Veerayatan Newsletter,
August 2025, Edition-51

Pujya Tai Ma’s 90th Birthday Celebrations in Palitana

Pujya Tai Ma’s 90th Birthday Celebrations in Palitana

With immense joy and gratitude, Veerayatan humbly invites you to join the 90th Birthday Celebrations of Pujya Tai Ma at Veerayatan Palitana, from 25 - 27 January 2026.

A remarkable milestone, this celebration honours Pujya Tai Ma’s extraordinary life - a lifetime woven with threads of compassion, wisdom and tireless service to humanity.

Join us to celebrate not only the years she has graced this world, but the boundless light she has ignited within it. Please grace this special occasion with your presence. We look forward to welcoming you with warmth and devotion!

Save the Dates: 25 - 27 January 2026
Venue: Veerayatan Palitana

Click Here for Registration

Pujya Tai Ma’s Message of Forgiveness, Peace and True Happiness

Pujya Tai Ma’s Message of Forgiveness, Peace and True Happiness

This Paryushan Parva, the city of Pune was blessed with the divine presence of Pujya Tai Ma, whose words and blessings filled every heart with love, peace spiritual joy. The community came together for bhav pratikraman, soulful bhajans, and enlightening discourses, where each day Pujya Tai Ma shared profound messages that touched the core of every listener’s being. As Paryushan concluded, Pujya Tai Ma sends her blessings, love and spiritual bliss to all!

First Pearl of Wisdom: “Iyanim No” – Forgiveness with Transformation

With her unmatched clarity and compassion, Pujya Tai Ma reminded us that forgiveness is the heart of Samvatsari Pratikraman - not just asking for forgiveness, but going a step further by saying, “Iyanim no” - “I will not repeat this mistake again.” True forgiveness, she said, is not in repeating the same action and apologising again, but in real transformation.

To read other Pearls of Wisdom from Pujya Tai Ma…..

Volunteering Programme 2025 at Veerayatan Kutch

The Veerayatan Volunteering Programme 2025 erupted into life between 27 July and 9 August in the serene and lush setting of the Veerayatan campus at Jakhania, Kutch with Pujya Tai Ma’s blessings and inspiration. Youth volunteers from UK and Kenya arrived bringing their unique and diverse qualities to take part in this programme, alongside adult volunteers who supported, motivated and inspired the participants. An amazing two weeks unfolded during which the volunteers totally immersed themselves in giving back selflessly.

Read further and be inspired…..

Highlights of the Volunteering Programme

See what the volunteers had to say about the volunteering trip….:

Read further…..

Veerayatan at JAINA Convention 2025: An inspiring Spiritual Presence

With the blessings, inspiration, and guidance of Pujya Tai Ma, Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji represented Veerayatan at the JAINA Convention 2025, held in Chicago this July. The event brought together thousands of Jains from around the world, creating a vibrant space for reflection, unity, and inspiration.

To read further……

Mere Devdoot story

Mere Devdoot Story

Honourable Service

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 story, Pujya Tai Ma is highlighting some beautiful messages of selfless service, empathy for others, leadership by example and humility to name a few.

To read further …….

Veerayatan Kutch

Chief Guest at the Foundation-Laying Ceremony of Al-Fateh Academy

Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji was bestowed the honour of serving as Chief Guest at the foundation-laying ceremony of a new English Medium School, soon to rise under the banner of Al-Fateh Academy in the Mundra district of Kutch.

This invitation held deep symbolic weight, as the predominantly Muslim community of Al-Fateh Academy looked to the compassionate ethos of Veerayatan - where education knows no boundaries of caste or creed - for inspiration. Moved by Veerayatan’s unwavering commitment to nurturing minds across all walks of life, the Academy reached out to Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji to bless their noble endeavour.

Read further…

Recognition and Reward for Higher Education Students

Each year, Veerayatan recognises and rewards college students who achieve remarkable academic success - scoring over 85% across their four-year degree programmes. This tradition not only honours the hard work and dedication of these young achievers but also inspires others to aim higher. This year was no exception. Five exceptional students from BBA/BCA, pharmacy and engineering colleges were each awarded a brand-new laptop. The gesture symbolises more than just a prize - it’s a tool for learning, a reward for perseverance, and a reminder that excellence is both recognised and celebrated at Veerayatan.

Pujya Dinesh Muniji Maharaj Visits Veerayatan Kutch

Veerayatan Kutch had the honour of welcoming Pujya Dinesh Muniji Maharaj, the revered Praneta of Manav Mandir, along with his entire Sangh. A warm welcome and felicitation programme was organised in the gracious presence of Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji and other respected Sadhvijis in Kutch.

During the visit, Pujya Dinesh Muniji Maharaj deeply appreciated the selfless and transformative work being done by Veerayatan, describing it as the embodiment of true Jainism and addressing the needs of the hour. He fondly recalled his close association with Pujya Shri Sumatikunwarji Maharaj (Pujya Bai Maharaj) and expressed heartfelt admiration for Pujya Tai Ma’s open-mindedness, her ability to connect across caste, creed, race, and religion, and her unwavering commitment to humanitarian service.

To read more…

Celebrations Galore at Veerayatan Kutch

The school and college students participated wholeheartedly in various celebrations which contributed to their overall personal development and fostered awareness and respect for long-held traditions and festivals:

Guru Purnima Celebration

Guru Purnima, a traditional festival dedicated to honouring those who guide us in life, was celebrated with great respect and devotion to acknowledge the importance of learning and the guiding light that Pujya Tai Ma, Sadhvijis, teachers and mentors provide on the path to knowledge and personal growth.

The celebration began with a special assembly, where students presented speeches and poems. A card making competition was held in BBA/ BCA College with the winners being awarded certificates and prizes.

Kutch New Year – Ashadi Beej

Kutch New Year – Ashadi Beej

Ashadi Beej, the Kutchi New Year, was celebrated with enthusiasm in Rudrani and Jakhania campuses to honour the cultural heritage of the Kutch region of Gujarat, foster unity in diversity, and help students connect with India’s rich cultural roots. The day was observed with cultural programs, traditional music and dance performances.

International Yoga Day Celebration

International Yoga Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm on 21 June to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being and, through the practice of yoga, foster discipline and concentration and instil the value of a healthy lifestyle among students and staff.

The celebration began with a yoga session where participants performed various asanas, pranayama, and meditation techniques. Informative talks, workshops, and competitions such as poster-making and essay writing on the benefits of yoga were also organised.

Preparing Veerayatan Students for professional careers and personal growth

Various initiatives and talks have been organised for the college students to better equip them as they embark on their professional careers and improve the skills required to excel in the outside world:

Campus Pre-Placement Talk at Veerayatan Institute of Pharmacy

A campus pre-placement talk is an important part of the recruitment process. It is conducted by representatives of pharmaceutical companies or healthcare organisations before the actual placement interviews begin. During the session students gain valuable insights into job roles and responsibilities, eligibility criteria, industry expectations and required skills. It is also an opportunity to clarify any doubts by interacting with the recruiters.

This pre-placement talk, organised at Veerayatan Institute of Pharmacy, helped students make informed decisions about their career paths and better prepared them for interviews. It bridged the gap between academic learning and industry expectations, playing a crucial role in successful campus placements.

Webinar on Financial Literacy, Cyber Security, and Career Success Tips

A webinar on Financial Literacy, Cyber Security, and Career Success Tips was organised for the students of Veerayatan Institute of BBA/BCA to provide them essential knowledge and skills for personal and professional growth. This online session was conducted by Ms. Anita Saini - Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) smart trainer under Global skill training campaign. It covered key topics relevant to today’s digital and career-orientated world.

Read further…

Veerayatan Bihar

Modular OT and Dental Clinic Inauguration

The inauguration ceremony of the new state of the art Modular Operation Theatre for eye operations took place on 13 August at Netra Jyoti Seva Mandiram, Veerayatan’s long-established eye hospital in the Rajgir campus. This modern operating theatre is designed to enhance patient safety and surgical efficiency.

The event also marked the inauguration of the updated Dental Clinic, which has been operating alongside the eye hospital, and has now been incorporated as part of the NJSM Diagnostics Centre.

To read further……

Celebrating Rakshabandhan at Gautam Gurukul

Gautam Gurukul is the newest of the Veerayatan schools and lies nestled within the Veeraytan Rajgir campus. It was created by Pujya Tai Ma to allow the children of underprivileged castes living in and around Rajgir to access education and reshape their futures.

Rakshabandhan is a festival which signifies the close relationship between brother and sister. It is symbolised by the tying of a rakhee to demonstrate the bond of protection and guidance which a sister affords to a brother to ensure he walks on the path of compassion and work towards dissolving his inner enemies.

The children of Gautam Gurukul enthusiastically participated in this year’s ceremony held in the serene atmosphere of the Parshva Jinalay with each child tying a rakhee on another to extend the bond of friendship and love. Pujya Tai Ma’s vision is for us to walk on the path of extending friendship to all (Mettim Bhuesu Kappaye) and the children’s eager participation will surely sow the seeds of love, compassion and trust in each other, which will make society beautiful.

Celebrating India’s Independence Day

Independence Day Celebration took place in style at Veerayatan Rajgir and at Veerayatan Pawapuri in the presence of Sadhvi Shri Sampragyaji and Sadhvi Shri Rohiniji. The celebrations were filled with pride, joy and reverence. Students showcased their talents through a variety of performances such as speeches, dances, songs, and skits. Sweets were distributed to all after the programme.

Veerayatan Kenya

Bhakti Bhavna

The students of Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth, Jain School, organised and hosted a beautiful and melodious Bhakti Bhavna session at the beautiful Munisuvrat Swami Jinalay in Nairobi. The students, ranging in age from 5 to 15, working with their teachers, had tirelessly prepared various stavans, stutis and jaap, which they showcased on the day to the Oshwal Community. The event was a resounding success with over 300 people attending the Bhavna and thoroughly immersing themselves in this devotional activity.

Thought-provoking Shibir

A shibir was organised by senior teachers of Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth, Jain School with an incredibly good attendance of 65 people. Small groups of 4-5 were given different topics to discuss and present in a creative manner, which helped other students gain more in-depth knowledge about each topic.

The diverse workshop topics were carefully chosen from the scriptures and included: ‘Mera so he vo jaave nahi, jo jaave vo mera nahi” (Whatever is mine, never leaves me, whatever leaves was never mine) and “Sachu sukha shu che?” (What is real happiness?). Some deep and profound discussions took place resulting in powerful, yet easy to understand, presentations from those attending with senior teachers shedding further powerful insights.

To add an element of fun the participants also played a carefully constructed bingo session, with the winners being given some thoughtful gifts.

Fund Raising Bake Sale and making a difference…

Students of Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth, aged 9-10 years, hosted a bake sale at the end of their weekly Jain class, selling delicious, home-made goodies such as brownies, cookies and fairy cakes.

These popular bake sales are a regular feature at Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth and a testament to the community spirit, with 100% of the collections consistently going towards various impactful charitable endeavours for the benefit of the local population in need. In fact, the first of these beneficiaries, Sri Sathya Sai Centre, was visited by some members of the class, with two further visits taking place later in the year. Well done to the students on their excellent efforts for such good causes.

Veerayatan UK

The House that Mahavir Bhagwan Built’: Pre-Paryushan classes

Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth Jain School UK (SCVP) have just completed 3 pre-Paryushan classes for children aged between 5-12. The one-hour long classes were all conducted online and went beautifully, with nearly 50 children joining. The theme was ‘The House that Mahavir Bhagwan Built’. Each day there were interactive activities in which the children explored the three qualities of Friendship, Respect and Forgiveness, which were explained as the foundations of this house. These sessions aimed to get the children ready to look forward to our Jain festival of Paryushan and to put what they had learnt into practice over this time! For many it was the first time they were learning about Paryushan, so that was very special! When children attend these types of classes or regular Jain classes a spiritual seed is being planted in them, which over time will definitely blossom and make their lives beautiful!

Samayik: The Life and Times of Neminath Bhagwan

Samayik: The Life and Times of Neminath Bhagwan

Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth Jain School UK (SCVP), with the grace and blessings of Pujya Tai Ma, held its annual Samayik event in July. About 80 adults and children participated in the Samayik which focused on the Life and Times of the 22nd Tirthankara, Neminath Bhagwan. Children and teachers of SCVP recited beautifully and confidently the samayik sutras, narrated stories in adoration of Neminath Bhagwan and sang melodious stavans.

To read more…