Veerayatan Newsletter,
May 2025, Edition-50

This academic year at Tirthankar Mahavir Vidya Mandir (TMVM), Palitana has been one of growth, purpose and compassion. With each celebration, each act of kindness, and each achievement, the TMVM students have reflected the core values of Veerayatan, that of Seva, Shiksha and Sadhana.

Each of the stories presented below is a testament to what is possible when love, learning and service come together. We thank every student, teacher, hospital staff, donor and supporter who makes Veerayatan Palitana a beacon of light and learning.

Seva: Fostering Compassion Towards Nature

With creativity and conviction, the students of TMVM, Palitana marked two days to demonstrate their enthusiasm and deep commitment to nurturing Mother Earth for generations to come.

On 20 March 2025 the students participated in Sparrow Day, raising awareness about the plight of this endangered bird species and their role in the ecosystem. They created handmade bird houses, planted trees around the school campus, and set up water and grain pots for these birds. The students also marked Earth Day by creating informative charts, thought-provoking poems, and creative presentations on conservation.

These small, yet meaningful, acts nurtured a sense of empathy, responsibility and environmental stewardship among the students, fostering a school culture where all beings are cherished.

Shiksha: Proud Achievements

Stories that Shine

• Granthi Gohil, a grade 5 student, hailing from a family supported by labouring in diamond mining, cleared the CET (common entrance test) State Scholarship Exam with merit. In a remarkable gesture, she declined the scholarship to continue studying at TMVM, calling it her ‘second home’.
• One of the most touching stories of spiritual growth this year is of Parth and Maya, who are from a modest background. Despite challenges, every day both of them bring flowers for Bhagwan Mahavir, performing this ritual with pure bhav and bhakti. Their devotion is a living example of the deep values Veerayatan stands for – gratitude, humility and reverence. Well done to both the siblings!

The above students embody courage, selflessness, humility, and excellence, bringing immense pride to and admiration from all at TMVM, Palitana.

Celebration of Unity

The academic year at TMVM, Palitana concluded on a joyful note with a special feast hosted by the four schoolhouses: Anukampa, Karuna, Anand and Maitri. The students from each of the houses worked well as teams and they all brought scrumptious food and also drinks, enjoying an afternoon of laughter and togetherness – a beautiful reflection of the spirit of community and harmony that defines the school.

Sadhana: World Navkar Mantra Day - A Spiritual Celebration

On 9 April 2025, students, staff and teachers together chanted the Navkar Mantra as part of the worldwide Navkar Mantra Day, celebrating its spiritual essence. The event radiated peace, oneness and positivity, reminding us of the transformative power of collective prayer.

Shri Adinath Netralay

Advancing Vision Care: New Cornea Specialty services

The services provided at the renowned Shri Adinath Netralay eye hospital continue to be enhanced to meet the needs of the local population and transform lives.

We are proud to announce the introduction of Cornea Specialty services, with renowned Dr. Tanvi Kamothi from Bhavnagar visiting monthly. This development has made quality eye care more accessible to patients in Palitana, eliminating the need for long-distance travel.

Transforming lives: Oculoplasty Success Story

The specialist oculoplasty services provided at the Shri Adinath Netralay eye hospital has enabled this young woman with a severely damaged eye to receive a prosthetic eye. The procedure has not only restored her appearance but transformed her confidence, giving her a new outlook on life.

NJSM Diagnostic Centre, Bihar flourishes…

We are pleased to announce that, in just one year, the NJSM Diagnostic Centre in Rajgir has treated over 10,000 patients, earning widespread trust in Nalanda District and its surrounding areas offering cutting-edge diagnostic services, including CT scans, ultrasound, echocardiography, X-rays, OPG, ECG, TMT and pathology. The physiotherapy unit with expert physiotherapists are aiding rehabilitation with advanced techniques and the team of skilled specialists - gynaecologists, general surgeons, internal medicine experts and ENT doctors – are providing comprehensive holistic care, addressing diverse medical needs under one roof.

To read further……

Outreach Eye and Dental Camps

The latest Veerayatan free outreach Eye and Dental camp took place at Sainik School in Nalanda District, a residential school for boys and girls. About 406 patients benefited from expert consultations, addressing a range of eye and dental conditions. And around 106 patients were identified as needing further care at the hospital.

Start of New Academic Year

With the blessings of Pujya Tai Ma, the new academic year of 2025-26 has commenced at the start of April at TMVM Pawapuri, Harikeshiya Vidyalaya, TMVM Lachhuar and Gautam Gurukul. We are delighted to report that the students are progressing well by achieving holistic success.

To read further……

Success in District Wushu Championships

Veerayatan schools not just excel in academic education, but they are trained and encouraged to develop other skills including participating in the various sports activities. On 20 April the students of TMVM, Pawapuri took part and competed against other schools in the Nalanda district in the Wushu (also known as Kung Fu) competition organised by Nalanda District Wushu Organisation. It is a pleasure to announce that the girls and boys of TMVM, Pawapuri did extremely well and brought back a clutch of gold and silver medals in various categories. Many congratulations to the winners (Lucky Raj, Santu Kumar, Sachin Kumar, Naman Kumar, Ritu Raj, Amit Kumar, Muskan Kumari) who excelled as well as to all who participated in the competition!

Vocational training: Sewing Classes

With the blessings of Pujya Tai Ma, Shri Gautam Sewing Centre has also been established with sewing skills being taught free of cost in this centre. The aim of this vocational class is to train especially the mothers of the nearby disadvantaged societies so that their futures are brighter. We are pleased to announce that to date, a total of 20 candidates have enrolled and they are all progressing well.

Bhagwan Mahavir’s Birthplace, Lachhuar

On 10 April 2025 the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Mahavir was celebrated with great pomp by the students of TMVM, Lachhuar under the presence of Sadhvi Shri Sampragyaji with many dignitaries, including Mr. Mahendra Durga of Kolkata, present. What wonderful creativity and conviction was exhibited in these celebrations by the students of this school, which is located in the very birthplace of Bhagwan Mahavir!

Spiritual Seminar

Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji attended a 2-day seminar on 'Seva and Dharma Anubandh’ at Vishwakosh Bhavan, Ahmedabad organised by Vishwavatsalya Prayogic Sangh and Sri Pranguru Jain Centre Mumbai, with dignitaries from many other spiritual organisations in attendance. In her talk Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji elaborated on Pujya Tai Ma's and Veerayatan's vision and mission of service to mankind, leaving a deep impact on all.

Veerotsav, an annual sports event

Veerotsav is the vibrant annual sports and cultural event held at Veerayatan, Kutch celebrating the spirit of unity, talent, and holistic development. The event brings together students, staff, and community members in a grand showcase of athleticism, creativity, and cultural heritage. With energetic competitions, inspiring performances, and enthusiastic participation, Veerotsav reflects the core values of discipline, dedication, and togetherness that Veerayatan stands for.

To read more…….

Public health awareness: Thalassemia Camp

Veerayatan is playing an active role in promoting public health, instilling social responsibility, and empowering students to become ambassadors of awareness in their communities. A Thalassemia Camp was conducted at Veerayatan Institute of Pharmacy campus for all the students enrolled at the various institutes at Veerayatan Kutch. Such camps are vital to educate young adults about this inherited blood disorder and promote early detection, prevention, and informed decision-making among students. In addition to medical screenings, students received educational material and counselling to understand the importance of genetic awareness, especially before marriage or starting a family.

Cyber Crime and Cyber Security Awareness Camp

Recognising the growing threat of cybercrimes, Veerayatan Institute of Pharmacy also organised a Cyber Security Awareness Seminar to educate students and staff on digital safety. The objective was to raise awareness about cyber-crime, share precautionary measures and legal insights and also encourage responsible online behaviour.

The session was led by PSI Mr. Harsh Devmani and his team from the Cyber Crime Branch, Bhuj-Kutch. With real-life examples and practical tips, the seminar covered phishing, online scams, identity theft, and safe digital practices. The seminar saw enthusiastic participation, especially from students who found the session eye-opening and informative.

Distribution of Stationery

Students of Veerayatan Vidyapeeth, Rudrani, which is a school started after the 2001 earthquake in Kutch to enable children of nomadic tribes and, in particular, girls to access education for the first time, were filled with delight and gratitude during the distribution of stationery. This kind-hearted support continues to make a meaningful difference in their lives, giving them the tools for furthering their education and nurturing hope and inspiring brighter futures.

Fund Raising Bake Sale and making a difference…

The ethos of seva and the desire to work as a team was exemplified when a sweet initiative blossomed at Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth (SCVP) Jain School, Kenya with two of the classes uniting to host a highly successful bake sale. The delicious treats, lovingly prepared by the students, who were eagerly supported by both parents and teachers, were all for a worthy cause with the funds raised to be directly donated to their chosen local charities in Nairobi. Some of the funds were utilised for two fun activities for the disadvantaged in society.

To read further……

Navkar Mantra Jaap

The Oshwal Centre buzzed with high spiritual energy on April 9 as the Visa Oshwal Community Nairobi, in collaboration with JITO (India), hosted a powerful 12-hour Navkar Mantra Jaap. Held to promote peace and harmony on World Peace Day, the event saw enthusiastic participation from all across the community. Notably, students, teachers, and parents from SCVP Jain School took up the first hour slot of the sacred chanting, from 8 am to 9 am. The entire day was filled with incredible vibrations, creating a truly uplifting and unifying experience for everyone involved.

Compassion in action

Some moments in life leave imprints on the heart, and this activity was one of them. Students of SCVP Jain school aged 11 years had an experience that went beyond fun and games — it was a lesson on compassion, connection and the beauty of shared joy. Students spent the day with Sparsh Kenya, a non-profit organisation that provides vocational training to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

From the very first roll of the ball, excitement filled the air. The students were grouped with Sparsh students, and in no time, barriers disappeared. It was not about being the best; it was about lifting each other up, celebrating every small victory, and embracing the joy of the moment. Seeing the genuine smiles on their faces and the way they made sure no one felt left out was truly heartwarming.

By lunchtime, the room was alive with conversation as everyone enjoyed a delicious meal. As they reflected on the day, it was clear that this experience had shifted their perspective, making them more appreciative of life’s small joys!

Read some life transforming experiences….