Veerayatan Newsletter,
December 2023, Edition-43

A gift of vision, a gift given to many!

With the blessings of Pujya Tai Ma, a free eye treatment camp was organised at Tirthankar Mahavir Vidya Mandir Pawapuri (‘TMVM’) for the neighbouring villagers who are disadvantaged and, in particular, the elderly as they have no means to attend the hospital in Rajgir. In total 283 people were given free medical checkups and treatment. Eighty-five people were diagnosed with having a cataract, for whom free eye surgery was conducted on 22 November 2023 at Netra Jyoti Seva Mandiram, Rajgir.

Diwali Celebrations

The students of Tirthankar Mahavir Vidya Mandir participated in a two-day inter-school competition, "Pawapuri Mahotsav", organised at district level on the occasion of Diwali. Students from all the government and private schools took part. There were several competitions which were organised including a rangoli competition, a quiz competition, a picture writing competition and a mehndi competition.

Students of TMVM showed their creative talents and displayed elaborate designs. The students did extremely well, winning prizes in all categories of competitions. Well done to all the students and the teachers.

Donation of new school bus

We are delighted to announce that Veerayatan's President, Dr. Abhaybhai Firodia, has gifted a new school bus to facilitate easy commuting for the students of Veerayatan Vidyapeeth. Members of Veerayatan Kutch family heartily thank Dr. Abhaybhai Firodia for this very generous donation.

Celebrating World Pharmacist Day

Veerayatan Institute of Pharmacy students celebrated 'World Pharmacist Day' by organising various innovative competitions aimed at boosting the knowledge and the competitive learning spirit among students. These included poster-making; a quiz competition based on a pharmaceutical theme; a pharmaceutical pitch and marketing competition where students showcased their innovative ideas, entrepreneurial and marketing skills; and a fun and interactive game of Pharma Pictionary where students had to draw and guess the pharmaceutical terms and concepts! Sounds like the students had tremendous fun whilst also enhancing their learning!!

Promoting responsible tourism

Veerayatan Institute of BBA/ BCA students won 3^rd prize in the Inter College Competition held by 'Yuva Tourism Club', Ministry of Tourism. The aim was to create interest, awareness, and a sense of responsibility among the youth towards India’s national and cultural heritage. A conference was organised by Kutch University in which students were asked to give presentations on various places to visit in Kutch with Veerayatan Institute of BBA/BCA students choosing to promote ' Kalo Dungar' (Black Mountain).

Developing awareness of Thalassemia

Engineering students were proactive in organising a Thalassemia camp in which experts from Red Cross Society made students aware of this disease including conducting blood tests.

Participating in Science Fair

Not to be left behind the students of classes 6 to 8 of Veerayatan Vidyapeeth School participated in the district level Science Fair and exhibited 2 projects on Volcano and Vermicompost. They created a model of a Volcano and demonstrated its eruption with the help of soda and vinegar. They also created an informative model of vermicompost - how it is made, its uses, how it increases the fertility of soil, how it is helpful to create a healthy atmosphere thus leading to a better yield.

Demonstrating community responsibility

To install a sense of responsibility and community among the students and promote the importance of cleanliness and hygiene, 'Swachhta Abhiyan' was organised where students actively participated in cleaning the college buildings, classrooms, campus pathways and garden at the Veerayatan Kutch campus. As a token of reward and appreciation for the sense of belonging and ownership for their Institutes refreshments were provided by Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji.

To increase the knowledge and awareness of students to make best use of available resources a 'Best out of Waste' competition was organised by the students of Veerayatan Rudrani school for the young students who were given an opportunity to showcase their imagination and creative skills.

Joyous Celebration of Festivals

Festivals bring happiness, faith, devotion and a sense of unity to everyone. With the blessings of Pujya Tai Ma and the guidance of Sadhvijis, students and faculties organised various festivals at the Veerayatan Kutch campus and enjoyed them to the fullest. Diwali radiated joy and spirituality in the divine presence of Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji. Navratri and Diwali attracted students to participate in their beautiful attire, dancing to the tunes of garba and dandhiya and taking part in rangoli and thali decoration competitions. The entire campus shimmered with the glow of diyas and vibrant decorative lights. Heartfelt prayers resonated for the abundant health and happiness of Pujya Tai Ma. The Veerayatan family gathered to seek blessings from Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji, fervently wishing for their collective prosperity, well-being, and lasting joy. As a gesture of affection and blessings, sweets and gifts were warmly presented to the staff members, symbolizing the bonds of love and gratitude that illuminated the festive atmosphere.

Graduation ceremony

Nine students from Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth Jain School (SCVP) graduated on completing their 10-year Jain study program. These students were over the moon to have received their graduation certificates from none other than Pujya Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji, with the blessings of Pujya Tai Ma. Three students spoke so eloquently on the impact of Jain teaching and how they would apply these teachings and become Jain ambassadors. Pujya Sadhviji addressed the audience emphasising the importance of community and the urgent need to organise conferences for the youth where they can voice their opinions on how they want to carry forth Jain dharma.

SCVP London celebrates Gyan Pancham

The wonderful festival of Gyan Pancham was celebrated by over 100 adults and children at the school, as well as, virtually for all those students who live far from the school or were not able to travel to the school for the celebrations. The in-person event was compered and led very confidently by the students of SCVP. Everyone was reminded of the reasons why as Jains we celebrate Gyan Pancham and for some people, it was a completely new experience. We were reminded of the importance of knowledge in our life. The participants travelled through a journey of appreciation, respect and gratitude for the Acharyas and the monks and nuns who were determined and took great risks to ensure that the teachings of our Tirthankaras are kept alive. This was done through storytelling and singing stavans full of devotion. Everyone had an opportunity to do the gyan pooja with sandalwood powder and showing respect to the scriptures.