Jain Vishwa Bharati of North America
In a world beleaguered with personal conflict and global turmoil, the relevance of a Non-Violent way of life cannot be overemphasized. “I am right but so are you” – as man grasps this Jain concept of divergent perspectives and respects another unconditionally, social and communal harmonies are sure to follow. The Jain notion of nonviolence extends to all forms of life and nature, and stretches beyond mere physical nonviolence. It shows the way to mental peace, social harmony, and the preservation of natural ecological balance. JVBNA strives to convey these timeless values of life and sustainable co-existence to the world at large. Jain Vishwa Bharati (JVB) was established by the farsighted vision of Acharya Shri Tulsi and Acharya Shri Mahapragya in Ladnun, India in 1970. Presently, JVB is privileged to receive its inspiration from Acharya Shri Mahashraman. JVBNA operates under the guidance of visiting Samanijis from Jain Vishwa Bharati, India. Jain Vishwa Bharati of North America (JVBNA) is one of three satellite organization of JVB in USA, and enjoys a permanent facility – the JVBNA Center in Iselin, New Jersey – inaugurated in 2003 and progressing towards inaugurating a new facility in South Plainfield, right at 155 Front Street.
Our Mission
Our mission is to spread the universal message of Jain philosophy and wisdom to the world for cultivating an atmosphere which nurtures nonviolence, self-restraint, and divergent perspectives; and thereby leads to spiritual enlightenment for man for fostering sustainable co-existence, unity and social harmony for all mankind.
Our Programs
We as JVB aim to accomplish our major activities and programs based on few pillar themes for enriching people’s life:
Nonviolence for Day-to-Day Life
JVB endeavors to cultivate a nonviolent culture in society at large. Occupation and profession, food and drinks, dress and decoration, and communication and entertainment all these are the part and partial of individual’s life. JVB organizes such programs like philosophical discourses, seminars, work-shops that give a clear understanding, knowledge and courage to adopt the nonviolent culture with confidence in every field of life.
Health Education for Inner Peace
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Our mental and emotional state not only affects our attitudes but has a direct impact on our physical health. Today scientists have understood and published the negative impact on health caused by stress and other negative emotions. Jain scripture has explained in detail the relationship of Himsa (violence) and Ahimsa (nonviolence), with the mental and physical state of a person. Jainism has also prescribed various methods to control and maintain our physical and mental health. Preksha is one such practical and systematic method for healthy living. If one is healthy and physically fit then that person can take care of family, enjoy the company of friends, perform diligently at work and finally concentrate on the Self.
Preksha Meditation and Yoga
Meditation and Yogasana help to establish a balance between our body and mind. It also mends our violent mind-set and awakens spirituality. JVB offers various form of Preksha session to address the needs of a broad cross-section of individuals; including children, youths, elderly people, regular practitioners, and the American society at large. In addition JVB plans regular discourses, work-shops, and lectures on topics of special interest and need to the community. Workshop and discourses cover subjects such as; Diabetes, Heart Disease, Obesity, Stress Management, Anger management, and a healthy lifestyle. Special retreats and Summer Camps are conducted targeting Preksha Meditation, depicting its practical application in day-to-day life.
Management (Present)
Board of Directors:
- Surendra Kankariya (Chairman)
- Ashok Bhansali (Co-chairman)
- B.C. Jain
- Kamal Daga
- Nagji Vira
- Madhumita Sacheti
- Paayal Vora
- Pratap Jain
- Sampath Jain
- Sheetal Daftary
- Sunil Mehta
- Suparas Nahata
- Vinodh Anchaliya
Executive Committee:
| JVBNA EC 2022-23 | |
| President | Madhumita Sacheti |
| Vice President | Shweta Daftary |
| Vice President – Community Outreach | Sumitra Kankariya |
| Vice President – Samaniji Pravas | Sudhir Jain |
| General Secretary | Piyush Rampuria |
| General Joint Secretary | Sudeep Surana |
| Social Media Secretary | Prachi Shah |
| Social Media Joint Secretary | Pratiti Dugad |
| Social Media Joint Secretary | Satish Garg |
| Treasurer | Vinodh Anchaliya |
| Deputy Treasurer | Varsha Mehta |
| Internal Audit | Shweta Daftary |
| Fund Raising | Mahipal Singhvi |
| Gyanshala Coordinator | Smriti Baid |
| Gyanshala Co-Cordinator | Bindu Khicha |
| EC Events Coordinator | Sonya Doshi |
| Family Events Coordinator | Vandana Nahata |
| EC & Family Events Co-Coordinator | Rupal Bhandari |
| Cultural Programs Coordinator | Venus Jain |
| Cultural Programs Co-Coordinator | Prashant Nahar |
| Community Engagement Coordinators | Mahipal Singhvi, Nitin Chordiya |
| Community Service Coordinators | Hina Harkawat, Snehal Harkawat |
| Gochari Coordinator | Varsha Mehta |
| Food Coordinator | Rekha Jain |
| Food Co-Coordinators | Vijay Baid |
| Food Co-Coordinators | Sanjay Bhansali |
| Assets Management Coordinator | Vijayaa Daga |
| Facilities Management Coordinator | Swati Shah |
| General Volunteers | Lokesh Jain |
| General Volunteers | Dakshesh Lodha |
| General Volunteers | Swati Jain |