‘Life Time Achievement Awards’ were presented to four distinguished personalities of Gujarati origin by the Institute of Jainology, India on 19th February 2019.
These four personalities, all living abroad, were felicitated by the Institute of Jainology for their pioneering work in promoting the awareness of Jaindarshan in foreign countries. Dr Kumarpal Desai, the Managing Trustee of the Institute in India had arranged the award presentation.
Shree Naresh Shah of New York reported of the various activities connected with teaching of the the Jain dharma in the U S A. He spoke about the swadhyay groups established all across the US. Pathshalas (Religious schools) are active Washington, Chicago and other cities imparting the knowledge of Jainism to about 300 to 400 students. On line pathshalas are also operated from New York. That city with a total population of 8 million people has about 5000 Jain residents. There are some 70 small and large Jain institutions.
Dr Vinod Kapasi from London, UK gave a talk on ‘Impact of Shree Uvasagaharam Stotra on our Lives’. He said that the stotra removes concerns and disturbances from our lives and induces inner pleasures. He added that ‘Shree Uvasagaharam Stotra’ has become therapeutic remedy for many people who suffer continuously from ailments and social misery.
Dr. Manibhai Mehta from Los Angeles California, gave detailed introduction about the activities going on in the Jain Centre of Southern California.
Shree Pravinbhai Shah from North Carolina USA talked about Gyanganga running through E-Library. The Education Team of JAINA have published thirteen books for the Pathshalas. Regular camps for the Pathshala teachers are being organized at different locations in the US..
On this event, Manubhai Shah, Shriyakbhai Sheth, Kaushal Desai and Naliniben Desai also addressed the audience with talks appropriate for the occasion. Several scholars and representatives of religious organisations attended the event.
