Veerayatan Newsletter,
February 2026, Edition-53

A Grand and Historic Celebration of the 90th Birth Anniversary

of Padma Shri Acharya Shri Chandanaji

On the sacred land of Palitana, from 25th to 27th January 2026, Veerayatan, Palitana witnessed a grand and historic celebration marking the 90th birth anniversary of Param Pujya Padmashri Acharya Shri Chandanaji, fondly known as Tai Ma. This momentous occasion was dedicated to the timeless ideals of service, education, and spiritual practice, which Tai Ma has embodied throughout her life.

The presence of over 1,100 devotees from India and across the world - including the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Dubai, and Muscat - gave the celebration a truly global resonance. The event was further enriched by the gracious presence of Dr. Shri Abhay Firodia, the inspiration behind Abhay Prabhavna; Mr. Prem Jain, Director at Cisco (USA); leading figures from the industrial world; and representatives of internationally renowned institutions such as JAINA.

With the blessings of Param Pujya Morari Bapu and Pujya Bhaishri, the celebration reached profound spiritual heights.

Building the Future with Unity and Compassion: Pujya Tai Ma’s message for all

Building the Future with Unity and Compassion: Pujya Tai Ma’s message for all

‘‘My dear spiritual companions, on this sacred Republic Day, we are gathered not merely to celebrate - we are gathered to awaken. This is a rare moment to reflect, to renew our resolve, and to live according to our deepest convictions.

The message of Mahavir is simple and universal:

Every living being is precious. Every being longs to live in peace.

Let us therefore dedicate ourselves to ensuring respect, safety, and dignity for all. We are not here to change anyone’s faith; we are not here to hurt anyone’s honour; we are not here for politics. We are here for one purpose alone - to work together for our nation, our society, and for humanity.

Whatever has been achieved over the years is not the work of one person. It is the strength of your love, your cooperation, and your dedication. For this, I offer my heartfelt gratitude. Today, I make a humble appeal: If we nurture our children with noble values and scientific thinking, if we establish schools in our Jinalays, we can truly shape the destiny of our nation. So let us take a pledge - to unite, to serve, and to live lives that inspire others. On this Republic Day, let us awaken and build the future together.’’

Ninety Golden Years of Service, Spiritual Practice, and Compassion

During Tai Ma’s 90th birthday celebrations, the Veerayatan Palitana campus blossomed into a vibrant confluence of devotion, service, and joyful anticipation. Children rehearsed with excitement, teachers and volunteers finalised preparations, medical teams prepared for free eye camps, and the entire campus shimmered with festive spirit. As Tai Ma entered, radiant with love and compassion, the gathering responded with heartfelt reverence. Even aged ninety, her clarity, vision, and tireless commitment to uplifting lives remain undiminished. The two-day celebration became a deeply enriching experience for all, filled with gratitude, love, and prayers for her continued health and long life.

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Suryadatta Global Peace Gandhian Philosophy Award

It is with great pleasure that we share the news that Pujya Tai Ma has been honoured with the Suryadatta Global Peace Award in recognition of her enduring commitment to the ideals of service, simplicity, and universal welfare.

Past, Present and Future

Past, Present and Future

Shri Dr Abhaybhai Firodia, President of Veerayatan, reflected on the organisation’s remarkable journey from its humble beginnings in Bihar over fifty years ago - where Pujya Tai Ma laid a foundation rooted in service, education, and spirituality - to its expansion across India through the historic collaboration of Sadhvis and Shravaks. Guided by Tai Ma’s courageous and value-driven leadership, Veerayatan has grown into a strong, reform-oriented institution dedicated to social upliftment and education. Looking ahead, Shri Abhaybhai emphasised the urgent need to spread Jain values - not the rituals, but the profound and timeless principles - by inspiring the youth, establishing schools wherever there is a Jinalaya, and strengthening institutions nationwide. On her 90th birth anniversary, Veerayatan renewed its commitment to advancing her visionary mission of compassion in action for generations to come.

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A Priceless Gift of Vision for those in need

Since the founding of Veerayatan in 1973, Tai Ma’s birthday has always been associated with a profound act of compassion - free eye camps. This year, the tradition continued with the same depth and reach.

In Palitana and Rajgir, hundreds of patients received free cataract surgeries, restoring not only their eyesight but also hope and dignity. In Palitana, the eye camp was sponsored by Shri Godaniji from Mumbai and 99 successful surgeries were performed with comprehensive post-operative care, while in Bihar nearly 450 free eye surgeries were completed.

This service extended beyond restoring physical sight. Patients were also guided toward values such as ethical living, freedom from addiction, non-violence, and compassion for all beings — awakening inner awareness along with vision.

Inspired by this initiative, delegates in Palitana have pledged their support to organise 108 free eye camps in the coming year, whilst free eye surgeries will also continue throughout the year in Bihar. Every sight restored stands as a living testimony to Tai Ma’s lifelong commitment to service.

Click here to watch the life-changing work of restoring eyesight at Veerayatan Rajgir

Inauguration of Gautam Vihar, the Guest House

On the auspicious occasion of Tai Ma’s 90th birthday, the modern guest house, Gautam Vihar, was inaugurated in Palitana with great joy. This facility has been made possible through the generous support of Punitaben Shah, Arunbhai Shah, and their daughter Misty Shah from the USA, in the memory of Yuvacharya Shri Shubhamji, along with the collective participation of the Veerayatan international community.

Built to high standards, Gautam Vihar is located near the school, the hospital, and the newly constructed Shri Shankheshwar Parshva Jinalaya, forming a harmonious centre of education, healthcare, service, and spiritual practice. More than a building, it will serve as a warm home for pilgrims, volunteers, and professionals engaged in service at Veerayatan - symbolising shared purpose and dedication, strengthening Veerayatan’s mission of service to humanity.

Vibrant, Joyful and Energetic Cultural Performances

The stage came alive with dance performances by the children of Tirthankar Mahavir Vidya Mandir, Palitana. Dressed in colourful attire, with radiant smiles and devotion-filled hearts, the children performed with confidence and innocence, joyfully displaying their talent and offering their dances as a heartfelt tribute to Pujya Tai Ma.

Every performance carried a meaningful message: Tai Ma as a guiding light, the sacred duty of protecting nature, the noble work of the eye hospital that restores not only sight but awakens the inner light, and deep patriotism inspired by India’s Republic Day.

These performances beautifully conveyed the values of service, virtue, and love, touching hearts and inspiring all who witnessed them.

Vocational Training Centre - A Step Toward Self-Reliance

Another important milestone was the inauguration of a Vocational Training Centre, made possible through the support of Sevantibhai and Hemaben Mehta from Houston, USA.

Beginning with training in tailoring and computer skills, the centre will gradually expand into additional fields. It will empower school graduates, youth, and adults to become self-reliant and move towards dignified livelihoods - helping break cycles of poverty and build lives rooted in self-respect.

With the blessings of Pujya Tai Ma, this centre will stand as a beacon of hope and inspiration, transforming lives and nurturing dreams for generations to come.

Environmental-friendly, Solar Powered Veerayatan Campus

Environmental-friendly, Solar Powered Veerayatan Campus

The Veerayatan Palitana campus stands as a green, lush, and vibrant sanctuary, reflecting a deep respect for nature. Adding to this commitment, a major milestone was achieved on Tai Ma’s 90th birthday when large solar power systems (150 KVA Solar Systems) were inaugurated with the generous support of Sevantibhai and Hemaben Mehta from Houston, USA.

These installations will provide clean, sustainable energy across the campus and inspire students - our future generation - to embrace environmentally responsible living

A Divine Dream Carved in Stone: Pratishtha of Shri Shankeshwar Parshva

In the sacred town of Palitana, a new spiritual landmark has emerged within the Veerayatan campus: Shri Shankeshwar Parshva Jinalaya, a serene temple dedicated to Bhagwan Parshvanath. Envisioned by Pujya Tai Ma and made possible through the devotion of Arvindbhai and Arunaben Shah from Raleigh, USA, the intricately carved temple was completed remarkably in under nine months. The consecration and inauguration ceremonies in February 2026 drew devotees from India and abroad for days of devotion-filled celebration. Today, the temple stands as a sanctuary of peace - a symbol of compassion, faith, and shared devotion brought to life.

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Book Launch: Pages of a Radiant Life

A new book, ‘Pages of a Radiant Life’, was launched on Pujya Tai Ma’s birthday. This work beautifully brings together Tai Ma’s wisdom and the creative writing of Upadhyay Shri Yashaji Maharaj, presenting the teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir through the perspective of Indrabhuti Gautam.

More than a collection of memories, the book serves as a guide for purposeful living. Its English translation aims to share this timeless wisdom with seekers and youth around the world. Jayantbhai Shah of Pune made a special contribution toward bringing this book to life.

Flag Hoisting on India’s Republic Day

On 26 January - Tai Ma’s birthday and India’s Republic Day - the national flag was hoisted in the presence of Tai Ma and Pujya Bhaishri. The atmosphere was filled with immense patriotism, reverence, and pride as everyone stood united in salute. Children, dressed in vibrant attire, sang the national anthem with deep emotion, creating a moment that will remain etched in every heart.

India’s First 108-Foot Jain Flag Mast

With the support of Dr. Shri Abhay Firodia, President of Veerayatan, India’s first 108-foot Jain flag mast was installed at Palitana. Dr. Firodia along with his wife Indiraben Firodia proudly hoisted the Jain flag. This flag which can be seen from a great distance will be the lasting symbol of non-violence and Jain heritage.

He also presented the future vision of the Shri Rishabhdev Memorial, which will include an amphitheatre, conference hall, and a majestic idol of Lord Adinath visible from afar — destined to become a powerful source of spiritual inspiration within Veerayatan’s upcoming Upahaar Project.

The Future Vision - Upahaar

During the celebration, the visionary project Upahaar was announced. Conceived by Pujya Tai Ma, this thoughtfully designed initiative is taking shape at Veerayatan, Palitana. Upahaar does not aim to preach ideas, but to create an experience - one that inspires through observation, understanding, and inner realisation.

At its heart will stand a grand memorial of Lord Adinath, presenting his life and contribution to human civilisation through a Light and Sound show. The project will also include a museum, education centre, conference hall, meditation spaces, and experiential zones, offering knowledge, reflection, and a way of conscious living in an accessible form.

Upahaar is envisioned as a space where visitors realise that life itself can become a gift - received from nature, from society, and from values, and carried forward meaningfully to others. This vision has been brought to life through the remarkable efforts of Naveen Bhandari, his family and his dedicated team. Presenting the vision in a film format was no small task, yet he has translated its depth and spirit with creativity, professionalism, and devotion. His leadership and wholehearted involvement have added strength and momentum to this initiative.

Heartfelt Thanks and Appreciation

On this sacred occasion, we, on behalf of the Veerayatan family, extend our heartfelt thanks to all those whose contributions made this event meaningful, memorable, and truly magnificent.

We express our special appreciation to Shri Atul Bora, his revered mother Shrimati Ichhabai Bora, and the entire Bora family, whose generous support made this entire event possible. Their contribution not only brought this celebration to life but also made it joyous, inspiring, and deeply enriching for every participant present. Their support stands as a beautiful example of service rooted in values and culture.

We also thank all the well-wishers, donors, and supporters who uplifted this event through their, encouragement, faith, and wholehearted participation. Your collective support is a testament to the fact that when service, sensitivity, and shared resolve come together, no endeavour remains beyond reach.

With your support, this occasion became more than a celebration - it became a lasting memory, a source of inspiration, and a renewed commitment to service. For this, we thank you from the heart.

Wider Celebrations to honour Pujya Tai Ma

Kutch

Kutch

Veerayatan, Kutch, resonated with devotion and joy as the community gathered on 26th January to celebrate Pujya Tai Ma’s birthday. Marked by reverence and gratitude, the occasion honoured her life of compassion and selfless service. Cultural performances by children - through song and dance - added warmth to the celebration. The day served as a heartfelt tribute to her vision of unity, education, and inner awakening, leaving all deeply inspired.

Meerut

On the auspicious occasion of Pujya Tai Ma’s 90th birth anniversary, Veerayatan Meerut organised a beautiful and nourishing community feast. Rajma and rice were lovingly distributed as prasad, and the programme was made possible through the wholehearted cooperation and participation of all. The occasion reflected togetherness, reverence, and heartfelt appreciation in honour of this special milestone.

UK

90 Years of Compassion in Action: A Devotional Tribute to Pujya Tai Ma

Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth (SCVP) Jain School, London, marked the 90th birthday of Pujya Tai Ma with a deeply devotional and gratitude-filled celebration, honouring her nine decades of compassion in action and lifelong dedication to Seva, Shiksha and Sadhana. The youth-led programme featured heartfelt tributes through dance, poetry, and reflection, while the community embodied Tai Ma’s spirit of service through charitable support for Cariad Baby Bank. The evening was not simply a birthday celebration, but a sacred offering - a moment to reflect on a life that continues to inspire selfless service, spiritual strength, and the upliftment of humanity across generations.

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Kenya

A Celebration of Gratitude and Community Spirit

The celebration of Pujya Tai Ma’s birthday at Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth (SCVP), Kenya, was a truly soul-stirring occasion that radiated warmth and spiritual devotion. The event brought the school together in a beautiful display of gratitude for Tai Ma’s lifelong dedication to humanity and compassion. The melody of heartfelt prayers to begin the programme created a serene space for reflection and collective blessings. It was a poignant reminder of Tai Ma’s profound impact on our school as a whole, leaving everyone present feeling inspired and deeply connected to the values of ‘Compassion in Action’.

To read further…