Past Activities
JVB Toasties exhibited their talent by participating in Speech contest at JVBNA CPPM in front of valued audience.
Participants exhibited their knowledge and delivered their speech profoundly on some interesting topics such as 1)Reconciling the Jain concept of time with the Bing Bang Theory ; 2) The Art of Happiness ; 3) Unplug ; 4) My Bubble ; 5) Hobbies ; 6) Pay Attention. Besides they also presented few words on the table topic given instantly to them on stage. The topic was ” tell us about the moment when you overcame your fear”. It was interesting and applauding to acknowledge talent of these JVB Toasties and kept the audience hooked to the event! OM ARHAM to all JVB Toasties!
On Sunday April 30, JVBNA memebers had the privilege to witness & communicate with Samani Kamal Pragyaji & Samani Karuna Pragyaji through an interactive swadhyay session parallel to Gyanshala at JVBNA CPPM center – South Plainfield. 
“It was a wonderful experience to ask questions to Samanijis and get answers from them in reference to Jain doctrine & gain knowledge.”
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JVBNA NJ members participated in the Agam Arpan Yojana Initiative launched in March 2023 by JVB Ladnun on the occasion of the 50th Deeksha Anniversary of Acharyashri Mahashramanji. Seventeen JVBNA families contributed towards 28 Agam sets (31 books each) to be distributed to various Jain Acharyas, universities, libraries and research scholars in India. We commend and appreciate all donors for coming forward and generously donating for this noble initiative and facilitating the prabhaavna of jinvani to a wider audience. Om Arham!
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JVBNA, NJ initiated a new Community Engagement Series in the new year. The first event, a Health Awareness Panel, was organized on January 15, 2023 at the CPPM in South Plainfield NJ. Special health expert guest speakers were invited for this event. The program began with prayers and meditation. Health awareness segment was led by Physical Therapist Irmina Verzosa and Registered Dietitian Agnya Shah. They both gave excellent presentations and tips for living a healthy and balanced life. It was an interactive session and there were lot of practical questions from the audience. The program was an enriching experience for all.
JVBNA NJ Gyanshala & Toastmaster Volunteers, along with Community Service team participated in a successful Gleaning event at Long Meadow Farm, NJ on October 22, 2022. It was a wonderful Diwali weekend celebration!! Team of about 45 people got together to learn about ‘Gleaning’ and collected 1600lbs of apples for donation to local food pantries. Thereafter, they had blissful Darshan and Aarti at Siddhachalam.
JVBNA NJ Gyanshala 2022-23 session was inaugurated on September 18, 2022 in the presence of legendary & learned JVBNA NJ board members. This was a memorable day as after covid, this is the first batch to initiate Gyanshala in person full fledged, right from the first day of Gyanshala year. Students and teachers were excited and the enthusiasm was overwhelming! The first semester of Gyanshala curriculum is already successfully completed and the second semester is underway.
JVB Toasties, a Toastmaster Gavel Club under the platform of JVBNA NJ Gyanshala, commenced with great enthusiasm in October 2022! This well structured international program gives the high school students the right tool kit and environment to build their communication and leadership skills. This club is thriving under the leadership of a seasoned coach, adult volunteers and student leaders. If any high school youth is interested in participating, do reach out to gyanshala@jvbnj.org for more information.
As a way to encourage Swadhyay, a Book Reading club for adults was initiated on October 30, 2022. This club runs at JVBNA NJ CPPM center parallel to the Gyanshala session every alternate Sundays. This is a wonderful platform where people can meet in an informal setting to read, discuss, understand and debate various topics of a book and thereby share the knowledge of Jainism along with enlightening themselves. First book of the club is the book – “Dharma Hai Utkrisht Mangal” by Acharya Shri Mahashramanji. The book reading club encourages participants to come with an open mind and with an intention to do swadhyay. It is a great way to leave all the worldly worries behind, interact with members of the community, share your views on topics from the book and leave more enlightened.
Further dates and flyers are being circulated regularly on JVBNA NJ WhatsApp groups. The club is open to all and anyone can join at any time.
In an effort to pratically teach the values that are being taught in the class Science of Living, Gyanshala kids and parents particiapted in the community service event with seniors, organized by Smriti Baid and Hina Harkawat at Arista Care Senior Center in South Plainfield. Not just a rewarding, meaningful experience but a humbling one as well. Gyanshala kids had put up an amazing performance with full of energy and enthusiasm. They seemlessly blended and played games and Holi with the seniors that was very touching. Kids could practically see what care, being grateful and generous is all about. All the seniors were very happy and the event was very well received. They gave lots of blessings to the kids and were extremely grateful to the JVB community.
Samani Chaitanya Pragyaji and Samani Dr. Him Pragya ji visiting from Miami conducted very practical Preksha Meditation workshop on Leshya Meditation at CPPm. Prepping the participants with prayer, pranayam and tapping, Samani Dr. Him Pragyaji led guided Leshya dhyan of various colors on main psychic centers. Samani Dr. Chaitanya Pragyaji then explained the reasoning and practicality of the meditation for cleansing and rejuvenating the aura, purifying the soul; it’s purpose and impact. Importance and influence of colors on health and well being was also discussed. Participants were also happy for the opportunity to have their questions satisfactorily answered RSVP
