CHICAGO: The Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC) held its 2nd “Ahimsa Walk” on Sunday, July 26 at Herrick Lake Forest preserve, Wheaton, a northwest suburb of Chicago. It was enthusiastically participated not only by Jains but members of other communities as well.
Ahi?sa (non-violence) is one of the core pillars and a fundamental principle of Jainism, forming the cornerstone of its ethics and doctrine.
The term “Ahimsa” also means non-injury or absence of desire to harm any life form. Vegetarianism and other nonviolent practices and rituals of Jains flow from the principle of Ahi?sa. A community event – “Ahimsa Walk” symbolizing non-violence and compassion for all living beings has been an annual showcase event of the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago.
The walk was kicked-off with the blessings of Tarlaben Doshi encouraging community to strive for global peace and non-violence. The event leaders, Dimple Shah, Youth Secretary of JSMC and Tejas Shah, President of JSMC, were greatly encouraged by sizeable participation from the community towards this noble cause.
The event started with Maha Mantra Navakar, followed by vote of thanks to sponsors and acknowledging of volunteers. The youngest participant for the walk was 7 months old and oldest 76 year old. The day turned out to be bright and pleasant. The registration process and t-shirt and water distribution was initiated by youth.
Everybody wearing Ahimsa T shirt was eager to finish the walk. The funds raised are donated to the Animal Rescue Center. The walk ended with delicious fresh fruits, juice and freshly made idli sambar provided by Sai Saffron. Tejas Shah, President, said “We look forward to have the same event in August next year”.
Since 1993, this facility has become the flagship Jain Center and a Temple for the North American Jains. JSMC has a membership of more than 1,600 families, the largest representation of all Jain Centers in North America.
The JSMC management proposed special thanks to Ahimsa Walk sponsors Abhay Munot & family, PASHA Orthodontist Tushar Shah, CPA Sanjeet Shah, Sky Bird Travel Umesh Patel, SnowWhite Dipak Kapadia, Sai Saffron and Jigar Parekh, C2 Educations.
Ramesh Soparawala
India Post News Service
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