Rare Jain idols discovered in Rajasthan 
  Tonk, November 13, 2008 : A remote outpost in Rajasthan's Tonk district has become a major attraction for thousands of Jain devotees after a number of rare Jain idols were found at a construction site. 23 rare idols of Mahavir Jain were discovered on Tuesday night (Nov 10) by a group of labourers and soon the word spread. The idols are believed to be of the 14th century. The idols have now been kept at a nearby Jain temple as devotees continue to flock for a holy glimpse. 
Source:TIMESNOW.tv 
  Jain appeal
  Kolkata, November 13 , 2008 : The Jain Samaj has announced a Rs 1-lakh award for information leading to the recovery of the idol of Lord Pareshnath that  was stolen from the Pareshnath Digambar Jain Temple at Alipore Park Place on October 8. Any person with information can  contact temple trustee Bhagchand Kashliwal at 9831002729.
   Delhi Book Fair 2008 to Propagate Jainism 
  Delhi: Vishwa Jain Sangathan will participate in Delhi Book Fair' 2008 (from 30th Aug to 7th Sep' 2008) at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi . The timings of the fair will be from 10 am to 8 pm. The objective of participation is to promote the Jain literature. researchers, professors, doctors, historians, scholars, students, publishers, writers etc., coming from from India and other countries, who visit this fair in the search of new books, research materials and more information. Make it convenient to visit the stall No. Hall 12A, Stall 3.
  Sunjay Jain, President, Vishwa Jain Sangathan. 
  Jain Centre in Leicester 20th anniversary
  Leicester August 14, 2008: AJain centre in Leicester is set to host a celebration marking its 20th anniversary. The Jain Centre, is the largest Jain temple outside of India,  and first opened its door to worshippers in 1988 after eight years of  development. The 25th anniversary celebrations will now allow visitors of all faiths to see for themselves the splendour of the Jain Centre, which features 44 pillars, 13 arches and a dome, as well as beautiful traditional Jain carvings.

   Panch Kalyanak Pratistha Mahotsav Jain in Center of Greater Phoenix, USA  
 July 17, 2008 :  Jain Center of Greater Phoenix, USA invites All of you, Friends, Family and Related Organizationto the first ever Panch Kalyanak Pratistha Mahotsav in the USA. 
  Please forward this message to your family and Friends. Regards Piyush Mehta President Jain Center of Greater Phoenix Phone: 001-480-820-5091

   R. K. JAIN ELECTED CHIEF OF DIGAMBAR JAIN TEERTH KSHETRA COMMITTEE
  In a  Presidential elections of Bharatiya Digambar Jain Teerth Kshetra Committee on 22.6.2008 at Hastinapur, Shri. R.K.Jain defated nearest rival Mr. Bharat Mody of Indore by heavy margins. Shri. R.K.Jain born on 19th November 1942 to Shri. Sreepal Jain and Smt. Kailashwati Jain at Delhi is a Mechanical Engineer by profession from Banaras Hindu University. Today he represents successful business in India. He has also held several positions in various philanthropic organizations including Presidency of Bharat Jain Mahamandal.
 
  Jain temples in Purulia in Heritage list on fix-it 
  Kolkata, 23,June 2008: The state government has taken up a project to preserve monuments and heritage buildings in the city and the districts. Town Hall and BBD Bag are some of the heritage spots that will come under the conservation project, which the public works department will undertake along with the civic body, state heritage commission and the directorate of state archaeology and museums.
  Among the short-listed structures in the districts are the ancient temples of Kalna, terracotta temples in Bishnupur, a Buddhist monastery in Malda’s Jagjibanpur and the Jain temples in Purulia. Around Rs 5 crore will be spent in the first phase of the project.
Source: THE TELEGRAPH
  Jain Society of Greater Atlanta’s Temple Project
  Atlanta, June 14, 2008: Atlanta’s Jain Community, which practices Jainism, is a very close knit, progressive, vibrant and well-respected community, whose members  contributed significantly to Georgia’s economy as well as to its cultural diversity.
   Jain Society of Greater Atlanta’s (JSGA) dream to build a Spectacular Marble Derasar (Temple) with intricate designs hand carved by some of the greatest craftsmen in Jaipur. The project began way back in 1996, with a ritual-studded ground breaking ceremony for the Jain Center / Derasar, with shikhar (dome), pratimajis, auditorium, kitchen, dining hall, library, and accommodation for visiting guests. The ceremony was performed on a 3.75 acre site at 669 South Peachtree St., Norcross, Georgia on Sunday April 5 1996.
  In the year 2000, the first phase (main floor) of the Center was built, and in 2001 the second phase (basement) was completed resulting in a two story building of 14,000 plus square feet where the Society’s 400 plus Jain families could meet for regular poojas, bhavanas, pathsala classes, lectures and celebrations of festivals. The Society is now ready for the third phase; the building of the Temple.
  Jains in Delhi get minority status 
   New Delhi, June 11, 2008 (PTI): With the assembly elections just a couple of months away, the Congress government in Delhi has approved the long-standing demand of the Jain community for minority status. "The Jain community in Delhi has been accorded minority status. It has already been granted minority status in several other states," Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit announced to the media on Tuesday after a Cabinet meeting which approved the decision. 
  She said after getting minority status, the Jains would be able to effectively manage their educational institutions as per the parameters specified for such institutions. Jain constitute around 2 per cent of the population of the national capital, but the affluent community has considerably more influence despite lower numbers. Christians, Muslims and Punjabis are already enjoying minority status in the city. -PTI
  Statue of 17th Jain Tirthankara Kuntunath, has emerged  in Pushkar 
  AJMER, June 6, 2008: A medium-sized black stone statue of 17th Jain Tirthankara Kuntunath, dating back to 11th century, has emerged during excavations in holy town of Pushkar, about  15  kms from here. 
  The statue is one of the more than 36 statues found in last one year at old Pushkar and Ghat areas of the region. The discoveries confirms of a religious congregation being held at the place some time in the medieval period. 
  Eighteen more such statues have been discovered in old Pushkar alone, including a Shivling of nearly one thousand year old, rare statue of god Kartikeya, statue of Vishnu and more Jain  Tirthankar statues. 
  The statue of Jain Tirthankar Kuntunath in a meditating posture appeared when renovation work was going on at the famous Varaha temple in Pushkar. It bears characteristics of Jain architecture - curly hair, sharp features on face, etc.  The style of meditation is also peculiar of Jain philosophy. 
  The statues have been kept in the government museum at Akbar Fort in Ajmer. Archaeologists and historians are studying different perspectives of new scripts of Chouhan dynasty of 11th century.   
  Source: The Times of India 
  Sixteen Idols Stolen from Jain Basadi in Vittal
  Bantwal, May 24, 2008: Idol thieves have once again targetted the historically famous Sri Chandranatha Swamy Basadi in Vittal, after a gap of about three years. Besides taking away the idols of goddesses Jwalamalini Devi and Padmavathi Devi being worshipped in the Jain Basadi, they have stolen 16 bronze idols and the golden Karimani necklace and golden bangles found on the idols. The estimated value of the stolen idols and gold ornaments is Rs 24,300.
  The temple priest discovered the theft when he came to the Basadi in the wee hours on Friday May 23 to attend to his duties, and thereafter, filed a complaint with the Vittal police.

 Prasanna Sagarji Maharaj walks across India to reform the men 
  Berhampur (Orissa), May 15, 2008: Digambar Jain monk Prasanna Sagarji Maharaj walks bare foot across India to reform the men. Prasanna Sagarji Maharaj, wants to reform the men and their attitude by restoring degradation in morality owing to modern living habits. Prasanna Sagarji  was born in the Chatarpur region of present Madhya Pradesh left the home at the age of 19 years and became a Digambar Jain monk. Since then, Prasannaji has been walking bare foot across the country to bring a reform in the men by changing theie lifestyle and the attitude that ought to be in the human being for the development and welfare of the human civilization. 
   During his tour in last 20 years, he covered at least 25,000 kilometers in bare and left a kind of indefinable mark in the minds of the people he met. He takes food or water only once in a day, maintains silent in the night, uses no vehicle, uses no metal either, pulls the hair of the head by hand only. He sleeps on the bare floor, never takes bath and always carries a Jhadi made of peacock's feather for the security of lives and holds a pot for the purification of the body.Putting emphasis on welfare of the human being and high moral value, Prasannaji said putting aside one’s selfishness; the men should work for the betterment of the society in order to revive the rich social and cultural heritage of the country. 

   Jain community in Delhi demands minority status
  New Delhi, April 21 , 2008 (IANS):  The Jain community in the capital is raising the pitch for minority status on par with the Buddhists, Christians, Sikhs, Muslims and Parsis, listed as notified minority groups under the Delhi Minorities Commission Act, 1999. Members of the community say they want minority status primarily because they want to incorporate Jainism, the religion of the community, as a subject in Jain schools. The capital and its adjoining areas have eight Jain schools. They are not being able teach Jainism to their children because most of the Jain schools in Delhi are partially funded by the government, which doesn't allow the teaching of any particular religion at schools unless it is a minority community.  
   Members of the Jain Samaj had assembled at Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit's home Saturday to celebrate Mahavir Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira. According to official estimates, there are 480,000 Jains in Delhi. The Jain community is known for its social work and service in the sphere of education. Underscoring the need for minority status, Chakresh Jain said Jains were included in the list of minorities in seven states across the country - Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal (which enacted a law to bring the community under the minority fold three weeks ago). According to 2001 Census, the Jain community forms .45 percent of the population.  Delhi is one of the few states where the Jain community has nor been granted minority status,he said.    
  President, Vice-President greet people on Mahavir Jayanti
  April 18, 2008: President Pratibha Patil and Vice President M Hamid Ansari on Thursday greeted countrymen on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. 
  Patil sent her good wishes from Mexico City, where she is on a state visit. "On the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all my countrymen," she said.
  In his message, the Vice President said that Lord Mahavir's life and teachings are a beacon of light to guide mankind on the path of humanism, non-violence and universal love. His teachings have the power to transform the society and free mankind from the shackles of ignorance, violence and moral decay, Ansari added. Born in 599 BC, Lord Mahavir was the 24th Tirthankara of the Jain religion. He is revered for his teachings on humanism.
   Panchakalyana Mahotsava in Ullal
   Mangalore, March 28, 2009: Speaking at the valedictory of Pancha kalyana Mahotsava of Abbakkadevi Jain Basadi in Ullal Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade said
'Dharma' is the basic fuel of human life. The fuel of dharma is basic essence of all the activities. Sometimes, a small spark of this fuel can ignite fire. It is the source of inspiration for life. It will provide guidance to all the happiness and sorrow in life."
   Mr Heggade said "religious centres are like a mirror. We get inspired when we pay visit to these 
centres. We build huge temples to ward off our arrogance. We should not seek for worldly pleasure from the God. But we should ask for a good life with truth and conduct with Theerthankara."  He said Dharmothana Trust of Dharmasthala has renovated 108 temples so far. As many as seven temples have been completely renovated. But due to the poor response from the locals, prathishtapana was not done. Culture department provides 40 per cent of the grant for the project. 20 per cent should be given by the temple committee.
   Moodabidri Jain Mutt's Bhattaraka Charutheertha Pandithacharyavarya, State Apex Bank President M N Rajendra Kumar, former MLA U T Khader, Ullal Town Municipal Council President U A Ismail, Ullal BJP President Ravindra Maroli, Vimalamma R Ballal and others were present.
  Source: Mangalorean 
  Structure with artefacts found below Paharpur site temple
  Paharpur, March 25, 2008: Archaeologists have found another ancient brick-built structure with floor and artefacts under the basement of the main temple at world heritage site Paharpur. Earlier, two brick-built structures of Gupta dynasty were found during an excavation, according to archaeologists of the Department of Archaeology.
  Dr Md Shafiqul Alam, director, Department of Archaeology, said the recently excavated structures were built in pre-Pal period. "Most probably the structure of temple was built by followers of Jain religion," Alam added.  Nahid Sultana, custodian, Rabindra Kacharibari, Sirajganj and member of the excavation team, said the 2.1-metre width brick-built structure crossed the 
basement of the main temple built by King Dharmapala in the eighth centaury.
  The structure was found in the northeast corner of more than 1,200 years old main temple "Somapura Maha Vihara", which is locally known as Paharpur Monastery. Md Mahabub-ul-Alam, assistant custodian, Paharpur Museum and excavation team member, said a huge number of 
potsherds have been found under the monastic cell no-21 in the northeast corner of the Vihara.
Probably, these were used over 1,500 years ago, said Mahabub, adding that it is likely to be the first habitation over the virgin soil in this area.
  World famous archaeologist Dr KN Dikshit believes there was a Jain monastery at Paharpur but no traces have survived. Archaeologists of the archaeology department believe the recently discovered structure was the part of the Jain temple. There has so far been no structural existence of Jain temples in Bangladesh. But Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang saw several Jain structures during his visit to Pundranagar in Bogra and adjacent areas in 639-645 AD, said Mahabub.
Source: :The Daily Star
  Haverford Jain student to greet pope
  March 16, 2008: A Haverford College student who follows the Jain religion has been picked to 
greet Pope Benedict XVI during the pontiff's first trip to the United States. Aditya Vora, 21, a senior from Kings Park, N.Y., is among five young adults chosen from around the world for the honor. Others will represent the Buddhist, Jewish, Hindu, and Islamic traditions. The pope will be in the States from April 15 to 20.
  The meeting, set for April 17 in Washington, is meant to embody the pope's belief that religions must unite to achieve peace. "The cry for peace in our world calls for religious bodies to come together," said Bishop William Sklba, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, which is hosting the visit. The meeting "exemplifies what must happen all over the world," Sklba said.
  On April 15, the pontiff will arrive in Washington. Afterward, he will welcome 10 prominent religious figures, including Vora's father, Arvind, a member of the Federation of Jain Associations in North America.  On April 18, the pope will go to New York to address the U.N. General Assembly. The next day, the third anniversary of his election to the papacy, Benedict will  meet with seminarians and disabled children.
  At the April 17 meeting, Vora will shake the pope's hand and give him a small  metal cube, according to the Rev. James Massa, who helped organize the event. The cube represents the Jain principles of nonviolence, truthfulness, tolerance of others' views, and never stealing or being swayed by materialism, Vora said. The ceremony is expected to last 10 to 15 minutes.
  Jains believe that their religion, centered in India, had no beginning, Vora said. Instead, 24 teachers, or tirthankaras, guided its formation by achieving, then teaching, the path to salvation. Jains believe the principle of nonviolence must be reflected in their every thought, word and deed, Vora said. Most are vegetarians. "If there's a spider in your house, you have to get a dust pan and sweep it out," he said. "We don't kill anything."
  "To come as pope is a whole different experience," Massa said. "He comes because he's our pastor, but also in the role of peacemaker and advocate for justice."  Massa said the interfaith meeting grew out of discussions with five religious groups with which the Catholic bishops conference has a relationship. "I think it appeals to the heart when there are religions meeting together and a person who has great symbolic significance, such as the pope, is present," Massa said. That provides a platform for "working through our differences," he said.
 Respect for the vegetarian section of Indian society...:  Supreme Court 
New Delhi, March 15, 2008: The Supreme Court on Friday deprecated the growing intolerance of exhibition of certain films or paintings and said such dangerous tendencies must be put down with an iron hand. The court made these observations while upholding the action of the Ahmedabad Corporation in closing down slaughter houses in the city for nine days during the period of the Jain festival Paryushan. 
  The Bench, consisting of Justices H.K. Sema and Markandey Katju, said the closure was a reasonable restriction and would not violate Article 19 1 (g) of the Constitution. The Bench said: “Since India is a country of great diversity, it is absolutely essential, if we wish to keep our country united, to have tolerance and respect for all communities and sects. It was due to the wisdom of our founding fathers that we have a Constitution which is secular in character and which caters to the tremendous diversity in our country.”
  In the instant case, the Bench said: “One should not be touchy about a short restriction when it is being done out of respect for the sentiments of a particular section of society. The great Emperor Akbar himself used to remain a vegetarian for a few days every week out of respect for the vegetarian section of Indian society and out of respect for his Hindu wife. We too should have a similar respect for the sentiments for others, even if they are a minority sect.”  The Bench allowed the appeals against a judgment of the Gujarat High Court, which quashed the order of closure of slaughter houses. 
 7th century idols of Tirthankara  Supasharvanath and Yamraj excavated
 Sirpur (Chhattisgarh), March 6, 2008: Archaeologists in Chattisgarh claim to have discovered 7th century idols of Yamraj, the Lord of Death in Hinduism, astride a buffalo and Supasharvanath, a divine figure of Jain faith. The excavation of lands in search of the Jain monuments is being carried out at Sirpur in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund District.
 "This idol is made of metamorphic rock, which is found in Mahanadi and I found it at a distance of 30-40 feet from the place where I am standing. It is in two parts and a part of a big pillar of some temple. It has a female structure on one of its side and structure of Yamraj sitting on a he-buffalo on the other side,” said Arun Kumar Sharma, an archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India.
  The idols are believed to be dating back to the seventh century. "I think this idol belongs to 7th or 8th century, when Jains were in power in Sirpur and Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism had ample patronage from the Kings. We have a number of Jain monuments also," Arun added.
  Archaeologists hope the latest finding will enable them to uncover the ancient history of Digambar Jains in the region.
 Source: ANI , by Sahil Nagpal Chhattisgarh  
 People should follow Lord Mahavira, says Kidwai 
CHANDIGARH, February 19, 2998:The universal message of Ahimsa and co-existence of living beings as preached by Lord Mahavira is so relevant in today's context that if we follow it the whole of the world will become a better place to live in. This was stated by Haryana Governor Dr. A.R. 
Kidwai while addressing a gathering after inaugurating an exhibition on ancient Jain Heritage on the occasion of Pushpdant Panch Kalyanatamak Pratistha Mahotsav at Digamber Jain Temple, Chandigarh Wednesday. 
   Dr. Kidwai said that the people following the Jain religion should know the importance of Ahimsa keeping in their mind that it is their prime responsibility to disseminate the message of Ahimsa indifferent sections of the society so as to make it a part and parcel action of their routine life. He said that the Jain religion is one of the oldest and noblest religions of India which has a rich heritage in form of ancient monuments, idols, manuscripts and artifacts dating back the Christian era.
  While referring to a demand of minority status to Jains in Haryana put forward by the Haryana Jain Samaj on this occasion, Dr. Kidwai assured that the matter would be taken up with the State 
Government for sympathetic consideration. The Governor went around an exhibition on ancient Jain heritage put up on the occasion of Pushapdant Panchkalyanatmak Mahotsav organized by Shri Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Tirth Sanrakshini Mahasabha at the local Digambar Jain Mandir.  Kidwai admired the efforts of the Jain Samaj in preservation and conservation of country's proud Jain heritage by putting up such exhibitions. 
  The Governor also sought blessings of Upadhya Shri Nayansagar Ji Maharaj during his visit to the Jain temple. A number of persons belonging to Jain Samaj and Jain Munis from the States of Haryana, Punjab and Delhi attended this religious function.
Source: Punjab Newsline 
 Jain sadhvi complain  molestation in Palitana
BHAVNAGAR, February 19, 2008: A Jain sadhvi's alleged molestation outside a dharamsala in the pilgrim town of Palitana has outraged the region's Jain community. In a complaint registered on Monday, the 27-year-old sadhvi told the police that a man attacked her on February 9, when she had gone into the open field behind the dharamsala to attend to the nature's call.
  As the community threatened a major agitation, the police held an identification parade on Monday, in which the sadhvi identified a balloon-seller, Laxman Bhara, who lives near the dharamsala , as the culprit. Bhara was immediately arrested. 
  Maharaj Revant Vijay of the Palitana Jain temple has demanded stern action against the accused. The community's religious heads are planning a protest rally. 
Source: The Times of India
Parswanath consecration from Arihant Dham
VIJAYAWADA, February 11 2008: A cultural rally was taken out by the Jain community from Arihant Dham, the Jain Temple constructed at Surampalli, 15 km from here on the Vijayawada- Hyderabad National Highway on Monday, as part of the festivities associated with the consecration of Jain Tirthankar Parswanath’s statue. Over a lakh devotees were assembled to congregate on the occasion. Finance Minister K Rosaiah was the chief guest at the pooja organised on Sunday.
Jain trust moves HC over ‘trafficked’ idols
 MUMBAI, February 10, 2008 : Ancient idols of Jain deities allegedly trafficked from Gujarat may need the attention of the Bombay High Court to reach their final destination. Kandivali-resident Dilip Shah and Marine Drive-based Shree Patan Jain Tirth Seva Samiti (SPJTSS) moved court against another trust in Shahapur, Thane, for allegedly bringing in 61 registered idols and 16 marble idols from Patan in Gujarat to a temple in Shahapur for achieving its “wrongful goals”. The petition, a copy of which is with DNA, states that under the Archaeology and Antiquities Act, 1972, idols over 100 years cannot be shifted to another location. “The two main idols of Ghia Parshwanath and Shantinath (both Jain deities) are 2,200 years old and the other idols are over 500 years old. This is a clear violation of the law and the idols should be handed over to the Gujarat archeological department,” said MP Shah, a member of the SPJTSS. 
  The idols were originally placed in Patan in Gujarat and were managed by the Ghiyanapada Jain Derasar Trust. The petition however alleges that the Trust allegedly in connivance with Shetrunjay 
Teerthdham Bhuvanbhan Manas Mandiram Trust (STBMMT), Shahpur and Abhinandanswami Jain Derasar Trust, Sion, sent the deities into Maharashtra stating that more devotees would visit the temples in Shahapur. “They have also built two new temples for the installation of these deities,” Shah said. 
  Justice Bilal Nazki and Justice SA Bobade heard the petition on Friday and directed the STBMMT to file their reply to the petition in one week. The petitioner had first filed a police complaint in July 2005 and brought the incident to the notice of the Archeological Survey of India and authorities in Gujarat, Delhi and Mumbai. On February 5, the Archeological department of Gandhinagar directed the STBMMT to restore the idols in Patan, however, no action has been taken yet. 
Source:DNA
Jain Samaj divided over `saptrangi abhishek' 
Indore, Jan 11: The proposed `saptrangi abhishek' of the Digamber Jain Samaj at Babangaja in Barwani district scheduled this month, has landed in a row with a section of the Jain Samaj apparently expressing their opposition over the `abhishek' on the plea that it will pose danger to the statue. A number of distinguished persons from the Samaj said that `abhishek' may inflict damage to the historical statue of lord Adinath , hence it should be stopped.
  The `saptrangi abhishek' of lord Adinath at Babangaja, the Jain religion's one of the most sacred places in the country, is organized every 12th year. Last time also because of some controversy, the `abhishek' could not take place and now it is after 17 years that the Digamber Jain Samaj has planned `saptrangi abhishek' from January 20 to February 4 this year. However, going by the whale of protests from a section of the Digamber Jain Samaj, the proposed `abhishek' seems to have run into rough weather. While describing the `saptrangi abhishek' as against the religious text, the Samaj youths have threatened an agitation in this regard.
  So far the `abhishek' of 84 ft height of `Bhagwan Bahubali' is being performed through water. However, this year, the Babangaja Barwani Committee has decided to perform `saptrangi abhishek' which will comprise of sugarcane juice, milk, curd, coconut, water, shahad, chandan and kesar. All these materials will be rubbed on the statue of Bahubali and it is feared that with the apply of these material, it will lead to development of germs on the statue.
  Source: Central Chronicle--Madhya Pradesh
  Jain meet in Mumbai attracts many
MUMBAI, January 07, 2008: A triple grand event of Jains from across the world is being held in Mumbai to deliberate on a wide range of issues relating to business and life. The Jain pavilion at the event organised by Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO), a worldwide body of representing the community, is attracting huge crowds of Jains as well as non-Jains. 
  An 11-tonne Asthapa, that stands 12.5 feet high, is proving to be a major crowd puller at the pavilion. The Jain pavilion is displaying attractive collection of Jain iconography, miniatures and wall paintings from different periods in history together with exquisite Patts of the finest kind. 
  "The entire pavilion has been divided into two sections - sculptures and digital pictures. There are around 400 pictures of the Jain art right from the eighth century to the 11th century," Director of JITO and the organiser of the Jain Pavilion, Premal Kapadia, said. According to Kapadia, the idols of all the 24 Jain Tirthankars, made from some of the rare gemstones are kept in the Ashtapad. "A Jain temple is being built in New York and most likely even this will go there. Apart from that, a large number of idols presently kept at the Jain Pavilion will also be taken to New York," said Kapadia. 
 Source: INDIATIMES NEWS NETWORK

 Indian American student Isha Himani Jain  won $100,000 scholarship
 The winners of 2007-08 Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology was announced on December 3rd. Indian American student Isha Himani Jain of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania has won the Individual Grand Prize $100,000 scholarship. Janelle Schlossberger and Amanda Marinoff of Plainview, New York, Win Team Grand Prize of $100,000. 
 The prestigious Siemens Competition, a signature program of the Siemens Foundation, is administered by the College Board. The ninth annual awards were presented at New York University, host of the Siemens Competition National Finals.
 The national finals were judged by a panel of nationally renowned scientists and mathematicians headed by lead judge Dr. Joseph Taylor, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics and James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor of Physics, Emeritus, Princeton University. Twenty national finalists competed in the national finals, including six individuals and six teams. Isha is a senior at Freedom High School in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania won the price for her research work on zebra fish bone growth that adds a new dimension to our understanding of human bone growth and our ability to treat bone injuries and disorders. The grow occurs via Multiple Pulses of Cell Proliferation.

 
  Indian American student Isha Himani Jain of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania has won the Individual Grand Prize $100,000 scholarship

   Over a million expected at Jain trade fair
 Mumbai, January 2, 2008:  A galaxy of dignitaries, including ruler of Dubai Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, IT wizard Sam Pitroda, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi will be among the million visitors expected at the second four-day Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO) fair, which opens here Thursday. Apart from the trade fair, a conference of Jain businessmen from around the world will be held at the NSE Exhibition Complex at Goregaon in northwest Mumbai.
  Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, Deputy Chief Minister R.R. Patil and Shiv Sena Executive President Udhav Thackeray will also be present, a spokesman for JITO told IANS.  According to JITO President Hemant Shah, the fair will give Jain businessmen and industrialists an opportunity to showcase their products and services to an estimated one million visitors from all over the world.
  'Last year, 500,000 visitors had visited the JITO fair. This year, the number will be more than double,' Shah said.  JITO Vice President Champalal Vardhan said 10,000 Jain delegates from 50 countries would take part in the conference, to be held during the fair. An added attraction will be a pavilion that will exhibit over 500 rare Jain artefacts. 'On display shall be the best of treasures from various Jain temples in India, Jain iconography, miniatures and wall paintings, idols carved out of precious stones from all the world called Ratna Pratimas, sculptures and other items dating to the second to 14th centuries sourced from Sravanbelagola, Khajuraho, Devgadh, Gwalior, Mathura, Chanderi, Vidarbha, Kolkata, Surat, and Rajasthan,' said one of the organisers, Girish Shah. A special pavilion at discounted rates has been provided for upcoming Jain youth and women entrepreneurs to encourage them, Vardhan said. 
 Source: India Business                       

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