdushi Nagar of Ghatkopar area of Mumbai is growing
all over the country. This temple was built at a cost of Rs. 2.5 crores after
getting the drawings approved from Municipal authorities and also having
obtained written permission from them for construction. The sharp reaction from
the community in various towns of the country, like Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Jodhpur,
Indore, Pune, Kanpur and many others, besides Bombay is shown by massive rallies
being taken out, 'dharna' being organised and memorandum being handed over to
local authorities by them, which reflect the sentiments and feelings of the
whole community all over the country against the proposed demolition of the
temple. Requests are being made to provide necessary protection to the temple
and withdrawal of the unlawful orders for demolition. Petitions have been sent
to the President of India, Prime Minister, State Chief Minister, M.P.'s and
Municipal Commissioner of Bombay. Even muslim community of Maharashtra has come
out collectively to support the cause of Jain temple. Even the Chairman,
Maharashtra Minority Community, Mr. Nizam Siddiqi has assured the Jain community
of Ghatkopar for his full cooperation and support.
ANCIENT STATUES OF GODS OBTAINED ON
EXCAVATION AT DIDWANA NEAR JODHPUR
Just
three km. away from Didwana town in the Jodhpur division of Rajasthan, at
Indolav village, several idols of Hindu, Jain and Boddh gods and goddesses have
been recovered recently during excavation of a pond. It is said that this
village is located on the path of flow of river Sarswati, which is invisible
now. The recovery of the ancient statues indicate that a rich civilisation and
culture flourished in this region in the ancient days and it had been a centre
of all three faiths, Hindu, Jain and Boddh. The main idols recovered are those
of Vishnu, Bhagwan Mahavir, Durga, Buddha Bhagwan and Kshetrapal gods. The
Archeology Department of the Government of Rajasthan has been requested to take
charge of the recovered material and carry out further studies to explore the
extinct culture.
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RAJ. HIGH COURT REJECTS PETITION FOR STOPPING CONSTRUCTION WORK AT DELWARA.
A
bench of Rajasthan High Court, consisting of Chief Justice Anil dev singh and
Justice K.K. Acharya rejected the public interest petition filed by Naresh Kant
and ordered that the construction work for building shopping complex, parking
lot and garden in close vicinity of Delwara temple near Mount Abu may be carried
out without any interruption by the Raj. Tourism Department and Delwara Jain
temple trust. The arguement given in the petition in favour of stopping the
construction was that if permitted, this work would cause damage to trees and
plantation and affect ecology of the place. Advocate Rajesh Shah on behalf of
the temple authoroties pleaded that the entire project has been planned in
consultation and after taking advice from Tourism department and it was
necessary to build the desired infrastructure and provide these essential
facilities to thousands of pilgrims and tourists who visit the temple every day.
The court accepted the plea and rejected the case.
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DELEGATION CALLS ON MINISTER OF CULTURE FOR STOPPING OCCUPATION AT GIRNARJI.
A
strong delegation from Jain community headed by Sahu Ramesh Chand Jain,
President of Digambar Jain Teerth Kshetra committee met Shri S. Jaipal Reddy,
Minister of Culture, Government of India and explained to him the entire
situation arising out of the illegal occupation of 4th and 5th peaks at Girnar
mountain close to Junagarh. These peaks are considered highly sacred by Jains
because of the ancient temple and foot steps of Jain Tirthankar there. They also
handed over to him a request for providing help in stopping the illegal
occupation. The Minister assured the delegation to take appropriate action at
the earliest.
JAINS DELEGATION MEETS GOVERNOR ABOUT
GIRNAR ISSUE.
A
delegation of Jain community, representing Jain Sanskriti Raksha Manch, headed
by its chairman, Shri Milap Chand Dandia met Pt. Naval Kishore Sharma , Governor
of Gujarat on the 28th July, 2004 and apprised him of the situation developed at
Shri Girnar Teerth owing to illegal occupation of land on its 4th and 5th peaks
where the Jain temples are located. These peaks are considered holy places and
centre of pilgrimage by the entire Jain community because of the temples and
foot steps of Tirthankars which are worhipped since times immemorial. Justice
Pana Chand Jain, who accompanied the delegation explained the legal issued
involved in the case to the Governor. The delegation requested the Governor to
intervene in the matter and help in stopping the illegal occupation of land on
these peaks. The Governor from his side assured the delegation that he will give
due consideration to the matter if it is placed before him.
AWARDS
ACHARYA MAHAPRAGYA TO BE HONOURED WITH NATIONAL ETHICS AWARD.
Acharya Shri Mahapragya, Head of the Terapanth sect, who has just completed his
Ahimsa-Yatra before Chaturmas at Siriyari in Rajasthan, is going to be honoured
with the prestigious "National Ethics Award" for his most valuable contribution
towards national unity, communal harmony, ahimsa, mutual understanding and
building an ethical society. The selection committee for this award was headed
by Ex-Chief Justice, Shri P.N. Bhagwati and the advisory board for this purpose
was headed by ex-Chief Justice J.S. Verma. The other members on the Board were
Prime Minister, Shri Manmohan Singh and Justice Rajendra Sachhar.
TERAPANTH MAHASABHA RECEIVES
ISO:9001-2000 CERTIFICATION.
It
is a matter of pride for the entire Jain samaj to learn that Jain Shwetambar
Terapanth Mahasabha, the apex body of the Terapanth Dharm Sangh, headed by
Acharya Shri Mahapragya has the privilege to receice ISO: 9001-2000
certification. It is indeed a prestigious award for excellence in working,
efficient management and high quality standards. There may be very examples so
far any where in the world where any religious organisation has received this
honour. This certification testifies that the objectives laid down by the Maha
sabha in its "Mahasabha Vision-2007 document" are being achieved and all
programmes are being satisfactorily conducted according to the plan.
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ACHARYA ANAND RISHI LITERATURE AWARD PRESENTED TO Dr. P.V. VIJAYAN.
The
prestigious award for Jain literature, Acharya Anand Rishi Literature Award was
awarded to Dr. P.V. Vijayan of Kochi at Hyderabad in the presence of Terapanth
Muni Sumer Mal Ji maharaj (Ladnu) on th 18th July, 2004. The award consists of a
cash amount of Rs. 25,000, shawl, a letter of eulogy and a set of Acharya's
books. The saints and sadhwis present on the occasion blessed Dr. Vijayan and
expressed their appreciation for the contribution to Jain literature and to
society in general.
SRI KALYAN MAL LODHA HONOURED WITH
GAUTAM GANADHAR AWARD-2004.
The
Gautam Ganadhar award constituted by Prakrit Bharati Academy, Jaipur was
presented to Sri Kalyan Mal Lodha on the 4th August, 2004 for his unique
contribution to Jain literature. The award consists of a cash amount of Rs.
1,01,111/- and a letter of eulogy. His book, "Sakaratmak Ahimsa" (Positive
non-violence) was also released on this occasion by Dr. Sagar Mal Jain, Director
of Prachya Vidyapeeth, Shajapur. Shri Lodha is a renowned scholar of Jain
philosophy and an authority on Jain Agams and theory of Karma. On the same
occasion, a book, "Beyond body and soul" written by Shri ranjeet Mal Kumbhat (Retd.
I.A.S.) was released on the 3rd August, 2004 by Dr. L.M. Singhvi. Shri D.R.
Mehta is the chief Patron of Prakrit Bharati Academy.
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DR. KALYAN MAL GANGWAL HONOURED WITH ACHARYA HASTI AHIMSA AWARD.
Dr.
Kalyan Mal Gangwal, patron of Sarva Jeev Mangal pratishthan, Pune has been
recently honoured by Bafna Foundation at a function held at Jalgaon under the
presidentship of Shri Suresh Dada Jain for his valuable services to humanity in
the form of promoting non-violence and vegetarianism amongst the masses, making
them leave addiction and working for animal welfare. The award consists of a
memento, a cash amount of Rs. 31,000/- and an address of honour. Shri Vijay
Darda, Member of Parliament, Shri Prakash Chand Surana, representing Bharatiya
Jain Sangthan, Shri Prakash Jain, Director of Jain Swadhyay Vidyapeeth and
others were present on this occasion. Shri Ratan Lal Bafna, Chairman, Bafna
Foundation proposed a vote of thanks. Shri Hukam Chand Savla, Secretary,
Rashtriya Go-Raksha Andolan, Indore was also honoured on this occasion.
INSTITUTIONS
JAIN RESEARCH
INSTITUTE MERGED WITH BUDDHA INSTITUTE IN U.P.
A
research institute in Jainology named as "U.P. Jain Vidhya Shodh Sansthan" was
established just six years ago by the Government of Uttar Pradesh with the
objective of studying, compiling and documenting current knowledge about Jainism
and carrying out related research work in the fields of Jain art and culture,
Jain architecture, beliefs, values and traditions existing in the pre-historic
period of Mahavir Swami and other Tirthankars. Unfortunately, none of the
Government departments or its Directorates could ever show any interest or
concern on the progress made by the Institute during the last six years and
without any evaluation, the Government has suddenly ordered to merge this
Institute with a Buddhist research Institute. Obviously, the decision must have
been based on political grounds and it is matter of grave concern for the Jain
community as a whole.
FESTIVAL
EMPEROR JAHANGIR - IMPOSED TOTAL BAN ON ANIMAL KILLING DURING PARYUSHAN.
It
has been revealed recently through research conducted by historian, Shri Kamal
Kishore Sankhla that Moghul emperor Jahangir, on request from a delegation of
Jain saints had imposed a total ban on animal killing during Paryushan Parva
period. A study of old notifications issued by Moghul emperors, now preserved by
Muni Hansvijay Ji in a Jain museum at Patan in Gujarat showed that according to
one of the notifications issued in the year 1610, a delegation of Jain saints
from Patan town had met the then emperor Jahangir to urge him for imposing ban
on animal killing during Paryushan, the most sacred festival of Jain community
in the entire kingdom. The emperor had accepted the request and issued necessary
notification in Hindi language. The saints had presented to the emperor a
historic painting made by Shalivahan, who was earlier a courtesan in the court
of Akbar. The historic records also show that during the reign of Akbar in 1589,
a total ban had been imposed in the entire kingdom during Paryushan period. for
15 days.
CHHATISGARH GOVT. ALLOWS JAIN EMPLOYEES
TO ATTEND OFFICE BY 12 NOON DURING PARYUSHAN PARVA PERIOD.
The
Government of Chhatisgarh has issued official orders permitting all such
employees who belong to Jain community to attend two hours late, e.g. by 12
noon, so as to enable them to join in their morning rituals and attend
discourses during the Paryushan period. Thus, Shwetambar Jains will enjoy this
facility from 10th to 19th September and Digambar Jains from 19th to 28th
September.
CHATURMAS
NEWS - 2004
(Continued from July issue)
Digambar saints:
Acharya Shri Vidhyabhushan Sanmati Sagar Ji maharaj: NOIDA
Acharya Shri Siddhant Sagar Ji maharaj: Tumkur (Karnataka)
Acharya Shri Kalyan Sagar Ji maharaj: Mangitungi ji (Nasik)
Acharya Shri Vidhya Sagar Ji maharaj: Tilwara Ghat, Jabalpur
Acharya Shri Vidyanand JI maharaj: New Delhi
Acharya Shri Suvidhi Sagar Ji maharaj: Obri (Dungarpur)
Acharya Shri Vimal Sagar Ji maharaj: Mahavir Ji
Acharya Shri Chandra sagar Ji maharaj: Sagwara (Dungarpur)
Acharya Shri Kumudnandi Ji maharaj: Nandgaon (Nasik)
Acharya Shri Devnandi Ji maharaj: Aurangabad
Acharya Shri Kanak Sagar Ji maharaj: Mirajgaon (Ahmednagar)
Upadhyay Shri Samta sagar Ji maharaj: Jaipur
Upadhyay Shri Atma Sagar Ji: Dhaulpur (Raj.)
Upadhyay Shri Gyan Sagar Ji maharaj: Lashkar (Gwalior)
Shwetambar (Murti-Pujak sect)
Acharya Shri Sushil Surishwar Ji maharaj: Chennai
Acharya Shri Jinottam Surishwar Ji maharaj: Chennai
Acharya Shri Vijay Rajendra Surishwar Ji maharaj: Palitana
Muni Shri Jayanand Vijay Ji maharaj: Shatrunjay Giri
Muni shri Prashant Ratn Ji maharaj: Bangalore
Muni Shri Anupam Sagar Ji maharaj: Indore
Muni Shri Mani chandra Sagar Ji maharaj: Indore
Muni Shri Megh Chandra sagar Ji maharaj; Indore
Muni shri Anand Chandra Sagar Ji maharaj Indore
NEW BOOKS
RELEASED:
NEW BOOKS RELEASED:
1. Sakaratmak Ahimsa, by Dr. Kalyan Mal Lodha, Published by Prakrit Bharati
Academy, 13-A, Malaviya Nagar, Jaipur.
2. Beyond Body and Soul, by Shri R.S. Kumbhat, Published by Prakrit
Bharati Academy, 13-A, Malaviya Nagar, Jaipur.
3. All about Magneto Therapy: The healing currents (2004) Published by:
Goodwill Publishing House, New Delhi. Price Rs. 65/-
4. Legal Boundries of Nature cure (2004) by Dr. A.K. Sharma., published
by Dr. Sharma's Legal Consultancy, Pune. Price: Rs. 125/-. Foward by Dr. B.T.
Chidananda Murthy, Director, Central Council for Research in Naturopathy and
Yoga, New Delhi.
ACHIEVEMENTS
MR. ASHEESH JAIN HIGHEST RANKING INDIAN AMERICAN IN U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT.
Washington, Thirty four-year-old attorney, Asheesh Jain, has been appointed as
special assistant in the Bureau of Arms Control, making him to be the highest-
ranking Indian American in the State Department.Before his current assignment,
popularly known as Ash, Jain has worked in the White House's Office of Global
Communications and on Capitol Hill for US Senator Fred Thompson. In his new
position, Jain will work on regional and strategic security issues dealing
primarily with South Asia, East Asia and the West Asia, according to State
Department sources. The Bureau of Arms Control works to strengthen US national
security. Asheesh Jain , was born in Minnesota, was seen as an important member
of the White House team that wanted to supplement Bush's "war on terrorism" with
a "war of ideas" to win the hearts and minds of Muslims living in Pakistan,
India and Bangladesh and the principal Arab countries. Chairman of the Indian
American Republican Council (IARC), R Vijayanagar, has welcomed Jain's
appointment. In a statement, he said : "Ash brings a wealth of foreign policy
expertise to this agency. We are extremely proud that he is among the group of
more than 20 highly qualified Indian Americans serving in the Bush
administration."
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AAINA JAIN AND HER TEAM WINS THE SPACE
SETTLEMENT DESIGN CONTEST IN THE USA.
Aaina Jain (second from left) and her team members with astronaut Sandra Magus
(centre). Aaina Jain was the creative director of the team that won the Space
Settlement Design Contest, held at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, USA. The
43-hour-long contest, which began on July 14, was organised by the American
Institute of Aeronautical and Astronautics Design. Besides Aaina, the 18-member
Indian team comprised three other girls from Thapar Institute of Engineering
Technology , Patiala. Twenty-six teams from all over the world had earlier
participated in the contest held at the Kennedy Space Centre. Only eight teams
were selected for the final round. The rest of the seven teams that got selected
were from the USA.Before leaving for the US, Aaina Jain, a second year student
of B.Tech at TIET, said, "We entered the competition by submitting our projects
online. The next thing we knew was that we got the call that we had been
selected for the final round to be held in NASA itself."
The project, called ‘Bellavistate,’ looked at the year 2030 and involved planning a city on the moon. This city was planned with six residential and six agricultural complexes and one commercial complex complete with underground tunnels for communication. Water was provided with the moon’s polar melted ice. The Punjab Government has funded 50 per cent of their trip and the remaining has been sponsored by the Central Government.
AGRA OFFICIALS IN A FIX OVER 'FESTIVAL
OF DEATH'.
August-2004 ,Agra, Authorities in this city of the Taj Mahal are in a quandary
over what is being hailed as the "festival of death". Gulab Chand Jain, 79,
having renounced all worldly desires and possessions, is now on a fast till
death, which physicians say is just days ahead. Gulab Chand's wife Champa Devi,
other family members, hundreds of Jain sadhus and others have gathered at the
Shanti Nath Digambar Jain Mandir, a Jain temple, to participate in what is being
described as the "festival of death". While family members and followers of
Jainism have hailed the decision, police officials are vexed since the decision
is akin to suicide that is considered a crime according to Indian laws. However,
authorities are reluctant to force-feed Gulab Chand Jain and antagonige the
powerful Jain community here. Doctors who examined him said the end is near.
Kiran Yadav, the local police station in-charge, is undecided whether to
force-feed him or let him embrace death. While the sadhus and followers of
Jainism call the feat worthy of emulation and the highest form of sacrifice,
some term it mass hysteria to promote suicide by an ageing person who appears to
have lost both his mental equilibrium and his family's love.
