Veerayatan Newsletter,
December 2025, Edition-52

Karuna International Award

Karuna International is a registered non-profit service organisation, with its headquarters in Chennai, India, that has established "Karuna Clubs" in thousands of schools and colleges across India to promote values of non-violence, environmental conservation, and compassion for all living beings. Both Veerayatan and Karuna International share foundational principles rooted in Jain Dharma and uphold the same core values. In recognition of the extensive humanitarian work carried out by Veerayatan for over half a century - in the fields of education, healthcare, and disaster relief, guided by the vision and inspiration of Pujya Tai Ma - Karuna International has bestowed an award of appreciation upon Veerayatan for this remarkable contribution. Pujya Tai Ma and Veerayatan extend their heartfelt thanks for this appreciation plaque.

An Exemplary Step

A unique symposium on the traditions and culture of the era of Bhagwan Rishbhadev was organised by Nalanda University and Labdhi Vikram Jan Seva Trust in November 2025. Scholars of scriptural studies from India, including Nalanda University, as well as from overseas, presented their research and insights from diverse perspectives. Upadhyaya Shri Yashaji shared valuable insights on Bhagwan Rishbhadev, the first spiritual teacher of humankind and the pioneer of religion, culture, social structure, and family organisation. The interaction between students’ questions and the scholars’ responses fostered meaningful and deeper understanding of this topic at the symposium.

Paryushan Parva Celebration in Muscat

With the inspiration and blessings of Pujya Tai Ma, a deeply uplifting and spiritually enriching Paryushan Parva was celebrated in Muscat in the gracious presence of Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji and Sadhvi Sumedhaji. The Muscat Jain community, under the sincere and dedicated leadership of Shri Bakulbhai Mehta and Shri Dilipbhai Mehta, united with devotion to observe these sacred eight days. The spiritual discourses and meditation sessions, by Sadhvi Shilapiji filled the environment with introspection, serenity, and a renewed commitment to Jain principles.

This year, the spirit of tapas was especially inspiring. Three maaskhamans (a full month-long fast) and numerous atthais (fasting for 8 days) undertaken by devoted seekers created an atmosphere of immense spiritual strength and motivation.

To read more….

Rangolis galore! ……the artistic children of Bihar

Diwali is a special time when students of Veerayatan schools in Bihar brim with excitement. The creativity of students at the four Veerayatan schools in Bihar is par excellence, with their excitement channelled into creating amazingly artistic rangolis on an immense scale! The students, inspired by the teachings of Pujya Tai Ma, gave beautiful expression through their rangolis to many important sentiments such as ‘be of mutual help to one another’ and ‘environmental protection’.

Veerayatan Students Shine in Multiple Athletics Championships

The students of Tirthankar Mahavir Vidya Mandir, Lacchuar, are true all-rounders, excelling not just academically but also in sports. They have delivered outstanding performances at both state and district-level sporting championships. Young athletes from TMVM brought home an impressive tally of medals across a variety of events, including wrestling, track and field disciplines such as long jump, high jump, shot put, javelin throw, and the 400m race.

The remarkable achievements of these young athletes has brought pride to the institution and highlighted the school’s growing prominence in regional sports. Many congratulations to all the students and their teachers.

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Athletic Excellence at Tirthankar Mahavir Vidya Mandir, Pawapuri!

The students of Tirthankar Mahavir Vidya Mandir (TMVM), Pawapuri, demonstrated exceptional talent in co-curricular activities and sports during the latest Inter School Sports Competition. Their remarkable participation and achievements across multiple events has brought pride and recognition to their school.

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Academic Excellence at Tirthankar Mahavir Vidya Mandir, Pawapuri!

In the academic sphere, students of TMVM, Pawapuri achieved notable success in the “Bharat Ko Jano” quiz competition at district level, securing first and second positions in both the junior and senior groups. After their district-level success, these students represented Nalanda at the second level, and in the final level TMVM, Pawapuri secured an impressive third position amongst the 18 participating schools. The winning team members were Dimpy Durgeshwari, Rishu Raj, Nandini Rani and Neeraj Kumar. Many congratulations to all of them for these outstanding performances!

Janmashtmi Celebrations

Students celebrated the birth of Lord Krishna by participating in bhajans, cultural performances, and value-based activities that highlighted moral lessons from Lord Krishna’s life.

Navratri

One of Gujarat’s most celebrated festivals 'Navratri' always brings vibrance and excitement to all. Students and teachers dressed in traditional attire and participated in energetic garba and dandiya, filling the campus with colour and rhythm. Students learned about the cultural importance of the nine days and the values of strength, devotion, and positivity enabling them to connect with the rich heritage of Gujarat.

Teachers' Day

Students expressed their appreciation through heartfelt speeches dedicated to their teachers, highlighting Veerayatan’s core values of respect, learning, and compassion and strengthening the bond between students and the teachers, who guide, inspire, and shape young minds every day.

Medical Camp

A Medical Camp was organised at Veerayatan Vidyapeeth Rudrani to ensure the health and well-being of all students. A team of doctors and nurses conducted general check-ups, guided children about hygiene, and provided basic health advice. The camp helped in early identification of health concerns and created awareness amongst students about the importance of staying healthy. It was a truly instructive and caring initiative for these young learners.

Health Promotion

On World Pharmacist Day, students of Veerayatan Institute of Pharmacy visited a nearby village to conduct an awareness campaign on the dangers of obesity, drug addiction, and health hygiene. They interacted with students at the local school and villagers and explained the risks associated with unhealthy habits, and shared practical tips for maintaining good health. Through posters, demonstrations, and open discussions, the students encouraged the community to adopt safer and healthier lifestyles. The initiative helped spread the importance of health awareness whilst giving the students valuable real-world experience in serving society.

Science Fair

Students from class 8 and 9 of Veerayatan Vidyapeeth took part in the Zonal Science Fair. They presented a model on Sustainable Farming aimed at producing healthy food though the use of nourishing, long-term farming solutions without harming the environment or compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The event was beneficial in encouraging creativity, learning, and awareness about sustainable agriculture.

Industrial Visit

Students of Veerayatan Institute of Pharmacy visited Unicor Pharmatech in Anjar, Kutch, for an educational industrial tour. During the visit, they observed the various stages of pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality control processes, and modern laboratory practices. The visit provided students with valuable practical insights and enhanced their understanding of how pharmaceutical products are developed and processed in real industry settings. It was an enriching learning experience that connected classroom knowledge with real-world application.

Diwali, the festival of light and colours

In a joint effort with Visa Oswal Community Nairobi, Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth Jain School led a Diwali Craft activity with students and teachers at the school having great fun creating colourful decorations which were displayed afterwards at the Oshwal Centre, brightening up the foyer for the Diwali and New year celebrations. Well done to all the children and teachers for this amazing seva activity using their creative skills!

Celebrating Gyan Pancham

Gyan Pancham is an important day for Jains, celebrated to honour and highlight the significance of knowledge. At SCVP Kenya, students and teachers performed the Gyan Pancham Poojan in each class. The youngest students were taught the importance of respecting knowledge through simple, engaging activities, whilst the older students participated in a “Gyan Escape Room” designed by our youth teachers, an activity combining learning with fun!

Jyotsnaben Samji – A remarkable soul

Our heartfelt shradhanjali to Shravika Jyotsnaben Samji of South London UK, whose soul left her body on 11th December 2025 at age of 70, following a prolonged illness. Inspired by Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji and with the blessings of Pujya Tai Ma, Jyotsnaben became a teacher for adults in Shree Chandana Vidhyapeeth Jain school in South London after visiting Pune in 2000.

Jyotsnaben was a pure soul, full of positive energy and an inspiration to all who came in contact with her. Through her life, she set a shining example of devotion, positivity, resilience and steadfastness on the spiritual path. Under the guidance and blessings of Pujya Tai Ma, Jyotsnaben’s journey was illuminated with faith and purpose. Jyotsnaben spent her time in swadhyaya, prayers and satsang, had completely accepted her fate and was in equanimity till the end. We pray for her soul to continue its spiritual journey peacefully and reach her goal of attaining the Siddha state.

Om Shanti! Shanti! Shanti!

Vibrant Diwali Celebrations

With the grace and blessings of Pujya Tai Ma and Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji, Veerayatan UK hosted a hugely memorable Diwali event this year, celebrating Mahavir Bhagwan’s Nirvana in a magical, unique and hugely inspiring way. The Chopda Poojan was conducted in a manner which highlighted its deep spiritual meaning, connecting everyone with the core essence of Bhagwan Mahavir’s teachings and engaging both young and old to begin a new spiritual chapter in their lives. Soul stirring music and stavans uplifted all present, with the evening concluding with a magical Jain Raas Garba which left all highly energised.

To read further…

Gyan Pancham Celebrations

With the blessings of Pujya Tai Ma and Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji, we had a wonderful, peaceful and thought-provoking in-person and online programme for Gyan Pancham at our school. The importance and significance of Gyan Pancham was explained very clearly with the focus on respecting and acquiring knowledge. The children were amazing when sharing a powerful skit on the importance of effort in acquiring knowledge but also applying that knowledge practically with discernment. At the end everyone had the opportunity to participate in the Gyan Pancham ceremony by performing the poojan on our revered scriptures.

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Shri Nemubhai Chandaria OBE

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Nemubhai Chandaria OBE, who was a huge pillar of the Jain community and a guiding light for all.

A founding member and long-serving Chair of the Institute of Jainology, his leadership advanced national and global recognition of Jain values. He spearheaded the landmark Jain Declaration on Nature, presented to HRH Prince Philip, placing Jainism as a faith firmly on the world stage and highlighting its environmental credentials. His tireless interfaith work which led to strong relationships being built with the Vatican and other faith organisations, whilst the creation of the OneJAIN platform had a unifying effect bringing together over 30 UK organisations with one collective voice. Honoured with an OBE and multiple lifetime awards, including the prestigious JAINA Global Award for Jain Heritage and Literature, his service was rooted in humility, compassion and ahimsa.

Nemubhai was a valued supporter of many Veerayatan initiatives over the years and whilst we express our heartfelt condolences at his loss, his life and achievements are also to be celebrated in the firm knowledge that his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.

Ahimsa Day Celebrations at House of Commons 2025

Veerayatan UK was honoured and grateful to be represented by both Trustees and SCVP teachers at the House of Commons for the 22^nd annual Ahimsa Day celebrations hosted by the Institute of Jainology (IoJ) team. It was a wonderful setting with a distinguished gathering that included Members of Parliament, leaders from Jain and other faith communities, academics, and dignitaries from major institutions to reflect on this year’s theme - “The role of faith during a time of multiple existential crises – with specific reference to Nostra Aetate.” Nostra Aetate is the landmark Vatican document that called upon Catholics to recognise, preserve, and promote the spiritual, moral, and cultural values of other faiths through dialogue and collaboration.

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Inter Faith Conference in Rome

The Institute of Jainology (IoJ) was invited to participate in a three-day Inter Faith Conference hosted by the Gregorian University in Rome, marking 60 years since the landmark Vatican document Nostra Aetate, which first called for meaningful engagement and dialogue with other faiths. From a UK perspective, the aim was to promote the Jain faith and share Jain perspectives on inter-religious harmony. The trip was facilitated and led by Dr Mehoolbhai Sanghrajka of IoJ, accompanied by a delegation of Jains from the UK and India, including Nileshbhai Kothari representing Veerayatan UK.

Read further for more information on this conference…