Veerayatan Newsletter,
March 2021, Edition-30

Veerayatan Diagnostic Centre

Veerayatan Diagnostic Centre:

Foundation laying ceremony

Veerayatan warmly invites everyone for the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Diagnostic Centre on 10 March 2021 at 4.30pm IST. You can join in via Zoom with the following link:

https://zoom.us/j/5328777868?pwd=Rkg1MERoR092aUp4S3Eybm5NNHZMQT09

Meeting ID: 5328777868
Passcode: 108108

On 2 January 2021, Yuvacharya Shubhamji Maharaj left her human body. In his remembrance speech, Dr Abhaybhai Firodia said that sadly, Shubhamji Maharaj’s untimely departure was contributed to by the lack of expert diagnostic facilities in Bihar. A resolve has been made to create an up-to-date diagnostic centre in Rajgir making it highly accessible to everyone. This centre, which is scheduled to open in January 2022, will be equipped with all modern diagnostic imaging equipment and employ highly skilled staff. For more information on the Diagnostic Centre and to make donations

Click Here

Pujya Tai Maa’s

Birthday celebrations in Rajgir

Acharya, Shri Chandanaji Maharaj’s (fondly known as Pujya Tai Maa) birthday is celebrated every year in Rajgir by establishing an eye camp at Netra Jyoti Sewa Mandiram. All the operations and outpatient appointments are free of cost to patients! This year was no different despite many COVID restrictions. Over a period of 4 days, 475 cataract operations were performed and the target is for 2,500 to 3,000 patients to have their eye surgeries, free of any cost, throughout 2021. As usual doctors and staff worked tirelessly and with dedication over the four-day period – a massive well done to all!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ljQmvVCcYE

Navya (8 yrs old) and Siddh (12 yrs old) Doshi, siblings and students from Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth, UK, wrote this beautiful poem for Pujya Tai Maa:

You are a very special person
Who finds real joy in giving
My humble words may not be enough
For the amazing life you are living

An epitome of selflessness
Following the teachings of Lord Mahavir
You choose service over worldly pleasures
Loving every living being as your treasures

When we see you hugging a little child
That warmth and care and sparkle in your eyes
Our little hearts fill with joy and pride
Within you Tai Maa our God resides

The most affectionate birthday wishes
We are sending your way
We shall always pray for your good health and happiness
Today and every single day.
Mere Devdoot Stories

Mere Devdoot Stories

Mere Devdoot (My Angels) is a book written by Pujya Tai Maa in which she remembers and reflects on everyone who has shaped her life. Over the past year we have been publishing these stories in the newsletter.

Here are two stories in which we learn how the sacrifice and loving behaviour displayed by others can shape lives

Read More...
Way of life – Vyom Veerayatan

Way of life – Vyom Veerayatan online classes

It’s been 6 months since the Vyom Veerayatan project was launched by Pujya Tai Maa. The gratefulness felt and immense impact of these classes are beautifully described by one of the South London Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth teachers, Vibhutiben:

The record high daily COVID-19 cases and deaths, accompanied by a national lockdown and short and cold winter days made this January/February time particularly difficult for all in UK.  But we have felt very privileged. Our Pujya Tai Maa's vision of Vyom Veerayatan became instrumental in injecting positivity into our days.  We are inspired by this programme, where it has been possible to learn directly from the Sadhvijis through virtual Zoom sessions on a regular basis.  The Sadhvijis' commitment has been remarkable. Not only are we learning the Jain scriptures from them but their unique interpretation and style of communication, using innumerable examples of how they apply to our daily lives, has been particularly meaningful.  These virtual sessions have kept our minds active in positive contemplation and appreciation of our remarkable Jain Faith through these dark days.  There are no words to express our gratitude to Pujya Tai Maa and all the Sadhvijis of Veerayatan.

For more information about the online classes, please click here to view the calendar. We welcome you to join these classes.

Veerayatan Kutch

Inspiring to create a peaceful Society

Pujya Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji was cordially invited as a representative of Veerayatan on a unique 2-day online workshop organised by Global Interfaith Wash Alliance (GIWA): "Leveraging the power of Faith for co-creating a Just and Peaceful Society". Sadhviji collated and expressed some of the most significant teachings on equality and justice from Jain Scriptures. In particular Sadhviji’s talk focused on:

  • The reasons for violence, inequality and injustice in our society which have undoubtedly increased in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic;
  • The vision of Pujya Tai Maa to bring positive change in society;
  • The role of youth, especially women, in bringing about the culture of peace and inclusion.

Sadhviji's presence and her thoughts and vision were much acclaimed by the other faith leaders present in the workshop.

Overcoming challenges to online learning

Veerayatan Vidyapeeth in Rudrani is a unique school developed for the empowerment of hundreds of children for whom education was previously an unattainable dream. Education is free for these children who come from socially and economically deprived communities. During this Covid pandemic, it has been a challenge to convert to online education as parents and children have not had much exposure to technologies and have not been able to understand the online teaching process. Teachers, with dedication and hard work, contacted all the parents and trained and empowered them to ensure that their children’s studies continued at home. Teachers have also regularly monitored students’ performance. Well done to all the teachers for the love and dedication they have to shape the futures of these children and help them realise their dreams!

Re-opening educational institutions safely

It is impressive to see how successfully the schools and colleges have opened after almost a year! All the higher-grade classes (Grades 9-12) have started face to face lessons and the educational colleges have opened for the final year undergraduate students. Studies are going well and exams are being conducted maintaining proper safety and hygiene measures.

Veerayatan Institute of Engineering was adjudged the best in providing the logistics required to conduct the prestigious GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Mumbai), the only centre allocated in the entire region of Kutch. It was great to see 782 students who participated in this national exam, observing strict Covid health and safety rules.

Tirthankar Mahavir Vidya Mandir – Osian and Sanchore

Veerayatan took over the running of two beautiful English medium schools in the rural areas of Osian and Sanchore, where literacy rates are far below the national average, in 2017 and these schools have been transformed, now open to all without any distinction of caste, creed, religion or socio-economic background. These state-of-the-art schools are providing high standards of education to underprivileged children who would otherwise not get educated. Girls are encouraged to attend school and efforts are taking place to discourage child marriages.

Click here to read further
Transforming lives, Building Futures

Transforming lives, Building Futures

Veerayatan’s work continues to have a dramatic impact on thousands of lives. Here is the story of how one family’s life has been transformed.

Karan and his family have been supported by Veerayatan for many years. Karan’s two sisters completed their studies at the Veerayatan Institute of BBA and at Veerayatan Institute of Pharmacy respectively, whilst, Karan, who is the youngest child in his family is also studying Pharmacy at Veerayatan. His aspiration is to do research to produce affordable medicines. His sister, who is a pharmacist, runs a pharmacy for the benefit of the villagers and his father, a doctor, attends patients in a distant village in Kutch. The family has patently dedicated their lives to Veerayatan’s noble cause and are following the path of ‘Compassion in Action’.

Art4 Education by Taneesha Sheth

“To educate a child is to turns walls into doors.” This is the reason why 13 year-old Taneesha Sheth from Singapore was inspired to utilise her passion for art and painting and start ‘Art4 Education’, a platform to support child education. Taneesha firmly believes, “Education is every child’s birth right. Unfortunately, it still remains an inaccessible right for millions of children around the world driven by factors like poverty, illiteracy, discrimination, inequality and affordability.”

Taneesha is supporting a Veerayatan school in Jaipur for underprivileged children. Over the last few months, she, with the help from her mother Neha Sheth, has sold handmade greeting cards in Singapore and has raised enough money to educate 20 children for an entire year. And this is just the beginning…… To support her cause, please email: dm@art4_education.

Many congratulations Taneesha and keep up the amazing work you are doing!

For more information, Click here

Veerayatan USA

Nikhil Mehta

Tai Maa, my inspiration By Nikhil Mehta, USA

When I saw and finally met Acharya Shri Chandanaji, my first impression was that Mother Theresa had been reincarnated. I mean, there was a certain aura about her purity.  It is her selfless nature, and her intense desire for Seva (service) for the needy without any boundaries that drove me to contemplate on what I can do myself to make a difference?

Read further

Veerayatan UK

Online Jain Classes for children and adults

North London

Despite being in lockdown, Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth teachers, with the blessing of Pujya Tai Maa and Pujya Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji, have worked hard to ensure that the classes for both children and adults have continued online.

Children’s classes are made fun and interactive and children are learning various aspects of Jain religion. The children’s classes are highly accessible and open to all worldwide – we even have a 5 year student from India who attends and is so motivated that she has been learning English value based songs which she has sung in her local school! The variety of topics which include good values, Mahavir Bhagwan’s life story and key messages, the importance of discipline, the core Jain principles (to name but a few!) are delivered using creative methods such as debates and art and crafts to ensure the children are engaged and inspired.

The adult class has embarked on a study of Pujya Gurudev Shri Amar Muniji Maharaj’s (Gurudev) Book ‘Amar Vani’ or ‘Eternal Wisdom’.  This book exemplifies how Pujya Gurudev Shri Amar Muniji Maharaj had a logical and precise mind, a truth-seeking temperament, an imperturbable resolve in the face of adversity, total dedication to attaining inner purity and a vision that propounded religious tolerance. This book shows the practical aspects of leading one’s life based on Gurudev’s experience and wisdom. 

For more information on these classes, contact Rita Shah: ritashah01@gmail.com; Tel: 07837811252

South London

SCVP South London Adult Jain Class continues every Saturday morning virtually via Zoom studying ‘The Jaina Path of Purification’ by Padmanabh S. Jaini.  Dr Mehoolbhai Sangrajka has kindly committed to a regular monthly session enriching our understanding of specific topics related to the text being studied.  Everyone attending is fascinated and highly inspired by these sessions.  A short Bhakti session has also been introduced every 4th Saturday where attendees volunteer to sing stavans solo!  This interactive session, which was suggested by the class itself and together with Dr Mehoolbhai's sessions have really helped to keep us together and motivated us to be positive in the current challenging circumstances.

For more information on these classes, contact Vibhutiben: vibhutimmehta@gmail.com