Secretary, KOJAIN 422 Hillview Dr, APT 202, Linthicum, MD ... · Jessica Vora (26) daughter of Navin and Sudha Vora finished Houston full 26.2 miles long Marathon,on Jan 18 2010 in

Kachchhi Oswal Jain Association In North America Visit our website http://www.kojain.com for news & events

Volume 15, Issue 1 1 Mar 2010

President’s Message Dear Fellow Kachchhi Oswals, Pranam and Greetings of the Season….. New Year starts with new hopes, new goals and new objectives to excel and do better than the previous years. This is true for the organizations as well as for individuals. This is KOJAIN’s first e-newsletter of the year. KOJAIN’s plan is to publish four newsletters, at the end of each quarter, during the year. Our main communication will be through e-mail (using Yahoogroups) and e-newsletter. Since the official adoption of KOJAIN Constitution & By-Laws in October 1995, leaders and volunteers of KOJAIN have been working steadily to improve and increase activities and programs. We have a proud heritage as Kachchhi and Jain with a noble past. We all come from different background, but with common culture and same heritage. KOJAIN’s strength lies in its community members and relationships. KOJAIN aims to increase communication and sharing between Executive Board, youths and adults, ultimately creating stronger, vibrant and more effective community. Today, more than ever, we thank you for your generous donation, continued support and engagement with our mission. With everyone’s support and cooperation we will sustain and enhance our future.

Navin S. Dedhia President, KOJAIN

************************************** SUPPORT KOJAIN & JOIN AS A MEMBER. MEMBERSHIP INFO

AND OTHE INFORMATION CAN BE LOCATED AT THE WEBSITE WWW.KOJAIN.COM

Board of Directors: Officers : President: Navin S. Dedhia (408) 629-1723 [email protected] Vice President: Manish Mota (480) 614-3451 [email protected] Secretary: Nimesh S. Chheda (410) 245-0966 [email protected] Treasurer: Vijay J. Savla (978) 264-0596 [email protected] --------------------------------------------------------------- Regional Directors : Region 1: AZ, CO, HI, NM, So.CA, UT Kalyanji K. Mota (714) 956-0405 [email protected] Region 2: AK, ID, MT, NV, No.CA, OR, WA, WY Sarla Chheda (Kansara) (510) 226-8450 [email protected] Region 3: AR, KS, LA, MO, OK, TX Dhiraj M. Gosar (281) 530-1931 [email protected] Region 4: IL, IN, IA, MN, NE, ND, SD, WI Ram S Gada (612) 788-2566 [email protected] Region 5: AL, FL, GA, MS, TN Vinay L. Tejani (423) 842-6463 [email protected] Region 6: KY, MI, OH, W.PA, WV Chirag L. Shah (551) 580-8355 [email protected] Region 7: Wa. DC., MD, NC, SC, VA, Manoj Dharamsi (703) 620-9837 [email protected] Region 8: DE, E.PA, NJ Tansukh U. Maru (732) 495-2304 [email protected] Region 9: NY Chhotalal Bheddah (516) 883- 0345 [email protected] Region 10: CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT Chandrika Shah (978)794-3028 [email protected] Region 11: Canada Rita Dharamshi (905) 542-0397 [email protected] Past President: Vijay D. Chheda (714) 654-6097 [email protected]

KOJAIN NEWSLETTER Secretary, KOJAIN

422 Hillview Dr, APT 202, Linthicum, MD 21090

Web site: www.kojain.com A Non-Profit Organization

Tax Exempt No. 06-1442444 Volume 15, Issue 1, Mar 2010



KOJAIN Regional News:

Region 1 (AZ, CO, HI, NM, SO.CA and UT): Newly Weds Bhumika Khona, daughter of Geeta and Harish Khona, was married in June 2009 and has settled in East Coast. Article on Vegetarian food alternatives in Buenos Aires NYTimes.com: ‘Buenos Aires for Those Who Shun Steaks’ Tanvi Chheda (daughter of Hasmukh & Chanden Chheda of Jerich, N. Y.), living in Santa Monica, wrote an article about Vegetarian food alternative in Buenos Aires , Argentina. This article titled 'Buenos Aires for Those Who Shun Steaks' was published full page in Sunday NY times on March 7,2010. http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/03/07/travel/07choice1.html?pagewanted=1&emc=eta1 Tanvi wrote in the article: "...A cluster of recently opened restaurants in Palermo Hollywood neighborhood and its fringes are serving tasty and fresh vegetarian fare. These restaurants tend toward the homey and casual — and they cater to the full spectrum of diners who don’t eat meat..." Nytimes.com: ‘ Restaurant Review: Prakash, in Mumbai A second article titled ‘Restaurant Review: Prakash, in Mumbai’ was published in New York Times on March 21, 2010. http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/03/21/travel/21bites1.html?emc=eta1 KOJAIN is proud of Tanvi, who not only maintained her heritage of Jain living and practised it while travelling in Argentina, but found and communicated her search of vegetarian restaurants in Buenos Aires and other places to the readers of N. Y. Times. Welcome to New Residents in greater Los Angeles area: Sheetal (daughter of Rajul and Shanti Gala) and Nil Shah moved from East coast to southern California. Rajeev and Darshana Gala moved from Las Vegas to Southern California

Educational achievements: Congratulations. Miss Donna Gala of village Nana Asambia completed her M.A. in Clinical Psychology. Master Paras Savla graduated from Temple City High as Valedictorian with 1st rank out of 492 students. Currently attending UC Berkeley with Chemistry as major. He is also recipient of KOJAIN Merit Scholarship.

Diwali function: Kachchhi group of Southern California celebrated Diwali function on October 17, 2009. Youngster performed cultural program and all participated in Dandia rass.

Updates from Arizona During Thanksgiving weekend of 2009, the kutchi families living in the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix metropolis, held their second annual get together at Rajiv and Anupa Ashar’s house. 20 Kutchi families (60 people) attended and everyone had a great time meeting fellow Kutchi families and guests from India. Manish Mota was elected President of Jain Center of Greater Phoenix for 2010-11 term. Himanshu and Mala Dedhia moved to Phoenix metro from Mid-West. Region 2 (AK, ID, MT, NV, NO, CA, OR, WA, WY) New Arrivals Aanya is super excited about being the big sister of "Ronil", born to Maitrayee & Sandip Shah. Big brother Niyom and parents Honey & Jeinay Dedhia are having a good time playing with "Neev" the newest addition to their family. Purvi & Kalpesh Kapadia have a second bundle of joy, "Raina". Nupur the first bundle of joy is taking good care of little sister. Sad Demise KOJAIN conveys a message of consolation to the Family Membes of Harkh R. Rambhia (Village:Gundala), who passed away due to a suddenheart failure during December 2009 in Mumbai while visiting India. He is survived by Hemaben and daughter Nikita, Son-in-Law and son Neil. The Family has lived in San Jose, California for over 30 years. May God give strength and energy to the Family Members to bear the heavy loss and may his soul rest in an eternal peace. KOJAIN Bay Area Diwali Program KOJAIN BayArea had a ocking Diwali Jalsa( http://kojain-bayarea.com/diwali ) in Oct 2009 with a record attendance and record number of performances. About 193 Kojain members gathered to watch 11 performances by 69 participants which included many first time performers also. Apart from solo/group dances, drama, toddler video etc, for the first time ever, there was a live band "Rankaar Beats" formed by our very own local KOJAIN members and it added a whole new level of excitement to the Diwali celebration.



JCNC pathshala cooking by Volunteers

Jain Center of Northern California (JCNC) hosts pathshala every First and Third Sundays of the month and serves a hot food during the break. For the first Sunday of March, 2010 several kojain community members volunteered their time incooking meal for about 500 people. Under the leadership of Kojain member Hasmukh Patel, the team served jain pasta with paneer and vegetables, biscuit pizza and fresh fruit smoothie. Hasmukh patel has been volunteering his time in JCNC pathshala kitchen for the past few years. Region 3: AR, KS, LA, MO, OK, TX Educational Achievements: Congratulations Congratulations to Hemali Shah, daughter of Jayanti and Bhanu Shah of Dallas, who graduated with MD from Texas Tech School of Medicine in May 2009. She has started her residency in Emergency Medicine in Houston, Texas. Athletic Achievement Jessica Vora (26) daughter of Navin and Sudha Vora finished Houston full 26.2 miles long Marathon,on Jan 18 2010 in Houston Texas.

Region 6: KY, MI, OH, W.PA, WV Community Picnic Michigan local kachchhi’s had a picnic on Sunday, August 2nd at Nemchand Shah’s lake front cottage in Highland, MI. About 50 community members attended the picnic. It was a potluck event and everyone enjoyed variety of food, outdoor play, boating and water sports. MI local kachchhis thank Nemchand Shah and his family for hosting this event at their cottage. Diwali Get-together Local Kachchhi Diwali get-together was hosted by Dr. Ashwin and Dr. Anupama Shah at their residence in Monroe, MI on Oct 16th. About 30 Kachchhi families from MI and OH attended the Diwali function. Families enjoyed the networking and Karaoke that evening. Local families would like to thank Dr. Ashwin and Anupama Shah for hosting this event. Region 7 (MD, NC, SC, VA, Wa.DC): Seniors Group The Senior Group at the Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington, DC.was formed two years ago in March 2008 to organize seniors 55 years of age and above. The primary objective of this organization is to assist seniors in the areas of personal, legal and financial matters as well as health management encompassing physical and spiritual health. At present, the group has a membership of over one hundred individuals. A majority of senior group members are actively at work in their professional fields. The Group generally meets on 3rd Saturday of each month. Programs include yoga exercises, general information lectures and discussions, religious and entertainment programs, trips, etc. Kantilal Gangar of Silver Spring, Maryland has been elected as the coordinator for the Senior Group of the Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington, DC. Mr. Vasant Gala of Olney, Maryland will continue as secretary, and Harakh Gala of Odenton, Maryland as Treasurer for the Group. Rekha Chheda of Millersville, Maryland who was the food coordinator has now been elected as the entertainment coordinator for the Group, and Kokila Gada of Silver Spring, Maryland has been elected as food coordinator. . The February 2010 meeting was held on Valentine's Day at Madras Palace - a local vegetarian restaurant. This provided a well deserved respite considering the historical snowfall we experienced here in Washington DC metro area. The group members were able to socialize with their family and friends. Contact Kanti Gangar at 301-598-3093 for more information about the Senior Group,



Educational Achievements: Congratulations Shweta Gada, daughter of Kokila & Prem Gada of Silver Spring, MD has graduated as Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Drexel University, PA and now working at Metro Orthopedics & Sports Therapy (M.O.S.T.), MD. Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington Pravin Dand of Silver Spring, Maryland and Manoj Dharamsi of Reston, Virginia got re-elected as Trustees. Region 8: DE, E.PA, NJ Congratulations to Uday & Sangita Shah of Egg Harbor Township, N. J., who are proud parents of a baby girl Sonali. Grandparents Pravin & Dina Shah of Reading, PA will have lots of fun with the second grandchild. Region 10 (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT): A Memorable Experience as a Volunteer at Bidada Sarvoday Trust Hospital in Kachchh Dipal Savla, daughter of Vijay & Piyusha Savla (Acton, MA) volunteered at Bidada Hospital during the 36th Medical and Surgical Camp, Dec 31, 2009 - Jan 21, 2010. That was Dipal's first experience as a volunteer at Bidada Hospital. Her experience is shared on the last page of this newsletter. Outstanding Award: Congratulations Dr. Hans Maru recieved the 2009 Fuel Cell Seminar & Exposition Award at Palm Springs Convention Center in Palm Springs, CA in Nov 2009. This prestigious award is given annually to one or more recipients who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in promoting the advancement of fuel cell technology. New Arrivals Hema and Lalit Savla became proud grand parents of Veronica Jaina Neill born on 11/28/09 (parents Ushma and Rolf Neill) and Dashiell Darwin Savla born on 1/5/10 (parents Ashesh and Erin Savla)

Kousanee’s unique achievement

Kousanee Chheda, a senior at Edwin O. Smith High School in Storrs, CT, organized, choreographed and presented a charity Bollywood dance show "Naach Naach Ke Duniya Hilaade" in Wallingford CT on Saturday, September 26, 2009. Kousanee is trained in various forms of Indian

dances, including Bharat Natyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi (forms of Indian Classical Dance), Bollywood dance, Ballet, Break dancing, Salsa, Hip Hop, and Modern dance. She has been choreographing Indian dances for the past seven years. This show was a result of her Girl Scouts Gold Award project, for which she conducted several Indian dance workshops: "Naach Revolution." These workshops were open to all, and attended by 82 participants of ages ranging from four to forty. The dance workshops were held in New Haven, Hartford, Trumbull, and Glastonbury, CT. Eventually, Kousanee decided to extend this Girl Scouts Gold Award project into her high school Senior Project, for which she organized this charity show. A net total of $7,831 was raised from the show and sale of DVDs. Kousanee has a target of collecting $10,000. Donations are still accepted and a DVD of this program can be ordered ($10+$ 2 Ship.) by contacting [email protected]. Kousanee would like to thank Damjibhai Rambhia (Past vice president of KOJAIN, 2008-09) for guiding her throughout this charity show especially the charity selection process. Dami uncle is a mentor to Kousanee and has guided her throughout her life, from moral/ethical dilemmas to life situations. The net proceeds of this show was donated to Bhojay Sarvoday Trust in Kachchh, Gujarat (India). This trust funds several projects, two of which are ‘Manas Mandir’ and ‘Mansi.’ Manas Mandir currently houses about 50 mentally challenged boys and training them to be self reliant. The funding from this donation will be used for occupational training of these boys to train them in farming and horticulture. Mansi is a similar upcoming institution for the training of mentally challenged girls and is anticipated to start by summer of 2010. Kousanee is a daughter of Nayna and Pradeep Chheda and granddaughter of Kesharben and Vishanji Khimji Chheda (Godhro, Kachchh)/Manjula and Jethalal Khengar Morbia (Rapar, Kachchh).



KOJAIN MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM:

A onetime KOJAIN Merit Scholarship is awarded each year to the KOJAIN students, residing in North America, graduating from High School and entering entering a college/university for higher studies in North America. Scholarships are awarded during 3rd Quarter of each year. Merit Scholarship program provides recognition and encouragement to the high school graduating North American students. Members are encouraged to donate generously towards the Merit Scholarship fund.

Your tax free dollars will stretch far more to recognize and encourage students.This is a Gyan Daan. Minimum expense of Merit Scholarship each year is $ 4000. Please make your check payable to ‘KOJAIN’ with a note: “Scholarship Program” on the memo line. Mail the check to the Treasurer of KOJAIN: Vijay J. Savla, 4 Sandy Drive, Acton, MA 01720, USA For information, please contact Dinesh Chheda, [email protected]. . KOJAIN appreciates the following members' generosity in donating towards the Merit Scholarship funds during 2009. KOJAIN merit scholarship is operational since 1999

Name Location Amount Pledge Year

Vasant S./Veena Chheda

Voorhees, NJ $2,000 2008/2009

Kirit V./Pallavi Gala Arcadia, CA $500 2009Lalit/Hemlata Savla Holden, MA $500 2009Popat K./Kalpana Savla

Pasadena, CA $1,000 2009

Tilak M./Aruna Shah Cary, NC $1,000 2009 2009 KOJAIN Merit Scholarship recipients

Tina Sankhla of Toms River, New Jersey [email protected] Tina Sankhla (Parents: Vijay/Mita Sankhla) graduated from the Toms River High School North, Toms River, New Jersey with a first rank in a class of 573 students. She was Valedictorian. She actively participated in school activities and volunteered in organizations such as YMCA, Ocean County Library and elsewhere. She has received many honors and recognitions. In her essay on ‘Personal & professional

Goals & objectives after graduation and plans to achieve those’, she described her own experience when she received stitches as a result of tripping on a narrow uneven pavement. That experience firmed up her mind to be a doctor. She wants to help patients and improve their quality of life. She has been accepted at Brown University into the eight years Program in Liberal Medical Education.

Mansi Vira of Colonia, New Jersey [email protected]

Mansi Vira (Parents: Navin/Harsha Vira) graduated from the John F. Kennedy Memorial High School, Iselin, New Jersey with a first rank in a class of 296 students. She was Valedictorian. She actively participated in school activities and volunteered in organizations such as Shradhanand Mahilashram Orphange (India), Jain Center of New Jersey and elsewhere. She

has received many Awards and Honors. In her essay on ‘Environmental issues affecting India and Practical Solutions’ she described air pollution and drinking water problems and strategies to curb the pollution. Paras Savla of Temple City, California [email protected]

Paras Savla (Parents: Ashok/Harshana Savla) graduated from the Temple City High School, Temple City, California with a first rank in a class of 492 students. He participated in many activities and volunteered in organizations such as Red Cross, Boy Scouts, Jain Center of Southern California and elsewhere. He wrote essay on

‘Environmental issues affecting India and Practical Solutions’. He described air pollution, drinking water and littering problems and elaborated on some practical solutions. He plans to attend University of California at Berkley Campus. Jasmine Shah of Woodridge, Illinois [email protected]

Jasmine Shah (Parents: Hemant/Jayshika Shah) graduated from the Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA), a residential High School in Aurora, Illinois. She participated in many activities. She was selected as 2008 Illinois State Scholar. She has participated in many academic and research

projects at some organizations. In her essay on ‘Environmental issues affecting India and Practical Solutions’, she wrote on air, water and ground pollution and creating awareness. She investigated and designed new water filters during a camp. She will be attending Illinois Institute of Technology and has received full tuition Camras Scholarship for 4 years.



Palak Gosar of Katy, Texas [email protected]

Palak Gosar (Parents: Narendra/Neelam Gosar) graduated from Cinco Ranch High School, Katy, Texas. He worked as an intern for the Congressman Nick Lampson in 2008 re-election bid. He has participated in extracurricular activities. He has received debate awards. He wrote an essay on ‘Kachchhi culture, customs, rituals

and customs and its place in the current society’. He stressed on Kachchhi language which is being spoken by many in North America will be lost if future generation do not learn. Traditional clothes wear has faded out over time and land. Some Scholarship Essays for 2009 Essays from some of the Scholarship recipients have been uploaded to the KOJAIN website Please take a few minutes to read through these amazing thoughts www.kojain.com/Academic/2009ScholarshipEssays.pdf 2010 Scholarship Programs for Jain Students by the International Alumni Association of Shri Mahavira Jain Vidyalaya (IAAMJV): The International Alumni Association of Shri Mahavira Jain Vidyalya (IAAMJV) has instituted three scholarships aimed at helping deserving studnets in the following categories:

1. Graduate students from India 2. Undergraduate students residing in India 3. High School Seniors rsiding in the United States

These scholarship opportunities are open to all Jain students, irrespective of their sect or region. All scholarships are in the form of interest free loan scholarships and are awarded with the expectation that they will be repaid once the students have graduated [Contact: www.iaamjv.org or Ramesh G. Fofaria, 919-283-4232 or Dr. Dinesh M. Shah, 323-258-4010]

Activities of some Organizations in India to Improve Quality of Life Shree Bidada Sarvodaya Trust, Bidada, Kachchh, Gujarat Shree Bidada Sarvodaya Trust is a charitable non-profit organization. The organization is committed to render medical and surgical treatment to patients of all ages, caste & race. The trust is well known for the medical camp it organizes every January in village Bidada, Kutch, India. At the January camp patients from over 1200 villages are checked. Around 120 doctors and volunteers from the US as well as 200 from Mumbai treat more than 25,000 patients during this camp. Over 20 different medical and surgical specialties are covered during the camp. The trust runs a permanent 80 bed hospital in the village Bidada which provides eye, dental, gynecology, rehabilitation, naturopathy and medical services year round. Daily 250-300 patients receive treatment and 5-10 patients are admitted for surgery. The trust also runs Maru Hospital, a charitable hospital in Mumbai. Maru Hospital provides affordable health services in 20 medical specialties to those in need. A naturopathy Center was opened during 2009. Nature Cure is an art and science of healthy living and drugless system of healing based on well founded philosophy. Nature Cure treats physical, mental, social and spiritual aspects all together. The 36th Eye, Dental, Medical and Surgical Camp was organized during Dec 31, 2009 – January 21, 2010. [Contact: Shree Bidada Sarvoday Trust, Village – Bidada, Taluka – Mandvi, Kutch, Gujarat 370 0435; Tel: (02834) 244444, (02834) 244143; Web: www.bidada.org ; email: [email protected]; OR Vijay Chheda (Trustee): Tel:(714) 573-1324. [email protected]; OR Maru Hospital, 286-B, Dr.Ambedkar Road, Further to Bharatmata Cinema, Near H. P. Petrol Pump, Parel, Mumbai-400 012. Tel. 2471 7272, 2471 7474, Email: [email protected]] Shri Bhojay Sarvoday Trust, Bhojay, Kachchh, Gujarat Shri Bhojay Sarvoday Trust runs a hospital and conducts periodic Medical and Surgical camps. Hostel School for the mentally challenged boys, called ‘Manas Mandir’ is also run by Shri Bhojay Sarvoday Trust. About 40 mentally challenged children are presently being coached, trained, and cared to improve their life. Parents meetings are held periodically to discuss various issues like progress, behavioral change, guidelines for parents about their attitude towards their son during vacation period when boy is at home and the future career. [Contct: Shri Bhojay Sarvoday Trust, Village - Bhojay, Taluka – Mandvi, Kutch, Gujarat, 370 450, Tel: (02834) 278687, (02834) 278602; OR Liladhar M. Gada, [email protected], [email protected], Mobile: 98795-06059]



Shri Mahavir Jain Charitra Kalyan Ratnashram (Songadh Ashram), Songadh, Gujarat Songadh Ashram, Saurashtra, Gujarat was established during 1923 by visionary Jain Saints Munishri Charitra Vijayji Maharaj and Munishri Kalyan Chandraji Maharaj. The Songadh Ashram is accalaimed for its achievements, having imparted quality education for over eight decades, predominantly to the children from the deprived class of the society. At present, about 350 students are being educated at the Songadh Ashram. Preferences are given to the children, hailing from weak social, family or economical background. Songadh is located closer to Bhavnagar and Palitana in Gujarat. Many of the Kachchhi students, who studied at Songadh Ashram, have established themselves in the North America. [Contact: Shri Mahavir Jain Charitra Kalyan Ratnashram, Station Road, Songadh - Saurashtra, Dist. Bhavnagar, Gujarat 364 250, Tel: (02846) 244324, email: [email protected]; OR 32/2 Minerva Building, 9 Madhavdas Pasta Road, Dadar – C. R., Mumbai, 400 014, Tel: 2416-5639] D. L. Shah Trust for Applied Science, Technology, Arts & Philosophy, Mumbai Late Mr. D. L. Shah, the founder of D. L. Shah Trust, was a man of vision, aindustrialist of repute and a noted philanthropist. Mr. Shah believed in ‘Quality as a philosopy’ in all speres of life and he envisioned ‘Made in India’ would be a respected brand world over. The Trust has published number of books on Quality, Productivity, Standards, and distributed them free-of-charge to all kinds of organizations. The Trust also provides financial assistance to several institutions, who are working selflessly in different fields. [Contact: D. L. Shah Trust for Applied Science, Technology, Arts & Philosophy, 20 – 21, 2nd Floor, Bell Building, Sir P. M. Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001, Tel: 2283-8890, email; [email protected]] National Centre for Quality Management (NCQM), Mumbai NCQM was established in 1985 as a not-for-profit organization devoted to promote quality at all levels. It is a premier professional institution engaged in promoting quality culture in Indian economy through services like training, education, seminars, publications, research and advisory services. [Contact: NCQM, Kailas Complex, 501-503, ‘G’ Wing, Parksite, Vikhroli (West), Mumbai 400 079, Tel: 2517-0483, Web: www.ncqm.com; email: [email protected], [email protected]] Sarvamangal Arogydham, Bhuj, Kachchh, Gujarat Sarvamangal is run by the Jain Medical and Educational Trust, which also manages Matruchhaya Kanya Vidyalaya, an

institution devoted to the all round development of the girl child. At Sarvamangal, people are helped to return to nature and be cleansed of the toxins of a stressful life by restoring to alternative treatment systems that are ecofriendly. [Contact: Sarvamangal Arogyadham, Sarvamangal Marg, Mundra Road, Bhuj - Kutch, Gujarat 370 001, Tel: (02832) 231769, Web: www.sarvamangal.co.in, email: [email protected]; OR Jain Medical & Educational Trust, Matruchhaya Kanya Vidyalaya, Matruchhaya Marg, Bhuch – Kachchh, Gujarat, Tel: (02832) 255147] Samast Mahajan Samast Mahajan coordinates management of some Panjarpoles in Gujarat. In addition to providing money to the Pajrapoles, education and uplifting of human lives are other projects being handled by Samast Mahajan. [Contact: SamastaMahajan, 307 Rajsheela Building, 597, J. S. S. Road, Chirabazar, Mumbai 400 002, Tel: (022) 2206-0390, Web: www.Samastmahajan.org, email: [email protected]; OR Girish Shah, 1515 D. G. Export, Prasad Chamber, Opera House, Mumbai, Tel: (022) 2366-8229, Mobile: 98200-20976] QIMPRO Qimpro has pioneered the quality movement in India since 1987 through professional services. Qimpro 2009 Awards Program was held during February 2010. Qimpro gives out awards to companies, executives and individuals, whose contributions have been exceptional to improve the quality of products and services. [Contact: Suresh Lulal, QIMPRO, 1C Sindhu House, Nanabhai Lane, Fort, Mumbai 400 001, Tel: (91-22) 6634 8701, Web: www.qimpro.com, email: [email protected]] Veeraytan Vidyapeeth, Jakhania – Kutch Primary and Secondary School, fully equipped with modern teaching aids, is being run by under the leadership and guidance of Achary Shree Chandanjai and Sadhvi Shilapiji. Hostel for boys and girls is also being provided. Veeraytan Institute of Pharmacy, the first Pharmacy Degree College of Kutch, was started in 2005. To expand the horizon of professional and technical education in Kutch, Veeryatan Institute of Engineering & Technology is being built in Haripur, nearyby village to Jakhania. Veeraytan Vidyapeeth is located closer to the Bauter Jinalaya near Koday – Kutch. [Contact: Veeraytan Veedyapeeth, Bhuj – Mandvi Road, Jakhania, Po. Talwana, Taluka – Mandvi, Kutch, Gujarat 370 460; Tel: (02834) 275483, Mobile: 98252 – 37198, email: [email protected], [email protected]]



Taraben Vasanji Gala Sahitya-Kala Puraskar, Mumbai Taraben Vasanji Gala Sahitya-Kala Puraskar (Awards) are given to encourage and inspire interests in Kutchi culture, literature, poem, drama, publication, video, etc. 7th Annual Award event was held during December 2009 in Mumbai. [Contact: Vasanji Harshi Gala, 161/162 Dhanishtha, Taranagar Complex, Shahid Mangal Pande Road, Near Hotel Royal Challenge, Thane (West), Maharashtra 400 606, Tel: 2533-6512]

Kutchi Visa Oswal Seva Samaj (KVOSS) Shri K.V.O. Seva Samaj Association, established in 1947, is outcome of dream of Shri Velji Lakhamshi Napu. The Seva Samaj is committed to undertake the activities in the field of social, education, book bank, medical, personality development, cultural, housing, sports, games, woman development and upliftment of down trodden class of society. ‘’Pagdandi’ a Monthly Publication is distributed to its members. Community members are invited to join KVO Orkut Forum and network with the like minded persons. See the websites given below.

[Contact: Shri Kutchi isa Oswal Seva Samaj, Shri K.V.O. Deravasi Jain Mahajanwadi, 3rd floor, 99-101, Keshavji Naik Road, Chinchbunder, Mumbai - 400 009. Tele: 022 -2371 4674.Email: [email protected] Web: www.kvoss.org http://kvosevasamaj.ning.com/]

Good use of Donations sent to Bhojay Manas Mandir in Kachchh The following was sent by Liladhar Gada (Trustee of Shree Bhojay SarvodayTrust, [email protected]): "I am referring to donation of Rs 353758/- for ''Manas Mandir'' the school for mentally challenged boys. We will be utilizing this sum for occupational training of boys. Last month we had parents meeting. At such meeting we discussed various issues like progress, behavioral change, guidelines for parents about their attitude towards their son during vacation period when boy is at home. we also ask them as to what they would like their son to be. Most of parents are either farmers or casual laborers.they desire their son to know about farming or horticulture. From next semester i.e. June onwards, we intend to appoint a resource person from school of agriculture and your donation would be utilized for such training purpose." The money was donated by Kousanee Chheda of Storrs, Connecticut.

KOJAIN LOAN PROGRAM

To date KOJAIN has awarded $ 22,175 loan money to the bright and needy KOJAIN Students pursuing Graduate or Undergraduate Studies in North America.

This loan was possible due to the generous donation from various Kachchhi Philanthrophers. Namely:(1) Arvind & Jaya Shah of Michigan (2) Hemant & Indira Maru of New York 3) Nitin & Leena Doshi of New York (4) Shantilal & Rukamani Kenia of Massachusetts and (5) Arvind & Asha Vira of Louisiana.

If anyone wishes to donate for this program please contact Kalyanji Mota @ 714-956-0405,[email protected]

ASQ Inspection Division Awards 2009 Scholarshiips to Kinisha Gala and Neil Gala ASQ (American Society for Quality) Inspection Division awarded 2009 Scholarships to Kinisha Gala (parents: Pankaj & Asha Gala, Clifton, N. J.) and to Neil Gala (Parents: Gangji & Prabha Gala, Houston,Texas). KOJAIN congratulates Kinisha Gala and Neil Gala for being a recipient of the scholarships. Kinisha Gala: Miss Gala has completed her freshman year at The College of New Jersey. She is pursuing a degree in biology and hopes to continue to graduate school to research either genetics or immunology. She has a Women and Gender Studies minor and is a member of the Women in Learning and Leadership program on campus. Kinisha is also a member of Tri Beta, an organization for those interested in biology, and American Medical Student Association. Lastly, she is a member of The College of New Jersey’s South Asian dance team, Saathiya Neil Gala: Mr. Gala has completed his freshman year at St. Thomas University where he is working toward a bachelor degree in Biochemistry. He conducts research with the St. Thomas Biology departments and is also working toward his EMT – Intermediate certification at Houston Community College. Upon graduation, he plans to attend medical school. Neil is an avid pingpong and chess player and enjoys reading fiction, watching films and watching the drama House.



KOJAIN Membership: KOJAIN encourages everyone to be a member, preferably a LIFE MEMBER of KOJAIN to support your own activities, culture, art and crafts. KOJAIN provides a venue for networking, exchanging ideas and keeping in touch with our motherland. KOJAIN Membership options are: Family Life membership US $ 250 Family 2-year membership US $ 40 Individual Life Membership US $ 200 Individual 2-year membership US $ 30

Membership form can be downloaded from http://www.kojain.com/Membership/KOJAIN_Membership_Form.pdf and completed form along with a check, payable to KOJAIN, be sent to: Secretary of KOJAIN, Nimesh Chheda 422 Hillview Dr, Apt 202, Linthicum MD 21090 KOJAIN Yahoo Group:

We request you to visit the KOJAIN E-group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kojain/ to read messages and other information. Any key information is sent to KOJAIN Yahoo group members.

If you are not receiving KOJAIN Yahoo group e-mails, visit KOJAIN’s web site at http://www.kojain.com/infoandwebsites/infoandwebsites.htm and click on subscribe to KOJAIN E-group.

KOJAIN Website: Please consider regularly visiting KOJAIN website www.kojain.com to read important news related to the

KOJAIN’s activities (Sammelan, Membership, Scholarships, etc.) We welcome your comments and suggestions about the website and it’s content to make it more user-friendly and informative. Members are requested to: • Send your Address, Telphone, E-mail updates

to KOJAIN, nimesh.chheda @gmail.com), whenever changes occur.

• Periodically visit KOJAIN Yahoo Group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kojain/ to read messages and other information.

• If you are not receiving Yahoogroups e-mail, send your e-mail address, full name, telephone number to KOJAIN, nimesh.chheda @gmail.com for updates.

• Visit KOJAIN website to read newly posted information and activity news.

Receipts for Donation During past year (2009), many of you have generously donated to various organizations through KOJAIN. While we believe we have sent receipts for these donations to you, if you have not received receipt for your donation(s), please contact Vijay Savla (KOJAIN, Treasurer) through email or phone with specific donation information. Email : [email protected] Phone : 978 264 0596 (evening 7PM ET onwards)



KOJAIN Directory Information Add / Update Form For North American Residents

Last Name First Name Middle Name Email Phone Occupation Village in Kachchh Spouse - First Name Spouse – Email Spouse – Phone Spouse – Occupation Spouse - Village in Kachchh (Before Marriage)

Home Address – Street Home Address – City Home Address – State, Zip Code & Country

Child 1 Name Child 1 Year Born (if married do not enter year born) Child 2 Name Child 2 Year Born (if married do not enter year born) Child 3 Name Child 3 Year Born (if married do not enter year born)

We urge every KOJAIN family to send the duly completed form to maintain KOJAIN Database. Help us make the database as complete as possible. Thank you for your support and cooperation.

Signed by: ___________________________________ Date: _______________

Please mail / fax the above form completely filled to the Secretary of KOJAIN:

Nimesh Chheda 422 Hillview Dr Apt 202 Linthicum MD 21090

Fax: 001-410-895-7508 (email: Nimesh. [email protected])





KOJAIN Merit Scholarship

KOJAIN is soliciting candidates for the 2010 Scholarships. Criteria and submission requirements for the Scholarship are listed below. A one time KOJAIN Merit Scholarship is awarded each year to KOJAIN students residing in North America, graduating from High School and entering a college/university for higher studies in North America. Scholarships are awarded during the 3rd Quarter of each year. The Merit Scholarship Program provides recognition and encouragement to high school graduating North American students.

KOJAIN 2010 Scholarship Program

KOJAIN is soliciting candidates for the 2010 Merit Scholarships. Criteria and submission requirements for the Scholarship are listed below. All North American Kachchhi Oswal Jain students, entering their first year of college/university by Fall 2010 and whose Parents are current KOJAIN members, are eligible to receive the Merit Scholarship.

All applicants must: 1. Be a current high school senior. Each applicant must submit a 4-year high school transcript,

including the 2009-2010 school year. Photocopies are acceptable. If mailed by the school, the transcript must still be post-marked by July 20, 2010. Graduating GPA must be calculated and provided on a 4.0 non-weighted scale.

2. Provide one written recommendation and character reference from a teacher, counselor, friend, or a KOJAIN member (not related to applicant). Recommendation must be submitted with the application package.

3. List and briefly describe awards and/or extracurricular services and activities on a separate page. Please provide enough information so that the selection committee will understand the nature of your services and activities.

4. Provide your email address. We will email you to acknowledge the receipt of your completed application and also to provide the results of the competition. All applicants will be notified by August 30, 2010.

5. Write an essay in which you develop your point of view on any one of the three topics presented below. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your readings, studies, experience, or observations. The typed (double-spaced) essay must be at least 800 words but, must not exceed 1000 words in Times New Roman Font, 12 point.



A All of us learn from our failures as well as our successes. What is something you gained from an unsuccessful experience in the past?

B How is social media (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, My Space, etc.) changing your interaction with the world and how do you see social media as a benefit for your generation? What are the downsides of social media?

C Give your opinion on how culture plays into higher education and progress today. Do you think the Kachchhi culture has some unique attributes which you would like to share with other cultures?

6 Provide results of American College Testing (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Testing (SAT). Please mail all materials and two passport size photographs in one package, unfolded in a 9" by 12" (or larger) envelope postmarked by July 20, 2010 to: Dinesh Chheda, 14 Paris Place, Parsippany NJ 07054 Alternatively you or your school can e-mail all documents in .pdf format to both of the following:

[email protected] and [email protected] KOJAIN SAMMELAN HOSTING KOJAIN is inviting from enthusiastic members a proposal to host the KOJAIN Sammelan. Please send the details indicating dates, location, Member leaders names and preliminary budget to Navin S.D edhia, 5080 Bougainvillea Drive, San Jose, CA 95111.

Documents

Secretary, KOJAIN 422 Hillview Dr, APT 202, Linthicum, MD ... · Jessica Vora (26) daughter of Navin and Sudha Vora finished Houston full 26.2 miles long Marathon,on Jan 18 2010 in