Veerayatan News December 2022

Grand Celebration of Veerayatan’s achievements – 26 to 28 January 2023

At these Golden Jubilee Celebrations, come and witness the extraordinary achievements of Veerayatan in a very short period of time. With the vision, guidance and blessings of Pujya Tai Ma, Veerayatan’s life changing work in the fields of Seva, Shiksha and Sadhana has touched hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide . And it is fitting that these celebrations are falling on Pujya Tai Ma’s 87^th birthday. Pujya Tai Ma has walked the path of Bhagwan Mahavir with utmost faith and with unwavering compassion for all living beings; is a deep thinker who has contemplated on the teachings of not only Bhagwan Mahavir but also of other great souls, and is undoubtedly a peaceful personality exuding love and friendship to all. So, there is indeed much to honour and celebrate and also much more to look forward to in the next 50 years! We are also pleased to announce that there will also be a Diksha ceremony, the first to be held at Veerayatan Kutch.

For more information Click Here

Mulyavardhan Education introduced in Veerayatan Schools

Veerayatan’s goal is that all its schools should be imbibed with qualities of patience, gratitude, respect, humility and compassion amongst many others. To supplement the existing work in this area, Veerayatan is now incorporating in its school curriculum the Mulyavardhan school-based value education programme. Veerayatan teachers are being trained by Mulyavardhan experts on how to instil these qualities in children; they are taught various teaching techniques to make the classes fun and interactive with the view to boosting student’s confidence, enabling them to learn to freely express their ideas, work together in teams and get inspired to do good work and spread this not only in school but at home and within society.

Teachers in Palitana, Kutch and Bihar have had their first training which lasted for 3 days and they were beaming with inspiration each day, eager to learn more each day. It was good to see that other schools in the vicinity were also invited to participate in this training, thus spreading this value education programme.

The moment I cannot forget....

Malu touched my heart

by Pujya Tai Ma

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbIoFqOJAHE

Many incidents have occurred in my life that have left a deep impression upon me, but there is one, in particular, that I remember fondly. It occurred a long time ago when I was in Rajgir. A little girl between 9 and 10 years of age was walking along the hills of Rajgir, on the same road as I was passing. I called out to her. Her name was Malu. “Where are you going?” I asked her. She replied, “I am going to work”. I asked her, “Malu, don’t you go to school?” Malu told me that she did not have a father. She added, “I have a mother and five siblings. Ma cannot earn enough to support the family so I go to work.” I asked how much she earned to which she replied, “I get around a hundred rupees”. I told her, “I am building a school here for poor children. Will you give me one rupee to help build the school?” To this she promptly replied, “No Mataji, I will give you all the money I have”. This little girl, who had not studied in any school nor had she not listened to any scriptural knowledge from any Guru, was ready to give away everything she had simply because she knew that some good work was being done for children. This incident, full of kindness and generosity, is one I always remember in life. The little girl’s words are carved in my heart even to this day, and I think of Malu always when there is something to be done for someone. I put this incident above all scriptural knowledge and all the preaching of great Gurus.

Mere Devdoot Story

Sacrificing for a disciple

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.

Here is one story which demonstrates the unwavering strength behind the goal that has been set. A lot to contemplate upon and then implement in our lives!

To read the story, click here

Veerayatan Kutch

Pujya Bhai Shri Visits Veerayatan Kutch

Pujya Bhai Shri Nalinbhai, the spiritual head of Shri Raj Saubhagh Ashram, graced Veerayatan Kutch Campus with his presence to meet Pujya Tai Ma. Pujya Bai Shri described Pujya Tai Ma as a pillar of strength, a true embodiment of kindness and compassion. Pujya Bhai Shri as well as his disciples visited the school and the various colleges and were mesmerized by the infrastructure, management and the beauty of the campuses. They were impressed by the whole complex with beautiful surroundings and felt that they had come to a foreign land!

Pujya Bhai Shri honoured and congratulated respected Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji and all the sadhvis (nuns) who have contributed enormously to realising the dreams of Pujya Tai Ma.

Activities in Kutch schools and colleges

Enhancing opportunities for students

A guest lecture was organised for the pharmacy students on 'Scope of Pharmacy Graduates in Canada'. Mr. Balram Gajra, an ex-faculty staff member of Veerayatan Institute of Pharmacy who is now working as a Clinical Pharmacist in Canada, explained the importance of Clinical Pharmacy in focussing on the needs of the patients and in improving their medicine related behaviours so as to optimise the health outcomes of patients. The students were made aware of the opportunities to enhance their career prospects.

A placement seminar was also conducted for the students of BBA/BCA College by DIT Company, Bhuj, to make them aware of making CVs effective and powerful, on personality development and improving skills in general.

A group of bright and deserving final year engineering students are undergoing extensive training for job positions in the Adani company. They are being prepared for written exams, group discussions and final interviews.

Children’s Day celebrated in style

Children's Day was celebrated in Veerayatan Vidyapeeth School. Various exciting activities were organised for the students. The day started with morning exercises, playing games, and doing other fun activities such as a drawing competition for tiny tots and a career development seminar for the senior students. Chocolates were distributed to all the students. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the fun-packed day.

Veerayatan Palitana

Foundation laying ceremony for new Housing Complex!

Foundation laying ceremony for the new Housing Complex!

We are delighted to inform that the foundation laying ceremony for the new Housing Complex, Gautam Vihar, took place on 4 January 2023. The Shilaniyas or ground-breaking took place in the presence of Jaineshbhai Mehta, Chairperson of Veerayatan Palitana and his family and the students of Tirthankar Mahavir Vidya Mandir. The construction work will now start soon, and this much needed Housing Complex will add to the Palitana campus by providing excellent well designed and well equipped accommodation and dining facilities for staff, volunteers and guests.

Latest news from Shri Adinath Netralay

With Pujya Tai Ma’s vision and blessings and with selfless compassionate work by Sadhvi Shri Sanghamitraji and Sadhvi Shri Chetanaji, the work at Shri Adinath Netralay is progressing very well with patients receiving good quality eye care treatments at nominal or no cost at all. In a small town like Palitana, this hospital stands out with its international level standards and up-to-date equipment with advanced treatments for all types of complex eye ailments now available. From 2021, specialised retina treatments have been available for the local community and a consultant retina surgeon comes from Mumbai each month to treat patients. More recently specialised oculoplasty treatments have commenced with a doctor from Ahmedabad in attendance once a month to treat patients.

Taking eye care management to the public

Taking eye care management to the public

One of the objectives of Veerayatan Palitana is that the whole of the population in and around the Saurashtra District have access to good quality eye care management. However, the reality is that the hospital is not accessible to all for various reasons, the major one being the lack of transport and general apprehension and reluctance of the general public to seek help. Thus Shri Adinath Netralay, has started outreach eye camps in rural, inaccessible areas in and around Palitana.

The latest camp took place in the village of Senjaliya. Watch the camp in action: https://youtu.be/9yL89ZuUVUk

A lot of preparation and organisation was needed prior to the day of the outreach camp. Connecting with key members in the village, marketing the camp, ensuring there is enough staff and appropriate equipment on the day and mapping out the flow of the camp! The camp went smoothly without any compromises regarding the quality of care and in total 215 people were seen and treated. 60% of people treated were female which shows how important these camps are as the female population do not always have the opportunity to access healthcare. 13 patients were given their surgeries free of any cost within 3 days of the camp. All the surgeries took place the hospital in Veerayatan Palitana.

Christmas reaches Palitana!

It was a great pleasure to see the smiles on the children’s faces, the excitement which was beaming across the school, the red hats worn by all - all because it was Christmas and the children wanted to showcase what they had prepared for this wonderful occasion. Singing, dancing, acting and having great fun!! And they truly had an ecstatic time!

To watch Christmas Joy in Palitana: https://youtu.be/egfdgHITsbQ

Veerayatan Bihar

Outreach eye camp illuminating lives

An outreach eye camp was organised in the village of Katrisarai in Nalanda district with the blessings of Pujya Tai Ma. 449 patients were seen free of any cost and given appropriate treatments. 100 patients requiring any surgical intervention will be managed at Shri Brahmi Seva Mandiram eye hospital in Veerayatan Rajgir at no cost.

Science exhibition at Tirthankar Mahavir Vidya Mandir

Science exhibition at Tirthankar Mahavir Vidya Mandir

The students of Tirthankar Mahavir Vidya Mandir, Pawapuri demonstrated all that they have learnt by participating in a science exhibition organised by the teachers. It was great to see that students from Standard 1 to Standard 12 all participated and were proud to show their exhibits. Well done to all the students and the teachers!

Veerayatan Kenya

Felicitation by Jain Social Group International Federation

Felicitation by Jain Social Group International Federation

It is our great pleasure to announce that the Jain Social Group Federation International has recognised the exemplary work carried out by Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth Jain School (SCVP) Nairobi for the past 25 years. The Vibhusan award was presented to SCVP at the Jain Social Group conference held on 6 November 2022 in Nairobi.

With the blessings of Pujya Tai Ma and constant guidance from Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji, SCVP has been instrumental in educating children, youth and adults with the beautiful teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir in a fun and innovative way.

Many congratulations to all the dedicated teachers for the fantastic work they are doing!

SCVP Nairobi Graduation Ceremony

A group of 10 SCVP students are moving forward in their life journey underpinned with the thoughts, principles and philosophy of Bhagwan Mahavir as they become independent young adults. We held a wonderful graduation ceremony for these students, who have all enthusiastically completed the learning at SCVP. The students showcased all the values they have learnt over the years through skits, dances, and recitals.

The Jain educational programme delivered by SCVP is a structured 10-year study curriculum that empowers children to develop a strong foundation in spirituality, prepares them with skills to tackle life challenges and enlightens students on the principles of Bhagwan Mahavir.

Fundraising bake sale

With the support of our wonderful parents, the students of Madhyama class, aged between 11-12 years, hosted a successful bake sale on the last day of term. The students plan to donate the funds raised to those that are physically disabled and they are in the process of identifying an appropriate institution to give this donation.

What a practical way to put into practice the timeless messages of love, compassion and of helping through service! Thank you to all the students and hope they all continue doing such wonderful acts of kindness.

Veerayatan UK

Friday 7 December was the culmination of the autumn term at Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth Jain School (SCVP). This has been another successful term at the school. We organised a get together with opportunity for parents and children to mingle with each other, play some games, sing some festive Christmas carols and enjoy some snacks and drinks. Each of the classes presented what they had learnt throughout the term and children were beaming with joy - singing songs, reciting prayers, talking about the charity they have decided to support and of the life skills learnt. Huge well done to all the teachers for the fantastic work they are doing in motivating and inspiring children.

“The final day of the SCVP school was wonderful. Nice to see so many children with parents and so well organised by teachers with all the effort they put in.” (A parent)

The continued effort by all the teachers is testament to the grace and blessings of Pujya Tai Ma and Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji. It was wonderful to see good vibes and energy in the school and the lovely smiles of all the children.

Veerayatan Newsletter,
December 2022, Edition-38

Grand Celebration of Veerayatan’s achievements – 26 to 28 January 2023