Veerayatan News December 2024

Pujya Tai Ma’s 89^th Birthday celebrations and Diksha in Kutch: 24-26 January 2025

Veerayatan humbly requests your esteemed presence to celebrate Pujya Tai Ma’s 89^th birthday celebrations in Jakhania, Kutch from 24 January to 26 January 2025. What a wonderful milestone! Let us all connect and celebrate Pujya Tai Ma’s extraordinary life which has personified love and compassion and inspired and motivated so many devotees not only to transform their own lives but also to extend a helping hand and transform lives of others in need.

Details of the programme:

24 January: Welcome and Bhakti in the evening
25 January: Diksha Ceremony in the morning and a cultural programme by the students
26 January: Pujya Tai Ma’s Birthday Celebrations

Start making your travel plans and we look forward to extending a warm welcome to you! Please see poster for further details for registration.

Launch of ‘The New Age Visionary’, the English Version of Abhinav Drashta

A beautiful book, Abhinav Dhrishta, written eloquently by Upadhyaya Shri Yashaji Maharaj, was launched on Pujya Tai Ma’s birthday. On Diwali day, the English version of the book was launched, ‘The New Age Visionary’. This is a book about Pujya Tai Ma’s vision and how her remarkable work has blossomed into a gigantic tree giving solace, love, a helping hand, creating friendships and transforming millions of lives. This book promises to be a very interesting and informative read and an inspiration for all.

We humbly thank Jayant Shah from Pune for sponsoring and bringing this English coffee book into fruition.

Mere Devdoot Story

Recognise us

Mere Devdoot (My Angels) is a book written by Pujya Tai Ma in which she remembers and reflects, with gratitude, on everyone who has been instrumental in shaping her life. We have been publishing these stories regularly in this newsletter.

In this beautiful story, a wonderful lesson is learnt from Pujya Tai Ma:

Do not publicise that you have given help but equally do not to ever forget when you are given help…

Read and get inspired …..

Veerayatan Palitana

Transformational Power of Education

Two students attending Tirthankar Mahavir Vidya Mandir (TMVM) school in Palitana presented their experiences at the Veerayatan schools programme held in Pune.

They said, ‘There is no temple as unique as our Tirthankar Mahavir Vidya Mandir. Why? Because in this temple, living idols are sculpted; in this temple, the sovereignty of every child is shaped; in this temple, an effort is made to make every life holy. Here neither caste nor religion is a consideration…..’

Read their speech and be inspired

An Educational Sanctuary at Veerayatan, Palitana

An Educational Sanctuary at Veerayatan, Palitana

The beautiful Tirthankar Mahavir Vidya Mandir (TMVM), established in 2017, welcomes all, without any distinction of caste, creed, or religion, with open arms. This school is the result of Pujya Tai Ma’s profound vision that there should be an education institute in every Jain pilgrimage site throughout India.

The 320 or so disadvantaged children are fortunate to be nurtured by Sadhvi Shri Sanghamitraji and Sadhvi Shri Chetanaji and are proud of their high quality academic school:

The well-designed bright and airy building which houses the classrooms, including a computer room, a well-equipped library and science laboratory;
The teachers who are trained to make learning fun and creative but also highly effective;
The trees and the greenery, many of which the eco-conscious future leaders, themselves, have planted on campus; and,
Learning the universal values of love, compassion, friendship, humility and much more.

What is striking is the politeness of the children, their pride in showing their work and the simple happiness that is evident in everything they do. Being a child in a great school is one of the best experiences anyone can have. For the children of Palitana that special moment is being created each and every day at TMVM! For more information about the school, visit: https://veerayatan.org/palitana

Gautam Vihar

Gautam Vihar is a thoughtfully designed building currently being constructed to provide accommodation for staff working at Shri Adinath Netralay hospital and Tirthankar Mahavir Vidya Mandir (TMVM) school staff, volunteers, visiting doctors, sadhus, sadhvis, and other visiting guests. It aims to provide a serene and comfortable space for individuals seeking tranquility, a connection with nature, and a spiritually enriching environment. The construction is progressing steadily, advancing towards completion and promising to be a haven of peace and purpose for all those who visit.

Tirthankar Mahavir Vidya Mandir, Palitana

Tirthankar Mahavir Vidya Mandir, Palitana

Pawak Van Visit and World Lion Day

Students from Tirthankar Mahavir Vidya Mandir (TMVM), Palitana, have undertaken two recent activities which has taken them away from screens and classrooms and helped them connect to nature and the environment. The first was a visit to "Pawak Van," a serene forest area in Palitana. Surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of wildlife, the students learned about biodiversity, the importance of trees, and the delicate balance of ecosystems.

The second was a celebration of World Lion Day, emphasising the importance of conserving lions, especially Gujarat’s pride - the Asiatic lion - in Gir National Park where they are facing habitat loss and poaching and need protection.

Such experiences foster awareness and cultivate a sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation. Exploring the natural world also stimulates young minds, encouraging creativity, mindfulness, a deeper appreciation for the environment and the need for co-existence. thereby laying the foundation for eco-conscious future leaders. And all the children taking part had great fun, which is clear to see on their faces!

Rangoli and Navratri Celebrations

Students of TMVM, Palitana, enthusiastically celebrated Independence Day and Navratri, showcasing the rich cultural spirit of Gujarat and the students’ unique talents. Independence Day celebrations took the form of a vibrant and colourful Rangoli exhibition and competition, with students enthusiastically designing intricate rangoli patterns depicting patriotic themes like the national flag, freedom fighters, and India’s rich cultural heritage. Participants expressed their love for the nation through art, fostering creativity and teamwork!

Navratri was celebrated with enthralling traditional dances and music, with both students and teachers actively participating with immense joy. The presence of esteemed guests, Justice Shri K.K. Tated, Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission, Dr. Bipin Doshi, and other dignitaries, added grandeur to the festivities and made them even more special.

Improving access to specialist care at Shri Adinath Netralay

The splendid work being carried out at Shri Adinath Netralay, Palitana, continues to expand with the addition this year of a Cornea specialty to the range of services being provided. This development allows the hospital to provide advanced, specialised treatments for corneal diseases at subsidised rates, ensuring affordability for all and thereby enhancing the patient focussed services and fulfilling Veerayatan’s aim of helping those in need.

Life changing eye camps

Free-eye check-up camps, which were initiated two years ago, continue to blossom:

Eye Camp at Gariyadhar

Shri Adinath Netralay hosted an extraordinary free eye check-up camp on 28 September, at Gariyadhar, setting a new record for patient turnout! Over 256 individuals benefited from expert consultations, addressing a range of eye conditions, including infections, cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors. Patients were provided free medicines, ensuring holistic care for all. For those unable to afford essential cataract surgeries, the camp extended its generosity by offering free surgeries, including post-operative care and free medication, ensuring comprehensive support throughout their journey to recovery.

Free Eye Check-ups camp for GSRTC Palitana employees

Free Eye Check-ups camp for GSRTC Palitana employees

On 20 October, the team from Shri Adinath Netralay conducted a dedicated eye camp for all staff members of the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) at the Palitana office and depot. GSRTC employees play a crucial role in rural Gujarat by transporting people, including hospital patients and school students, across vast distances.

One key concern which had been identified was the eye health of drivers, who often overlook such issues during long journeys. Therefore, in collaboration with GSRTC Bhavnagar and Palitana, Veerayatan organised a camp to screen and examine the eye health of 85 staff, with employees detected with eye issues being provided free medication on-site.

This initiative has further strengthened collaboration with GSRTC, fostering a deeper connection that will benefit patients, staff, school children and the wider community in Gujarat.

Veerayatan Kutch

Fostering community and bonding among students

Orientation Day

The Orientation Day for all the colleges at Veerayatan Kutch was a profound and inspiring experience, especially blessed with the presence Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji. Her discourse on the vision of Pujya Tai Ma and the mission of Veerayatan offered students, parents and faculty members valuable insights into the work of Veerayatan as an organisation and helped everyone connect with its goals and commitments, creating a strong foundation and sense of belonging for new students.

Inviting parents was a wonderful touch, fostering a sense of community and involvement for them from the beginning. There was also a cultural program which showcased the students’ talents and brought everyone together in celebration, and lunch was the perfect way to wrap up such an engaging and welcoming event. It set a positive and motivating tone for the academic year!

Freshers' Welcome

The Freshers' party organised by Veerayatan Institute of Pharmacy was a fantastic way to welcome new students and help them feel at home in their new environment! Electing a Mr. Fresher and Miss Fresher added a fun and novel element to the event, whilst the games and interactions created a relaxed atmosphere for the new students to connect with seniors and faculty members. Events like these make it easier for new students to bond with their peers, seniors, and lecturers, creating a sense of community and familiarity with the college. It is a wonderful tradition that sets the tone for a positive college experience ahead!

Caring for the Environment: Swachhta Abhiyan

Caring for the Environment: Swachhta Abhiyan

The strong commitment of the Veerayatan Institute of Pharmacy students to maintain a clean and green campus environment led to them organising a cleanliness drive. The students contributed to the physical upkeep of their surroundings and also set an example for the entire campus community by promoting the importance of cleanliness and responsibility.

This kind of hands-on involvement helps instil the values of discipline, teamwork, friendship and respect for the environment, reflecting the teachings imparted by Pujya Tai Ma and the Sadhvijis. It is inspiring to see students taking proactive steps towards creating a cleaner and more sustainable space for everyone’s benefit!

World Pharmacist Day

World Pharmacist Day was celebrated at Veerayatan Institute of Pharmacy in the presence of Dr. N. R. Saiyed, Assistant Commissioner, Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA), Govt. of Gujarat. Educating students about the vital role of pharmacists helps them understand the positive impact they can have on healthcare and patient well-being. Highlighting the career opportunities and responsibilities of the pharmacy profession is essential for inspiring future pharmacists and guiding them towards making informed career choices. It is inspiring to see such initiatives that recognise the importance of pharmacists in our society!

Celebrations Galore

Veerayatan Kutch has been immersed in the joy of celebrations….

Annual Sports Day

The exciting annual Sports Day was a great opportunity for students to display their physical fitness, coordination, and team spirit. It was motivating to see the students striving for excellence and winning prizes added to the excitement and sense of achievement. Events of this type foster healthy competition and encourage students to stay physically active and engaged.

Navratri

A lively and festive Navratri was celebrated by all the school and college students of Veerayatan with boundless energy, music, and dancing. Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji blessed the faculties and the students with 'prasad' and encouraged the students to participate in various competitions alongside their pursuit of academic excellence. The tradition of recognising the best-dressed participants and the best garba dancers added an extra level of friendly competition and excitement! Awards for these categories not only encouraged participants to showcase their immense talent but also enhanced the cultural spirit of the event.

Diwali celebrations

Before the start of the vacation, Diwali - the festival of lights - was celebrated by the students of Rudrani and Jakhania schools with utmost joy and vibrancy. Rangoli, diya and pooja thali decoration competitions were held, bringing out the creativity and spirit of togetherness among students and creating lasting memories for all taking part.

On the auspicious day of Diwali, the campus was illuminated with hundreds of diyas, pooja was performed in the benign presence of Sadhvijis and sweets and gifts were distributed among the devotees present.

Veerayatan Kenya

Diwali: A Celebration of Light and Compassion

Diwali: A Celebration of Light and Compassion

We, at SCVP Nairobi, came together to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with a vibrant and meaningful event held during our regularly scheduled Jain classes. All the students (varying in age from between 5 and 60) participated in a fun and creative lantern-making activity. Our wonderful teachers had done the groundwork beforehand, and, on the day, everyone was involved in this wonderful activity. As everyone worked together to create their masterpieces laughter and excitement filled the room! A total of 130 lanterns were made and these were subsequently used at Oshwal Centre Nairobi as part of their Diwali decorations for Chopra and Sharda Poojan and the New Year Celebration.
Find out more about other activities conducted....

Gyan Pancham – Celebration of Knowledge

Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth Nairobi also celebrated the auspicious day of Gyan Pancham. Jains observe Gyan Pancham by worshipping and respecting knowledge in all its forms. The five types of knowledge - Mati gyan (sensory knowledge), Shruta gyan (scriptural knowledge), Avadhi gyan (clairvoyance), Manah prayāya gyan (telepathy), and Keval gyan (omniscience) - were honoured through special prayers and discourses. The event provided an opportunity for attendees, especially the young minds, to deepen their spiritual understanding and connect with the Jain teachings. The event was a resounding success with the students of SCVP (both adults and children) joined by the students of Oshwal Pathshala in the celebration of knowledge, prosperity, and good fortune.

Veerayatan UK

Aim to build a better future together: Meeting His Holiness Pope

Aim to build a better future together: Meeting His Holiness Pope Francis

Veerayatan UK was honoured and privileged to be represented by Nilesh Kothari (SCVP Committee Chair and Trustee) and Rajeev Shah (long standing SCVP teacher) as part of an international Jain delegation organised by the Institute of Jainology to the Vatican. The 3-day event focused on an inter-religious dialogue with the central theme on how Christians and Jains can build a better future by embracing diversity and inclusivity, and through caring for the earth, poor and the most vulnerable. This was a humbling and inspiring opportunity to meet His Holiness Pope Francis for a historic and unprecedented private audience in the Vatican, which is generally only accorded to Heads of State and world leaders.

His Holiness, in his address to the delegation, impressed upon three areas for all to always keep in our minds - social friendship, solidarity, and peace. He thanked everyone for their commitment and common desire to work together for a better world especially considering modern-day problems grappled by society. He then spent time to individually meet each delegate which was truly humbling! A key outcome of this engagement was a joint communiqué outlining a shared vision for action.

For more information: https://www.jainology.org/international-jain-delegation-visit-to-the-vatican-24-26-november-2024/

To read the communiqué: https://www.jainology.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Vatican-2024-Joint-Communique-v1.0-1.pdf

Read further…..

Careers Presentation

SCVP North London Alumni in collaboration with Jain Societies of University College, London and Imperial College, London held a Careers Event for students between the ages of 14-18 years. University students and recently qualified graduates prepared presentations on a variety of different career paths and how to best gain entry to these for the attendees at the event. In this competitive and challenging education and job environment, such advice is invaluable in giving students an insight into the processes and hurdles which they will encounter as well as the joys of learning if they embark on the different professions which were presented. The event was very well received by the 150 students and parents who attended, and comments made included:

Nice presentation on career choices, university application process and the way it was simplified really helps. Many thanks to all young speakers who shared their experiences.

New Teaching Initiatives at SCVP North London

SCVP London has started a brand-new initiative to support families with children who are currently completing their high school education and require learning support but are not able to afford paying for tuition classes. Kajal Sheth, the Headteacher of SCVP and a teacher by profession, has identified a new opportunity to extend a helping hand to those in need by providing free tuition classes and supporting students in their English, Maths and Science education. Consistent with Veerayatan’s ethos of helping those in need succeed in becoming independent and lead a fulfilling life, it is hoped that this initiative will help transform lives and allow all children to fulfil their potential.

Celebrating Diwali 2024

With the grace and blessings of Pujya Tai Ma and Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji, we at Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth (SCVP) London had a grand Diwali event that was unique in celebrating Mahavir Bhagwan’s 2550^th anniversary of attaining Nirvana with a wonderful balance of joy and spirituality! The evening commenced with Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji giving a hugely uplifting and inspiring virtual message that set the tone for a memorable and unforgettable event! The sell-out audience benefitted from a magical blend – our unique SCVP Chopda Poojan of opening a new spiritual chapter in our lives lovingly mixed with a beautiful performance by the children of SCVP aptly conveying the message of Mahavir Bhagwan, stirred with a dash of vibrancy and colourful energy with the Raas Garba and to top it all off garnished with a delicious and scrumptious Jain vegan meal. To read further……..

Celebration of the Gyan Pancham festival

Celebration of the Gyan Pancham festival

Following the Diwali celebrations, the children and adults of SCVP North London convened again to peacefully celebrate the festival of Gyan Pancham. The children recited prayers and gave presentations highlighting the importance of spiritual knowledge in our lives. With heartfelt feelings, everyone offered their respect and gratitude to all the tirthankaras, acharyas, highly elevated souls and teachers for providing us with the knowledge and for ensuring that this knowledge has been written and passed down the ages giving us all an opportunity to learn the beautiful teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir.

We are all truly grateful for the grace and blessings of Pujya Tai Ma and Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji, who continually guide us so as to enable us to progress our learning and walk on this beautiful path.
Find out more about what we learnt……

SCVP Children on National Television

As part of Diwali celebrations organised by One Jain UK, students from SCVP North London were provided a wonderful opportunity to speak about the Diwali Celebrations from the Jain perspective on national television. The Sunday Morning Live show showcased a special Diwali episode featuring Kajal Sheth, the SCVP Headteacher, joined by two ten-year-old SCVP students, Saavir Dodhia and Ananya Magia, who enthusiastically and eloquently conveyed the magic of Diwali and why and how Jains celebrate this event.

You can catch the short clip featuring them through the following link: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/6G5P7GythAVpk9oY/

Diwali on Trafalgar Square 2024

One JAIN, representing all 35 UK Jain organisations and providing the UK Jain community with a single coherent voice promoting the Jain faith, was invited to participate in the annual Diwali on Trafalgar Square event, hosted by the Mayor of London. This year, celebrating 2550^th anniversary of Bhagwan Mahavir’s liberation, a vibrant and colourful Diwali celebration took place at Trafalgar Square in which Veerayatan UK was also involved, bringing communities together for a day filled with joy, culture, and festivity, marking the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.