National Minority Status for Jain Community Soon: Union Law Minister

The Union government is working out a formula for ensuring national minority status for the Jain community, Union Law Minister M.Veerappa Moily said here on Saturday.

Speaking at the inaugural function of Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO) Global Summit-2011, he said, “We are definitely working out a formula to execute it as early as possible.”

He urged the Jain community to utilise the capacity as entrepreneurs to take the nation forward. “We are with you,” said Mr. Moily. He also pointed to the contribution of Jain poets to literature, particularly Kannada literature.

Jain community is a minority in some States of India. But they are not a Central minority, said Abhishek Manu Singhvi, AICC spokesperson.

He stressed the need for filing a new Public Interest Litigation (PIL) for reversing a judgment of the Supreme Court that said Jain community was part of the Hindu tradition. Mr. Singhvi said various High Court judgments had recognised the Jain community as a minority. He asked the Jain community to seek national minority status, “get it and return it” to celebrate the diversity of Indian culture.

Mr. Singhvi advocated the codification of ritualistic differences between various sects of the community. “Today's youth do not realise the footprint of Jain heritage. We live in an era of multiple crises. Old structures are breaking down,” he added.

“We do not have consensus for statutory amendments,” said Mr.Singhvi. Adding that the problem of moral deficit cannot be solved by legislation, he said “The present system of education values memory more than intellect. This imbalance has to be corrected.”

Voicing a similar view, Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu N. Ram said, “We are not doing enough to strengthen the foundation of education. The media have not concentrated enough on this. Much more effort has to be put in by all stakeholders, including the media.” The media can do much more, through its agenda-building role, to promote this positive learning about culture, he added.

“Diversity of Indian culture has to be respected,” said Mr.Ram. He urged the Jain community not to declare themselves as Hindus in the Census 2011, as “we want a precise figure.”

On the summit's concluding day on Sunday, JITO Secretary General Rakesh Metha said Jain universities would be set up in the four regions of the country. Speaking on the theme ‘Entrepreneurship: start up and scale up', he said 2011 has been declared as ‘Education Year' in which Jain universities would be set up to streamline the education system. “Besides, existing schools run by Jain institutions would be upgraded. If they need fund for upgradation, the Central Apex body would come forward to match it with the donors' contribution,” Mr. Metha said.

N. Tarachand Dugar, Secretary General (TN, AP and Pondy Zone), JITO said that the apex body would take up the issue of setting up the universities with the University Grants Commission. (The Hindu)

JIWO Honours CWG Women Medalists

The Jain community raised a toast to the 18 women who brought laurels for the country at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

The women were honoured with gold medals for their effort at a function organised by the Jain International Women's Organisation (JIWO), a unit of Jain International Trade Organisation here on Saturday.

Five of the 18 women, who made it to the function, received the medals, each weighing 40 gm, from Finance Minister K. Anbazhagan. Speaking on the occasion, he traced the history of Jainism and the community's contribution to Indian culture and society.

He congratulated the Jain International Trade Organisation for organising a daylong event ‘Happy Women Happy World' which included sports and colourful cultural programmes for women.

JIWO wanted the governments to increase outlay for women in their budgets and passing of Women Reservation Bill at the earliest.

Centre favours giving minority status to Jains: Khurshid

Bangalore, Jun 13 (PTI)

The government is in favour of giving minority community status to Jains, Union Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said today. He said a decision of a 11-judge Supreme Court had become a hurdle in taking action on the matter.

"Government is seized of the matter", he said at a Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO) national conference here, adding, the Government is in discussions with Attorney General with regard to constituting a 11-judge SC bench on the issue.

Constitutionally, it's imperative for the Jains to get the minority community status, the Minister said.Praising the community for its enterprising spirit, he said, "If there is any example of any community being majority community despite being in minority, it's the Jain community", Khurshid said.

JITO to Help Housewives, Enterprising Jains

Mumbai: Are you a small entrepreneur, or a housewife with savings under Rs1 lakh and belong to the Jain community? Here is good news for you. In the fourth annual global summit, organised by the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO) -- a two-day Financial Supermarket -- starting December 24, will cater to the community's young entrepreneurs.

"Our team comprises of CAs, financial advisors, bankers and lawyers. They will help the investors with their businesses and assist them to come out with an IPO for less than Rs25 crore. Housewives with savings under Rs1 lakh will be given opportunities to invest and earn more," said Hemant Shah, JITO president.

Prominent Jain businessmen, service providers and financial leaders will be participating in the meet. "We plan to help many Jains to corporatise their businesses," said Pratap Jain, CEO, JITO.

The meet will see financial advisors like State Bank of India, Bank of India, JM Financials Limited, Enam Securities Pvt Ltd, SBI Capital Market Limited, etc giving in-principle approval to all projects. "JITO will act as a platform for facilitating the projects," said Ganivarya Nay Padmasagarji Maharaj.

JITO Lanuches New Delhi Chapter

By Anubhav Goyal

New Delhi : The Jain community is reputed for their entrepreneurial skills and they have a prominent trade body called the Jain International Trade Organization (JITO). Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO) is a worldwide body of Jain Businessmen, Industrialists, Knowledge workers and Professionals in various fields reflecting their glory of flawless business acumen. In order to expand its network and scale new heights JITO has today launched its Delhi Chapter. In Delhi, the body has prominent Jain Industrialists and Businessmen like Pradeep Jain, Chairman of Parsvnath Developers Limited as President of JITO Delhi and Mr. D K Jain, CMD of Luxor Writing Instruments Ltd as Vice President.

Commenting on the occasion, Pradeep Jain, President JITO Delhi, said “Delhi being the national capital is home to lot of prominent Jain industrialists. The Delhi chapter of JITO will act a platform to bring them together and explore new opportunities of trade. It will act as a stepping stone to unite and enhance integrity of Jains in Delhi.”

Commenting on the occasion, D. K. Jain, Vice-President JITO Delhi, said “I am confident that this development will do a world of good to the economy in general. This will bring the prominent Jain businessmen in one platform and collectively innovative ideas and business concept will be brewed. This I believe will be a major thrust in India’s growth trajectory in coming years.”

Commenting on the occasion, Hemant Jain, CMD, KCJ Polymers & Chemicals Limited said “I am sure that the Delhi Chapter of JITO will take forward the vision and mission of JITO main chapter and will be a harbinger of prosperity and success of Jain community”.

Commenting on the occasion, Lalit Nahata, CMD, Nahata Limited said, “All the Jain industrialists are extremely happy with this development. Due to busy work schedule it is impossible to meet in one platform in one given time. However, post this development, Jain businessmen in Delhi will be able meet and have meaningful dialogues to further enhance their businesses”.

Commenting on the occasion, Mahesh Jain of JG Group said, “Across the world it is observed that such communities help to grow business tremendously. I strongly believe that the Delhi chapter will be extremely beneficial to all Jain industrialists in Delhi and the main chapter of JITO will create many milestones in times to come.”

Commenting on the occasion, G. H. Singhvi, CMD, Hindustan Fibres Limited said, “Inauguration of Delhi chapter is a significant milestone for JITO. Delhi is the next business hub after Mumbai. Being the national capital, it is also the hub of bureaucracy. The launch of Delhi chapter will not only benefit the Jain businessmen residing in Delhi but also the JITO in general.”

The prestigious occasion was graced by Kamal Nath, Union Minister for Surface Transport, Smt. Sheila Dikshit, Honorable Chief Minister, Delhi. The ceremony was presided over by Shri Pradeep Jain “Aditya”, Honorable Minister of State for Rural Development.

The launch of Delhi chapter of JITO, witnessed a social gathering of elite dignitaries from India and abroad along with some eminent personalities in social service to discuss the course of activities to be taken forward through the Delhi Chapter.

Janhavi Dhariwal wins Young Woman Entrepreneur of the year award

Ms. Janhavi Dhariwal, Managing Director, Manikchand Nandadeep Paper Products Private ltd (MNPPPL) was conferred ‘the best young women entrepreneur of the year award’ at a recent function held by Jain International Trade Organization

Pune, March, 2009: Ms. Janhavi Dhariwal, Managing Director, Manikchand Nandadeep Paper Products Private ltd (MNPPPL) was conferred ‘the best young women entrepreneur of the year award’ at a recent function held by Jain International Trade Organization to mark the start of their Jain International Woman Organization (JIWO), Pune Chapter. Considering her hard work, achievements and success Ms. Dhariwal was awarded with this prestigious award in the presence our honorable Mayor, Ms. Raj Lakshmi Bhosale, Mr. Rasiklal Dhariwal, Mrs. Shobha Dhariwal amongst others.

On winning the award Ms. Janhavi R. Dhariwal (MD, MNPPPL) emphasized that, “It is not at all tough for a woman to make a mark in the society today provided she leaves her mentality at home when she comes to work. Woman today are multitasking, balancing both their personal and professional lives. They should not be judged by their attires but by the work they do”

“Traditionally marriages have been the priority for women. However in today’s world, there is much more to be achieved beyond the realms of marital existence”, she further added.

Recently in December Ms. Dhariwal was also conferred with the ‘best women entrepreneur of the year award’ by Moraya Gosavi Trust- Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune.

As a well accepted challenge, Janhavi Dhariwal took up Nandadeep Paper Products Pvt. Ltd, as the executive director in September 2005. It was a courageous decision for the young lady, as the company was then a loss making unit. She started with a modest workforce of 60 people and today Nandadeep Paper Products Pvt. Ltd has grown to 150 people and after breaking even in just one year, the company today boasts of being a profitable unit with distinguished corporate brands as their customers. While this is testimonial to the boom in the Paper products industry it is also an indicator of Ms. Dhariwal’s able leadership .Spear heading corporate affairs, her sharp business acumen combined with progressive business strategy makes her, an ideal next generation business leader.

JITO Worldwide body of Jains to launch its New Chapter at Hyderabad

JITO is setting up a Jain Universtiy at an outlay of Rs 500crore, offers free medical insurance to 8000 Jain Monks at a cost of Rs 50 crore.

Jain International Trade Organization (JITO), a worldwide body of Jain businessmen, industrialists, knowledge workers and professionals in various fields reflecting their glory of ethical business practices to launch its 20th Chapter in India at Hyderabad on Sunday at 10am at Hotel Marriot.

The JITO Hyderabad Chapter will be inaugurated by Shri Ajay Jain, IAS, Managing Director of A.P. Genco. And guests of honour include Shri Hemant M Shah, National President, Shri Shantilal M. Kawar, Secretary General, Shri Mahinder Kumar Jain, President and Shri N. Tarachand Dugar, Secretary General of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Pondy Zone.

Immediately after the inauguration of the new Hyderabad Chapter, Shri Goutam Chand Jain Pikarna as Chairman, Shri D.C. Galada as Chief Secretary and other members of Managing Committee will be installed by The National President of JITO.

JITO aims to confer its members the benefits wider Global Business Contacts, access to Global Trade Directory on Web, opportunity to participate in International Trade Fairs, Conferences and Delegations. JITO invites all fellow Jains throughout the world to become a united force.

JITO is fast spreading many countries abroad such as South East Asian Countries, Far East Countries, USA, Europe and others. It already has chapters at Dubai and Hongkong. It has three tiers of membership. And has about 2000 across all categories of memberships. Many well known Jain Industrialists in the country have already become the members of JITO.

Some of the activities of JITO includes setting up a Jain University at an outlay of Rs 500crore. For which Rajasthan and Gujarat Governments promised all sorts of help in setting up the same. JITO has already mobilised Rs 2.5 cr as seed capital towards the same. JITO has been providing free and cash less medical insurance to 8000 Jain monks spread all over India at a cost of Rs 50 crore. JITO has been providing free training to Jain youth who plan to write Civil Service exams. It even provides educational loans at very nominate rate of 4 per cent interest.

Muni Param Pujya Naypadmasagarji, Maharaj Saheb, is the mentor and conceptualiser of JITO with the blessings of Guru Bhagwants had a dream of uniting all Jains under one Umbrella Organisation i.e.JAIN INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION (JIO), JIO is the Apex confederation of all Jains, spread around the world, having under it sixteen different organisations such as Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO), Jain International Doctors' Federation (JDF), Jain International Chartered Accountants' Federation (JICF), Jain International Advocates' Federation (JIAF),Jain International Women (JIWO), Jain International Youth Organisation (JIYO), Jain International Government Employees' Organisation (JIGEO) etc. Almost 75% of the working population of Jains is engaged in business and industry.

The Jain population in India according to 2001 census is about 50 lakhs. The Jain population is spread across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The Jain population in Andhra Pradesh is estimated to be about one lakh. The Jain population in USA is estimated to be about 130,000.

Top Jain business groups to power JITO

AHMEDABAD: They were among the first to renounce their homes to seek greener pastures abroad, soon after the world war, turning adversity into business opportunity. Now with the global meltdown, the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO), a global organisation connecting Jains worldwide, is now here to host its global summit just ahead of Vibrant Gujarat global investor summit.

The three-day JITO summit begins on Friday. Members and guests will interact and introduce themselves to each other. Leading business groups, Adanis, Torrent and Future are the key participants here. "This event will certainly boost the overall tempo of Gujarat's vibrant progress. We expect more than 7,000 delegates from across the globe to take part in this summit and witness Gujarat as a business friendly state. This might help encourage them to invest in the state," says Utkarsh Shah, president of JITO's Ahmedabad chapter. He adds that many foreign delegates of JITO will attend Vibrant Gujarat global investor's summit-09.

On Saturday and Sunday at expert sessions, prominent political, community and business leaders will participate.

"We want to look beyond recession and tap opportunities. In this summit, we have invited Jain visionaries from all fields to make most of this exclusive opportunity to exploit frontiers of value-based change for business growth. Being a premier organisation that works to make a difference, JITO feels that it is time to demonstrate and react to the situation with well thought out and realistic planned responses," says Shah.

Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha LK Advani will inaugurate the summit which will have the blessings of PP Naypadmasagarji Maharaj saheb.

The sessions will cover lectures on capital market and commodity, real estate and construction, textile and garment, dyes, chemical and pharma, plastics and allied products, gems, jewellery and bullion, IT, ITES and education.

The Jain International Women's Organisation (JIWO)'s international conference will be inaugurated on Saturday by Union minister Renuka Chowdhary. "In JIWO international conference, Jain women from across the globe will take part and discuss many important issues. It is expected that 3,000 women delegates will converge in the conference. The main aim is that women should come out and take part in social initiatives and not be restrict simply as housewives'' adds Ajit Shah, media in-charge of JITO.

Modi would like Jain university in Gujarat

Ahmedabad, Jan 10 (IANS)

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi wants a university proposed by a worldwide organisation of Jains to be set up in the state.”We have three choices for setting up a university. It can be in Maharashtra, Rajasthan or Gujarat. We request you (Modi) that as you did for the Nano (small car) project, help us to build the university here,” said Hemant Shah, president of the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO), at the inaugural session of the three-day (JITO) Global Summit here Saturday.

In reply, Modi said: “I too want this university to come up in Gujarat instead of Maharashtra or Rajasthan. I have no objections. You go ahead and set up the university.”

“Last year the JITO summit was held in Mumbai and I attended it. I requested the organisers that the next meet be held here. Today Gujarat has become the host to the world,” he told the large gathering of delegates who have come here from all corners of the world.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Gandhinagar MP L.K. Advani said: “JITO is a wonderful organisation. It has set an example of religious amity.”

JITO mentor calls for uniting Jains

AHMEDABAD: 'Jains of the world unite', was the call given by Naypadmasagarji Maharaj, a revered Jain sadhu at the introductory meet on Friday on the eve of Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO)'s global summit.

Speaking to delegates, Naypadmasagarji, who is also JITO's mentor emphasised on the importance of unity for a better future.

"JITO's aim is to work for betterment of society. We should unite to eliminate poverty in the world. For this, I would ask JITO members to even go meet terrorists and try to understand their side of the story. Why should anybody choose to become a terrorist ? There must be some reason. We have to find this out for the cause of humanity", he said.

He urged that if they wanted to live in a peaceful world, they will have to create it themselves. "Jains have never discriminated while doing social works in their life. It is a tradition. I urge Jain leaders to invest their money in value based education", he said.

According to a JITO official, day one was like a "get together where JITO members and executives from various chapters presented their future course of action"

Jainism is the most ancient green movement:LK Advani at JITO

Following is the full text of Shri LK Advani’s speech delivered when inaugurating Jain International Trade Organization(JITO) Global Summit at Ahmedabad, Gujarat on January 10th, 2009.

I thank the organizers of this Global Summit of the Jain International Trade Organization (JITO) for inviting me to the inaugural ceremony. At the outset, I convey my best wishes to you for a Happy New Year and also my greetings for Makar Sankranti, which is just four days away.

I have participated in many conferences of business platforms such as FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM. These organizations are focused almost entirely on business and economy. But your conference is different. This is because the Jain International Trade Organization does not concern itself only with trade matters. Its outlook and activities are far more holistic, embracing many other aspects of life and society.

JITO’s philosophy is encapsulated by five noble commitments: Seva (Service of Humanity), Shiksha (Education), Arthik Sudharata (Economic Uplift), Samajik Utkarsh (Social Progress) and Adhyatmik Unnati (Spiritual Elevation). I compliment your organization because it is actively promoting programmes in each of these areas.

Jainism’s holistic approach to life

This holistic approach to life is not surprising because Jainism itself presents a profound and all-encompassing outlook towards life. Its ideals like satya, ahimsa, and aparigraha are both universal and eternal in their relevance. And in every century, Jainism has produced saintly figures who have both embodied these ideals. In our own times, I can think of two venerable personalities – Acharya Tulsi and his worthy disciple Acharya Mahapragya. I consider it my good fortune that I have sat at the feet of both these great Acharyas.

One of the great qualities that I have observed among Jain organizations is how they have tried to follow the teachings of the Tirthankars to practice philanthropy by enhancement of business. The spirit of volunteerism and social service that they display is truly remarkable. I remember that, at the time of the massive earthquake in Kutch and other parts of Gujarat in 2001, some of the best relief and humanitarian work was done by Jain organizations. I commend JITO for supporting this praiseworthy tradition.

Jainism the most ancient Green Movement in world history

Friends, in popular consciousness, Jainism is associated with its insistence on ahimsa or non-violence. Indeed, the greatest apostle of nonviolence in the modern era, Mahatma Gandhi, has written in his autobiography that he had a Jain ’spiritual mentor’, a young diamond merchant named Shrimad Rajchandra.

We often do not appreciate why Jainism attached such paramount importance to ahimsa. However, we should remember that two of the greatest challenges before the world today Terrorism and Climate Change are both manifestations of violence.

Terrorism is of course the most extreme and inhuman form of violence. And we have seen its evil face in Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Delhi, Bangalore, Guwahati and, most recently, in Mumbai. Violence of this kind must be put down with a firm hand.

But there is another form of violence which the world has been much slower to recognize, and much more hesitant to take firm action against. I am referring to the violence being inflicted on Mother Earth by our materialistic civilization. The destruction of the environment, which is evident in the alarming levels of pollution of our land, water and air resources and which is now climaxing in Climate Change, has catastrophic implications for man and other species on our planet.

It is when we reflect on the challenge of Climate Change that we begin to appreciate the enormous contemporary relevance of the Jain philosophy of ahimsa and jiva daya. We realize that Bhagwan Mahavir and the other Jain Tirthankars were great environmental conservationists. They taught us that we human beings are merely trustees of this planet. We need to re-learn their teachings in our times. If we do so, we realize that eco-friendliness is not a mere fashionable phrase, it has to be interwoven into our development paradigm and also into our day-to-day living. In a sense, we all have to become adivasis or tribals who know how to exist in harmony with the earth. The earth takes care of us, and so we have to take care of her. In this sense, Jainism is the most ancient Green Movement in world history.

I would like to assure the audience here, and the people at large in our country, that, in the event of the BJP and the NDA elected to form the next government in New Delhi, we shall take appropriate steps to deal with both forms of violence – Terrorism and Climate Change.

Vibrant Gujarat: A role model for other states

Friends, your conference is taking place at a time when Gujarat is once again hosting another prestigious meet: The Vibrant Gujarat summit. This annual event has now become an advertisement, both nationally and internationally, for the highly impressive achievements of the Government of Gujarat, under the leadership of its dynamic Chief Minster Shri Narendra Modi.

Even our political and ideological opponents have to grudgingly recognize that Gujarat has now become the No. 1 destination for investments. Recently, a Member of Parliament from Kerala belonging to the CPI(M) publicly lauded Shri Modi and said that the Communist-led Government in Kerala should emulate the example of Gujarat.

Gujarat today is a role model for Good Governance, for Development and an uncompromising approach to Security. It has also set an example for an uncompromising approach to Corruption. Let me assure you that a future NDA Government in New Delhi will replicate this model nationally.

We shall take bold and quick steps to revive the economy out of the recessionary crisis that it is in today. Our policies will help create more employment, self-employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young Indians. In this, we would actively seek the cooperation of organizations like JITO.

Govt must take firm action against cases of financial fraud

Friends, since most of you are from the fields of business and commerce, I have to share an important thought on this occasion. India has all the potential to grow into a giant economy. The successes of Indian entrepreneurs in recent times, both in India and abroad, have been spectacular.

But as Gandhiji used to exhort, business without ethics is sin. Even if a few business organizations indulge in unethical practices, they bring a bad name to the business community as a whole. I am saying this I am distressed by the recent shocking disclosures about financial fraud in a major IT company in Hyderabad. Corporate India must put its house in order. The Government cannot turn a blind or lenient eye to such fraudulent practices.

With these words, I declare the inauguration of the Global Summit of the Jain International Trade Organization and wish it all success.

Thank you.

'Every Jain should be able to employ 1000 individuals'

MUMBAI: Speaking at the inauguration of a four-day trade fair organised by Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO), its President Hemant Shah expressed the desire that every young Jain should be economically empowered so as to employ 1000 individuals each.

Stressing on Jain unity, he appealed that the Jains should overcome obstacles that may come in the way of their unity, under the banner of JITO.

The JITO Triple Grand Event, comprising Multi-Product Trade Fair, International Business and Industry Conference and Jain Pavilion, is being held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon. JITO is a world wide body of Jains set to achieve socio-economic empowerment, value based education, community welfare, practice of compassion, spiritual upliftment of fellow beings through global fellowship.

"JITO doesn't believe in talking, but in actions. The facilitation of 60 people took 60 seconds, but their contribution to business, industry and society is noteable," Shah said. He added that it is also necessary that instead of being critical, people have to appreciate the good work that is being done.

JITO Secretary General Shantilal Kawar recalled the formation of the residential training institute for aspirants of the union and state civil services, which is one of the dream projects of JITO.

Kawar said that when he discussed the concept of the civil services examination training centre with their religious leader, the latter called him over one day and told him that it was an auspicious day to start work on the institute and asked him to call up individuals to seek their support. Not surprisingly, of the 13 individuals contacted, three promised to contribute Rs 1.5 crore each to become the trustees immediately, Kawar added. Today, the institute has 23 trustees and it requires a total of 32.

Rasiklal Dhariwal, another Jain industrialist, described Shah and Kawar as the two wheels of the chariot of JITO, who have been taking JITO ahead at a great speed and expressed confidence that the Jain community would give them all support. Dhariwal said that he has been sponsoring film award functions over the years and he has realised that by doing so he was merely entertaining people, but today he had an opportunity to contribute to the future of the Jain youth.

The religious leader, who is instrumental in the formation of JITO, gave an example of a Jain collector of Vadodra, who saved the lives of thousands of animals, preventing their slaughter, by making a statement that they are diseased. He said that JITO is the amalgamation of philanthropy, universal brotherhood and the welfare of all living beings.

The religious leader, who does not like his name or photograph being carried by the media, said that Ratan Tata expressed pleasure that Jains are coming together under one banner and described the unity as the ocean of philanthropy.

Earlier in the day hoisting of the national flag and the Jain flag marked the beginning of the JITO Triple Event. Later, the Jain Pavilion, which has on display some of the finest and rarest pieces of Jain art and sculpture, was inaugurated.

Jain businessmen pool in $13.75 mn for IAS academies

In an unexpected move, 36 leading Jain businessmen from India and abroad donated Rs.540 million ($13.75 million) to set up five academies to train students for the civil services examinations.

In an unexpected move, 36 leading Jain businessmen from India and abroad donated Rs.540 million ($13.75 million) to set up five academies to train students for the civil services examinations.

The donations - each amounting to Rs.15 million - were made following an appeal by Jain spiritual leader Munishri Nayapadam Sagarji Maharaj at the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO) fair that opened here Thursday.

One of the JITO organisers, Girish Shah, told IANS the money collected would be utilised to set up five training academies to prepare students for the prestigious Indian Administrative Services (IAS).

Admissions will not be restricted only to Jains but deserving students from all sections of society shall be admitted, he added. The first such institute is already functional in New Delhi.

'The new academies shall be set up by July this year in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Indore and Chennai,' Shah said.

He said that usually Jain students, who are mostly into businesses, are not inclined towards government services.

'For those who are interested in serving the country and society, this will open an appropriate avenue,' he explained.

The JITO fair opened today with nearly 200,000 people in attendance at the sprawling NSE Exhibition Grounds in Goregaon in northwest Mumbai.

Dignitaries like the Sheikh of Dubai, IT wizard Sam Pitroda, union ministers Praful Patel and Sushilkumar Shinde, the chief ministers of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa, Shiv Sena executive president Udhav Thackeray and Dipak C. Jain, dean, Kellog School of Management, Chicago, US, will visit the fair over the next three days.

JITO president Hemant Shah said the three-day 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.

JITO vice-president Champalal Vardhan told IANS that 10,000 Jain delegates from 50 countries would take part in the international conference, which will be held during the fair.

An added attraction is the unique Jain Pavilion, which displays over 500 rare and ancient Jain artefacts from all over India.

Jain meet in Mumbai attracts many

MUMBAI: 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.