Transcript kojain regional news

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November, 2014
VOLUME 19, ISSUE 2
Website: www.kojain.org
A non-profit Organization Tax Exempt No: 06-1442444
I NSIDE THIS I SSUE
Board of Directors - Officers:
President: Dinesh K Chheda
(973) 394-1701
[email protected]
Vice President: Anil R Shah
(978) 371-9588
[email protected]
Page
2-3
4
Subject
President’s Message
New IT Firm AVAP, KOJAIN awards
Educational Loan to Jinal Sawla
Educational Services Provided In MRCC
Park Mumbai By Anil Shah
KOJAIN Honoring Vivek C Maru A Dynaic
Youth & CEO of Non Profit Namati
Secretary: Alka J Rambhia
(412) 835-2021
[email protected]
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Past President: Navin S Dedhia
(408) 629-1723
[email protected]
6-7
Regional Directors:
8-18
Region 1: AZ, CO, HI, NM, So.CA, UT
NiketaDedhia Shah (719) 244-3428
[email protected]
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UK KOJAIN News
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Sad and Untimely Demises
Region 2: AK, ID, MT, NV, No.CA, OR, WA, WY
Nitul S Haria (408) 256-1219
[email protected]
Region 3: AR, KS, LA, MO, OK, TX
Geeta Gala (281) 398-7402
[email protected]
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21-22
Region 4: IL, IN, IA, MN, NE, ND, SD, WI
Louis K. Shah (630) 670-6039
[email protected]
23-25
Region 5: AL, FL, GA, MS, TN
HemantMota (601) 607-7904
[email protected]
26-28
Region 6: KY, MI, OH, W.PA, WV
Open Position
29-31
Region 7: WA. DC., MD, NC, SC, VA,
ManojDharamsi
[email protected]
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Region 8: DE, E.PA, NJ
ManilalSavla
[email protected]
Region 9: NY
Kusum Kenia (914) 309-8394
[email protected]
Region 10: CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT
Chandrika Shah (978)[email protected]
Region 11: Canada
Pradip V. Savla (416) [email protected]
KOJAIN Regional News
KOJAIN New Life Members- Engagement
News Of Amit Vira
Life Time Service Award to Ram Gada,
Simon Collier Awarded to Navin Dedhia
Matrimonials, Humanitarina Award to
Peter Bhedah.
Meet the regional Directors, From the
Secretary’s Desk
Kutch-Canada Trade Mission, Hemant
Shah
Kutchhi Song
KOJAIN NEWSLETTER
Secretary, KOJAIN
2145 Blairmont Drive Pittsburgh 15241
Website: www.kojain.org
www.facebook.com/PanjoKojain
A Non-Profit Organization
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
November , 2014
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Dear Fellow Kachchhi Oswals, Jai Jinendra! Wishing you a Happy and Prosperous Vikram Samvat 2071. Since the last newsletter, KOJAIN chair‐persons along with their committee members and also all directors have accomplished a lot of work. We’re very fortunate to have very capable, highly skilled, caring and dedicated volunteers who contribute and support the mission of KOJAIN. Here is the information about continuing projects. Dinesh Chheda
Interest free loan: Jeenal Sawla has been given $11,000 interest free loan for pursuing graduate study in Urban Planning at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA Contact Chairperson: Kalyanji Mota [email protected] Phone: 714‐527‐2836 Students coming to USA: The list of students coming to USA for further studies is available on KOJAIN.org. Dami Rambhia is working on this project tirelessly for last fifteen years. He has collected lots of data. We’re looking for volunteers who can transcribe these data into database in such a way that we can extract the relevant information quickly and effectively. This will allow BOD to make meaningful decisions. Contact chairperson: Dami Rambhia [email protected] Phone: 860‐633‐1392 Merit Scholarship: The following six outstanding KOJAIN students will receive the 2014 merit scholarship. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Pratik Chheda (Manisha & Sudhir) Keval Gala (Chandrika & Lalit) Pankti Gala (Aruna & Mulchand) Siddharth Kuruwa (Tejal & Hitendra) Jayshal Shah (Beena & Rajen) Sunny Shah (Jayshika & Hemant) Somerset, NJ North Andover, MA Chalfont, PA Cypress, TX Birmingham AL Woodbridge IL Contact Chairperson: Chandrika Shah [email protected] Phone: 978‐794‐3028 News letter: KOJAIN members as well as non‐members should send the news with a photograph, if possible, to Alka Rambhia with a cc to their regional director. KOJAIN will publish it in the news letter. KOJAIN reserves the right to edit for clarity and brevity. We’re looking for volunteers who can contact the successful KOJAIN members for interview. Contact Secretary: Alka Rambhia [email protected] Phone: 412‐835‐2021 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE CONTINUES…..
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New Initiatives
KOJAIN PARK Project: Vijay Chheda & Anil Shah proposed a new initiative “KOJAIN PARK” (KP) project to the Board of Directors (BOD). The majority of directors are in favors of the KP project. However, an ad hoc KP exploratory committee has been appointed to study and evaluate the KP project further. 1) Vijay Chheda Past President of KOJAIN & Trustee of KJF 2) Anil Shah Vice‐President of KOJAIN & Trustee of KJF 3) Navin Dedhia Past President of KOJAIN 4) Tansukh Maru Past President of KOJAIN 5) Ram Gada Ex‐BOD of KOJAIN 6) Manoj Dharamsi current BOD of KOJAIN The committee will recommend the course of action to BOD by the year end. If any of the above members contact you for your opinion/comments/contributions, please give them your full support & cooperation. The success ultimately depends on your support and participation. Refer KP FAQs on KOJAIN.org for more details about KP project. Sammelan: Houston group has proposed to sponsor KOJAIN Sammelan in 2015 either just before JAINA convention or just after the convention. BOD has appointed the following three member committee to look into the proposal in detail. Manilal Savla, Ram Gada, & Navin Dedhia. Contact Geeta Gala: [email protected] Phone: 281‐558‐0772 If you have any comments/ideas for improving KOJAIN, please let us know. We’ll make every effort to discuss it in our in BOD meeting and if feasible we’ll implement it. KOJAIN President Dinesh Chheda
IT FIRM AVAAP IN THE NEWS
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Software and IT firm Avaap, Inc. opened its new corporate headquarters in Edison on April 1, 2014. The office was inaugurated by Edison Mayor, Mr. Thomas Lankey. Avaap was founded in 2006 by young Kutchi fellow Dhiraj Shah (son of Jadavji and Chandan Shah) and Namrata Shah (Village: Navavas in Kutch) of Edison, NJ. It has been named as one of the fastest growing companies in the US by Inc. Kojain congratulates Dhiraj and Namrata Shah on their accomplishments. KOJAIN AWARDS JEENAL SAWLA LOAN FOR FURTHER STUDIES
It gives me a great pleasure to announce that KOJAIN’s Loan Program Committee has awarded non‐interest loan of $6000 to Ms. Jeenal Mulchand Sawla of Massachusetts residing in care of 216 Range way Road, Unit 193, North Billerica, MA 01862. Ms. Jeenal Sawla has been granted admission to Master of Urban Planning (MUP) at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA in 2013. She has already completed one year of her study. She is planned to complete her Masters by May 2015. KOJAIN’s Loan Committee consists of Chandravadan Haria, Vijay Chheda, Damibhai Rambhia and Kalyanji Mota as the Chairperson after reviewing her application has unanimously awarded this interest free loan. To date KOJAIN has awarded total amount of $36,175 interest free loans including present loan to bright KOJAIN Students pursuing Graduate or Undergraduate Studies in North America. By Kalyanji Mota IN THE MRCC PARK OF MUMBAI
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In the MRCC park of Mumbai (Part of Avas Yojana) on June 22nd 2014 Tree plantation was bigan with the help of Anil R shah. He said “we have three phase tree plantation. First phase by planting 40 trees was done. With the help of a garden architect we are making nice garden and play area in front and back of MRCC Park building to create nice environment as well as it will be reducing dust”. Mr. Anil R Shah also inaugurated computer training center for all the residents, this is a permanent facility open for 24 hours for all seven days. MRCC engineers will start training students once a week. This will provide everybody training in basics of computers. It is very exciting that over 50 people have already registered for training. HONORING A KUTCHHI DYNAMIC YOUTH
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(OUR NEW SERIES ON KOJAIN YOUTH FROM USA/CANADA)
Vivek Hansraj Maru, International Human Rights Attorney, Chief Executive Officer of Namati, Washington DC USA ક છડો ખલે ખલકમેં, જીં મહાસાગર મેં મ છ
જીત િહકડો ક છી વસે, હત
ુ વસાયે ક છ
Vivek has sung his favorite Doho several times atcultura land other gatherings. The Doho reflects his Kachchhi spirit. Who is a true Kachchhi? He is a person of Kachchhi heritage, with a lot of love and indomitable courage. Also, a Kachchhi has no boundaries of cast, language, color, or wealth. Let us take a brief look at one such Kachchhimaadu (ક છી માડુ)’s life. Vivek Maru, graduated from Harvard University magna cum laude. He then went to India on a Harvard fellowship to learn about the status and practice of Gandhian philosophy in today’s India. After visiting several institutions in India, he found that in Kachchh, the philosophy was alive and vibrant. He was also convinced that there was a dire need for enthusiastic workers. So he signed up. At age of 22, Vivek lived in a Bhungo (hut made of mud) with one electric bulb for almost a year, trying to understand the land, language, people, problems, color, art, music, and also dance. Challenges were plentiful, but he enjoyed the grassroots work. Water had to be fetched from a governmental tank a mile away. In an open dessert land there is even a challenge every morning about which direction to go for a call of nature! He worked alongside farmers in the field and moved dirt for watershed management. He set up a school and curriculum for the girls who had no education. He worked with dairy maldharies in a neighboring village. He worked with Dr. Sushma Ayangar in Bhuj at a consortium for women’s empowerment. He came back after spending a year in Kachchh and obtained his Law degree at Yale University. He understood the Law as a right of every human being. The modern world in the name of progress takes away air, water and land from humanity. A weak, humble, depressed world goes along with the progress, in the hope of improved societies. Do these two worlds meet? In the name of progress are we destroying the world itself of quality water, air and environment. These questions kept Vivek awake at nights. His work today is all about these two worlds and peace and love between them. Can we progress materially and not destroy our environment. Can Kachchh become 21st century Kachchh and also preserve the vast ocean full of fishes, fresh desert air and collect all the sweet rain water it has. HONORING A KUTCHHI DINAMIC YOUTH
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After graduating from the Yale law school, he began his work in a West African country Sierra Leone. The country is listed as the second poorest in the world. The country of 50 Lakh population, had only 100 lawyers. He worked in Sierra Leone and co‐founded ‘Timap for Justice’. The organization has been recognized by prestigious international organizations as a model for delivering justice services in the context of a weak governmental and multiple legal system. The paralegal approach of Timap is being scaled up internationally. Timap came in existence, and in four years grew to 80 paralegals in six regional offices in Sierra Leone. For the next four years, Vivek served as Senior Counsel in the justice Reform Group at the World Bank. His work focused on rule‐of‐law‐reform and governance, primarily in West Africa and South Asia. The entrepreneurial spirit compelled Vivek to establish his own nongovernmental organization, named Namati. Namati has offices in USA, India, and employs 50 enthusiastic and committed people. Their work is focused on legal empowerment, citizenship for Burma, environmental violations in India, Sierra Leone. Vivek has written chapters in several books, including highly circulated paper, Between Law and Society. Vivek has been bestowed with numerous awards for his pioneering social and legal work. He has been invited to share the results of his work at JAINA, KOJAIN gatherings as well. He has organized many international conferences on various topics. Just in October 2014,he was selected as Ashoka Fellow for his social entrepreneurial accomplishments. The selection is based on new idea, social impact, creativity, entrepreneurial quality, and ethical fiber. Vivek is son of Usha and Hans Maru of Bidada. He lives with his wife Tania and a son, Luka. Tania is an internationally recognized fiction writer. Her first novel deals with immigration issues. Vivek speaks English, Kachchhi, Gujarati, Hindi, Bengali, French and Creole. In his precious spare time, Vivek practices African dances, Cross Fit and tennis. He is an enthusiast of rap music. He, of course, enjoys Dohas like the one mentioned at the top of this article. http://www.namati.org NAMATI Innovation In Legal Empowerment KOJAIN REGIONAL NEWS
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Region 1 News
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Proud Mom‐Dad, Grandpa‐Grandma “Nikki Dedhia‐Shah, KOJAIN Regional Director 1 is blessed with a baby girl ‘SVENI’ on 19. Jan 2014. In the picture is Sveni with her parents Nikki and Dr. Sandeep Shah and her maternal grandparents visiting from Mumbai: Prabha and Manilal Premji Dedhia (Crown), Village Bhujpur.” Proud MOM-Dad, Grandpa-Grandma
Sveni’s Anna‐Prasanna at 6 months Sveni’s Anna-Prasanna at 6 months
Based on the ancient Hindu‐Vedic custom; the Annaprasanna, marks an infant's first intake of solid food at 6 months. This food is blessed ensuring nutrition, health and a lively spirit throughout the baby’s life. This was celebrated with Puja with family and friends followed by dancing. Sveni is the daughter of Dr. Sandeep and Nikki Dedhia‐Shah (KOJAIN Regional Director 1) Manilal Savla Gets a New Patent Kutchi New Year/Asadhi Beej
was celebrated by
ColoradonKutchis.
Standing from the left are: Prabha and
MahendraMaru, Rupa and Kishor Gala,
(host family standing in the center) :
Bhavin - Namrata and HarakhchandBhavna Gala and Vrushti, Dr. Parag and
Falguni Shah, Ketna and Raj Shah.
Manilal J. Savla of Manalapan, NJ (Village in Kutch: Mota Asambia) was awarded another patent on use of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) for water management. The new invention deals with harvest of water from sea. Seawater is a huge source for potable water. Reverse osmosis desalination plants carry a huge capital cost and result in an adverse environmental impact. To overcome these problems a new approach of forward osmosis using a semi‐permeable membrane is promoted. In Manilal Savla’s process, water is absorbed through a semi‐permeable membrane in SAP in a bag leaving salt out. His Indian patent for the process is pending. He hopes that his new technology will help mankind in the future. KOJAIN REGIONAL NEWS
REGION 2: NEWS
Meet & Greet Laxmi chand
Kenia of Mumbai in Northern
California on August 8, 2014
Lax Kenia with Bay Area KOJAINs
in San Jose
Lax kenia (Village: Baroi, Kutch,
Mumbai resident)
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Lax kenia (Village: Baroi, Kutch, Mumbai resident) met with 20 KOJAINs at Navin Dedhia’s residence in San Jose. He demonstrated Tibetan Five Rites yoga, Vipasana meditation to remain mentally and physically fit in order to live positive and Harmonious Life. He discussed various ongoing activities of Seva Samaj including 
Book Bank, where 8000+ students are receiving benefits 
Sanjiwani Medical Insurance, where 35000+ individuals rom 11000 families are covered 
Shree Utkarsh Program providing Loans to woman entrepreneurs up to Rs 2.5 Lakhs and assisting them in improving products and services with training and guiding through workshops and seminars 
Career Counseling¸ in which Aptitude testing helps young mind to select career. College professors and educational experts guide students in career options during Annual Seminar. 
Computer Loan, Small Business Loan, Medical Relief, Samuh Lagan, Housing Loan, Technical festival, Youth festival, Navneet Cricket cup, Football and other Sports are carried on with the help of volunteers. Lax wished KOJAIN can come forward to help students financially, morally and guide them appropriately. He appreciated the Host Family work carried out by KOJAINs. He also appreciated Dinesh Gala of Gala Foundation (Southern California) providing funds to students for the past 19 years. During 2014, 21 students will be receiving loan from the Gala Foundation. Events can be organized for KOJAINS WILLING to share their knowledge and expertise with the community while visiting India. Lax completed MS Electrical engineering from Villanova University, PA. In USA, he worked in the field of quality control until he moved to India. His primary focus is in the field of education and service to the community
KOJAIN REGIONAL NEWS
REGION 2: AK, ID, MT, NV, NO.CA, OR, WA, WY
Meet and Greet Komal Chheda
Visiting San Francisco Bay
Area, May 2014
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Komal Chheda (Village: Bidada Kutch; Borivali, Mumbai), Managing Trustee of Kutch Yuvak Sangh visiting USA, met 25 San Francisco Bay Area KOJAINs at Navin S. Dedhia's home on Wed, May 21, 2014. Komal is actively involved in social, cultural and educational activities. He is a founder, former president and managing Trustee of Kutch Yuvak Sangh. After dinner he gave a brief overview of Kutch Yuvak Sangh on its inception, formation of Kutch Yuvak Sangh, its programs and activities, progress and future. Kutch Yuvak Sangh was established in 1986. Some of the activities of the Kutch Yuvak Sangh are: LR: Himat Dagli, Dinesh Shah,
Chandrakant Shah, Rasik Kansara,
Navin Chheda, NavinDedhia,
KomalChheda, Vijay Chheda,
Jaideep Shah, Mahesh Gogri (front)

Educational Activities ‐ BBM High school in Bidada, Shishu mandal 
Health camp, Blood drive in Mumbai Area and elsewhere 
Tour of Kutch, Kutch Darshan 
Cultural programs such as Diaro, Kutchi drama, workshops, Celebrating Kutchi New Year on Ashadhi Beej, Khati‐Mithi Jindagi, etc. 
Resolving Kutch train problems/issues, convincing railway authorities to increase trains for Kutch, etc. JAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, MILPITAS
REGION 2: NEWS
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L – R: Siddhant Shah, Kunjal Shah, Lisa Chhaddva, Sarojben Dagli, Himatbhai Dagli, Navin S. Dedhia, Hasmukh Patel, Swati Haria, Jinal Gala, Ruchi Haria, Harsh Patel Under the auspices of Jain Center of Northern CA, Milpitas, the following Tapasvis completed tap Aradhana during Aug 22 – 29, 2014 Paryusan Maha Parva: 1) Lisa Chhaddva (Fremont, CA, Village: Lakhapar) – 8 days Upvaas 2) Sarojben Dagli (Fremont, CA, Village: Baroi) – 8 days Upvaas + Ongoing Vees Sthanak Oli 3) Navin S. Dedhia (San Jose, CA, Village: Bidada) – 9 days Upvaas 4) Jinal Gala (San Jose, CA, Village: Makda) – 8 days Upvaas 5) Swati Haria (Fremont, CA, Village: Devpur) – 9 days Upvaas 6) Hasmukh Patel (Fremont, CA) – 8 days Upvaas 7) Kunjal Shah (San Jose, CA, Village: Vadala) – 8 days Upvaas 8) Siddhant Shah (San Jose, CA, Village: Vadala) – 8 days Upvaas 9) Ruchi Haria (Fremont, CA, Village: Devpur) – 2 Upvaas + 6 Ekasana (11 Years old) 10) Harsh Patel (Fremont, CA) – 8 Ekasana (10 Years old) Paryusan Parva was graced by Veer Sainik Shree Nayanbhai Sanghavi and Ramesh bhai Shah (Surat) of Tapovan. 60 individuals completed Aththai and higher level Tapasya. The Kutchi Dasha Oswal World The Kuchi Dasha Oswal World is an international class fortnightly published by Shri Kutchi Dasha Oswal Jain Gnati, were Mahajan, Mumbai. The magazine caters to the KDO community causes. Trade plus Fun Fair was organized during January 2014 at Bhandup, Mumbai. More than 150 stalls, a perfect ensemble of various kinds of products and services were part of the trade fair [Contact: Anantnathji Maharaj Jain Derasarji, 302/306 Narshi Natha Street, Shri Anantnathji Chawk, Mumbai 400 009, India, Website: https://www.facebook.com/kdoworld; https://www.kdoworld.in/] KOJAIN REGIONAL NEWS
REGION 2: AK, ID, MT, NV, NO.CA, OR, WA, WY
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2014 Graduates of San Francisco Bay Area KOJAIN conveys congratulations to all graduates High School Graduates 1) Devanshi Nishar – Daughter of Rashmi/Dipchand Nishar (Village: Bharudia; Los Altos, California), graduated from Castilleja High School and will be attending Brown University. She is a nominee for the 2014 Presidential Scholar, recipient of National Merit Scholarship (SAT) and Regent Scholar for UC’s. 2) Miloni Shah – Daughter of Kalpa/Jaideep Shah (Village: Navavas; San Jose, California), graduated from Santa Teresa High School and will be attending UC Merced, California. She has participated in many clubs and marching band for 3 years. As part of Band, she received Director’s Award for Outstanding Leadership and Contributions to the class and program in her senior year. 3) Nidhi Gogri – Daughter of Shilpa/Mahesh Gogri (Village: Bhujpur; Fremont, California), graduated from Alsion Montessori and will be attending UC Davis, California.She graduated with Highest Honors. 4) Nihal Shah – Son of Lena/ Monish Shah (Village: Deshalpur; Dublin, California), will be attending UC Merced, California. University Graduates 1) Karan Gogri – Son of Shilpa/Mahesh Gogri (Village: Bhujpur; Fremont, California) graduated from San Francisco School of Law. He is now getting ready for the Bar exam. He was a Student of the Year at Law School. He did an early college program and graduated from UC Santa Barbara with English and Political Science Major. 2) Raj Dedhia – Son of Rekha/DilipDedhia (Village: Bhorara; Cupertino, California), graduated as Doctor of Medicine (MD) with Distinction and High Honors from University of Southern California (USC). He started residency in otolaryngology at UC Davis (UCD) Medical Center, Sacramento California. 3) Rohin Shah – Son of Lena/ Monish Shah (Village: Deshalpur; Dublin, California), earned a BS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) and a minor in Physics from UC Berkeley. He received the University Medal Finalist award, Warren Dere Design Award, EECS Department Citation Award and a Berkeley Fellowship. With his fellowship scholarship, Rohin will pursue PhD in Computer Science at UC Berkeley. 4) Ruchi Nandu – Daughter of Heena/ Ramesh Nandu. (Village: Bada, Sunnyvale, California), earned Ph.D. in Molecular and Cell Biology from UC Berkeley. Her interests are in the Biotech industry. 5) Shaily Shah – Daughter of Chandrika/Dinesh Shah (Village: Navavas; San Jose, California), graduates as Doctor of Medicine (MD) with Distinction in Research from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She is now going to pursue Ophthalmology at New York State University, Brooklyn with Internship year at St. Luke’s, New York. She was awarded the United States Presidents Volunteer service award and Gold Humanism Honor Society award. KOJAIN REGIONAL NEWS
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REGION 2: AK, ID, MT, NV, NO.CA, OR, WA, WY
Baby Recs website, http://babyrecs.com/, by Nehadedhia‐Shah, San Jose, CA Neha Dedhia‐Shah ‐ In May 2011 Neha started a baby product review blog, Baby Recs (http://babyrecs.com/). Baby Rec site offers advice, review and description of Baby Products such as toys, crib mobiles, bath & potty, diapering, baby education ‐ books/CD/DVDs, baby food, bottles, bibs, high chairs, bouncers, car seats, strollers, swings, baby proofing the residence, first aid, humidifiers, blankets, clothes, furniture, diaper bags, travelling with baby, deals, technology etc. Baby Recs is a site for expecting parents, new parents and veteran parents just looking for gifts or ideas! [Contact: Neha Dedhia‐Shah, Tel: 408‐393‐4150, email: [email protected]] 2014 KOJAIN Bay Area Diwali Party San Francisco Bay Area KOJAINs will celebrate 2014 Diwali event on Saturday, November 8at Golden Peacock Banquets and Restaurant, 24989 Santa Clara St, Hayward, CA 94544, Tel: 510‐732‐2625. Memories of performances from last year can be viewed at http://kojain‐bayarea.com/showcase/valleykidiwali/ Performing at a Diwali Party is a great way to be part of this community. [Contact: Bhavini Gada, Tel: 408‐517‐0773, email: [email protected]] Meeting KOJAINs during a Visit to Texas in May by Navin Dedhia REGION 3: AR, KS, LA, MO, OK, TX Navin Dedhia (San Jose, CA) visited Dallas and Houston during May2014. In Houson Area, few KOJAINs met Navin at a gathering hosted by Geeta/Shanti Gala (Village: Vadala; Katy, Texas). Hasmukh Shah of Houston was instrumental in contacting Houston Area KOJAINs to meet and socialize. One of the subjects discussed was future KOJAIN Sammelan. In Dallas Area, Navin met Dinesh Chheda, KOJAIN President visiting his daughter Pali Parekh in Coppell, TX. He also met Prem Gada, Tokarshi Savla, During a recent Meeting with Lax Kenia and Bay Area KOJAINs on August 8 in San Jose, one point was loud and clear. After completion of studies and settling in the profession, KOJAIN students are requested to take the responsibility to mentor, guide and help new students coming from India for higher studies. These way new REGION 3 AND 9 NEWS
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REGIONAL NEWS BY GEETA GALA
We organized a bowling outing during the summer. It was fun to get together and have friendly competitions against each other, including who can get the most balls in the gutter! We ended the evening with some delicious food at a restaurant. Tapasvee Anumodana RekhaDedhia : 1 Attham, 4 Ekasana and 1 Upwas with Mounwrath, Namisha Jain : 2 + 4 Upwas Renu Shah : 1 Attham and 2 Upwas, Dimple Dedhia : 3 Upwas JigarDedhia : 2 Upwas, Rajiv Rambhia : 2 Upwas REGION 9 NEWS BY KUSUM KENIA Marriage.. Congratulations to Dr. Rachnakenia (daughter of Mukesh and ParmiKenia) of New Rochelle, NY to Brian Wallace.(Memphis, TN). Graduation.. Congratulations to Ronakkenia (son of Dhiren and Chhayakenia) of New Rochelle, NY, Graduating from New Rochelle High School. He was a member of National Honor Society, President of Math honor society, a football player, member of Economics team, Robotics club And computer science club. AP scholar with honors will be attending SUNY School at Stonybrook. REGION 8 NEWS BY MANILAL SAVLA
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Anumodana To Tapasvies The Gada Family In the Franklin Township Derasar Sangh there were about 125 aththais or higher tapasyas. Of these nearly 10% were by KVO members. Nimita Shah, wife of Kishor Shah of Clifton, NJ did 16 upvas. The entire family of Deepak and Dipal Gada from Paramus, NJ with two children did aththai or higher tapasya. Kutchi Diwali Party Kutchi Diwali party for New Jersey and surrounding states will be held on October 25, 2014 at Chand Palace, Parsippany, NJ from 6 PM onwards. The event is hosted by Tri‐State Kutchi Volunteers. For further information, contact Bharat or Priti Shah at 732‐252‐8349. Relocation to India Vishal and Svati Shah (Gala) of Parlin, NJ, have relocated in Vadodara with their children Visv (10) and Parsvi (8). The main purpose of their move was to take care of Vishal's ailing mother. They are taking great care of her. Vishal also completed 8 Upvas Tapasya during the 2014 Paryusan with SukhSata. This was his second Aththai. Vishal and Svati are KOJAIN life members. They may be contacted at: [email protected] REGION 8 NEWS
KUTCHI PICNIC IN NEW JERSEY
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The Kutchi Picnic in New Jersey was a great success. There were over 140 attendees who had a great outdoor day with lots of fun, food and activities. The picnic was arranged by a team of volunteers called NJ KVO Team on June 21, 2014 at Roosevelt Park, Edison, NJ. Here is a link to photos and a few are shown below. P
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REGION 11 NEWS: CANADA PAGE NO17
Pradip and Kalpna Savla (Village:NaniKhakhar; Toronto, Canada) graciously hosted Rajeshbhai Chheda during his visit to Toronto, Canada in June,2014.RajeshbhaiChheda was visiting Toronto from Panjim, Goa to attend a professional conference. Pradip Savla, Regional Director for Region 11, made arrangements to deliver 2013 KOJAIN Directory to Rajeshbhai. Rajesh Chheda of Finance Factory Compnay in Panjim, Goa, sponsored 2013 KOJAIN Directory with an advertisement. KOJAIN appreciates Pradip/Kalpana Savla for taking care of one of the KOJAIN Directory sponsors. Pradip/KalpanaSavla of Toronto, Canada hosts RajeshbhaiChheda visiting from India [L‐R: RajeshbhaiChheda, PradipSavla] [Contact:PradipSavla,Toronto, Canada, Tel: 416‐292‐9302, Email: [email protected]; Email: [email protected]]
Rajesh Chheda, Panjim, Goa, Tel: (91) 98901‐44555, KOJAIN: KUTCHI YOUTH SESSION AT YJA 2014
This past 4th of July weekend, over 700+ of the nations young Jains met together at YJA National convention in Washington D.C. The theme of this year's convention presented was Today's Learners, Tomorrow's Leaders. Of these Young Jains met many of them were of Kutchi Origin. With the help of Sunny Dharod, YJA's Director of Fundraising, the Kutchi youth was able to meet in a session together. As a group we discussed the impact that the Kutchi youth could have with a greater involvement in KOJAIN and/or philanthropic organizations based in Kutch such as Bidada International Foundation. By Puja Savla KOJAIN UK NEWS
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Kutchi Oswal Jain (KOJAIN UK) members enjoyed a picnic in London on May 18, 2014. Zaverben & Manekbhai Sangoi (Village: Nagalpur) inspired KOJAIN UK members to start a group to interact with each other. The KOJAIN UK group has been very active since its inception few years back. Manekbhai Sangoi, a retired Occupational Therapist by Profession, spends six months in India and six months in UK. The KOJAIN UK team members are looking forward to greet Kunal Vora and his team when they end their adventure motor cycle tour of 2 continents and 18 countries travelling 17,000miles.KunalVora ([email protected]) and team has undertaken such an inspiring adventure tour with certain noble aims for World Peace and Road Safety measures. Visit KOJAIN UK at https://www.facebook.com/groups/KOJAINUK/ [Contact: Manekbhai Sangoi, London, UK, email: [email protected]] િખલી િગન
બ ઘડ઼ી હી િમડ઼ે છઢારે ત ું જરા િખલી િગન;
મોકા અઇ િનપટ ઓછા ત ું જરા િખલી િગન,
િડખેજા ઢગજા વે ખડકલા પયાર્ ત ું રખીને;
ખુિસયાલીજી િહન ઘડ઼ીમેં ત ું જરા િખલી િગન.
િહન ખલકતે જીરો રે જી ચાવી હથ લગી સે;
ઇનકે લાગુ કરે કરે ને ત ું જરા િખલી િગન.
જીરો રે જો આય જીયણમેં િખલી કરે યા ઇને;
અણ તોજો ભુલી કરે ને ત ું જરા િખલી િગન,
ધો તારે કે હી ‘ધુફારી’ ન િડસી સગે હીં ધ
ં ા;
ધ
ં ે ધો ત કે િખલાય લા ત ું જરા િખલી િગન.
:”ધુફારી”
SAD AND UNTIMELY DEMISE
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Shri KaushikNavinchandra Sonawala Shri Kaushik Sonawala – born to legendary parents; Smt Madhuri and Shri Navinchandra Sonawala; lost his father at a tender age of 14. He grew to maintain name of the family with his exemplary charitable and philanthropy deeds, peacemaking solutions to any problems that arose. He also reached out to anyone in need. He had Jain qualities in its true senses. The death was untimely; but he lived a life as an inspiring soul; touching so many hearts in so many different ways that people have poured their condolences through their presence and innumerable messages, In his Prathna Sabha which was at: Bangalore, India and Colorado, USA 15. Dec 1970 – 2. September 2014
Deeply mourned by: Matushree: Madhuriben Navinchandra Sonawala, gaam – Nalia, current residence ‐ Bangalore Wife: Smt. Deepa Kaushik Sonawala Son: Bhavya Deepa Kaushik Sonawala, T: +91 80254 50138 Brother and Sister‐in‐law: Radha and Preet Navinchandra Sonawala Sisters: Smt. Kirtida Bharat Mekani, Smt. Ketna Rajendra Shah, Smt. Nirali Pradip Khona All ‘Digital Waves’ ‐ partners, co‐workers and staff MAY HIS SOUL REST IN ETERNAL PEACE Jayant Dhanji Savla of Rayan, son of Champaben and Dhanji Murji Savla passed away on June 19, 2014 at the age of 53. He was born in Mandvi, Kutch on December 8, 1960 and was raised in Mumbai. Upon completing a printing course at Bhavans College, he began work at his father’s store, Student Book Depot. He was an active member in various social organizations including the Rotary Club in which he served as a Secretary and he served as chairman for the Arihant Group. He married, Bharti Visaria, on May 26, 1984. Three years later, his son Ronak, was born. He immigrated to the USA in May of 1990. He worked at a local laundromat in Carteret, NJ. In 1992 he opened his own business, “Kitab” in, Iselin, NJ, where he sold religious items, books, and Indian movies. 08. Dec 1960 – 19. June 2014
He was the founder of Sri Sathya Sai Baba Center of Edison and served as president for 6 years. His passion was to serve others and was called “selfless service man.” He helped the senior citizens. He started to go to Newark every Monday to serve food to the homeless. After Hurricane Sandy, he went to Staten Island to help the victims by offering food to them. He always let others come first rather than himself. He had the vision of making the world a better place. P
KOJAIN WELCOMES NEW LIFE MEMBER IN 2014
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Name
Month
Address
Village in Kutch
email
Lena and Monish
Shah
Jan
3946 Hampden CT, Dublin,
CA 94568
Desalpur
[email protected]
Pratap&IlaDand
May
1135 Harris Ave, Hurst,
TX 76053
Kothara
[email protected]
Vishal Haria
June
51 Barnhill Road, Fairfield
CT 06825
Bidada
[email protected]
Nehul& Nikita Shah
July
2905 MadalineDr, Avenel
NJ 07001
Nana Aasambia
[email protected]
CONGRATULATIONS TO AMIT VIRA
Congratulations to Amit Vira, son of Khushal and Sushila Vira (Village: Navavas) from Homewood, Illinois, got engaged to Melissa Shah, daughter of Kaushik and Meena Shah‐
Rambhia (Village: Ramania) from Hockessin, Delaware. Their engagement was celebrated with grand musical party on December 25, 2013 in Mumbai, India. Amit is pursuing his M.D in Chicago and Melissa is currently an Underwriting Specialist for Cigna and is completing her MBA degree in Philadelphia. Their marriage is planned for May 2015. Congratulations
LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD
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KOJAIN is honored to share some wonderful news! Mr. Ram Gada, received the 2014 Lifetime Service Award from the Council of Asian Pacific Minnesotans (CAPM) on May 9, 2014 at the Annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Dinner. This award distinguishes an individual with a strong track record for his/her long term commitment and service to the Asian Pacific Minnesotan Community. He gave an inspirational acceptance speech which was well received by about 400 guests. Asia Pacific Council represents 208,000 members from 43 Asian Pacific Ethnic Communities in Minnesota. Mr. Gada has actively served the Asian Indian community since the 1970’s. Currently, he is on the Emeritus Council of the Minnesota Historical Society after serving 9 years as director, vice president and active member on several committees of MHS. He is a founding member and president of Gujarati Samaj, a cultural, charitable, and educational non‐profit organization, and a founding member, president & director of the Jain Center of Minnesota. Over the years, Mr. Gada Has served in various capacities for the India Association of Minnesota (IAM), School of India for Languages & Culture (SILC), Hindu Society of Minnesota (HSMN), Jain Association in North American (JAINA), and Kachhi Oswal in North America (KOJAIN). P
KOJAIN CONGRATULATES OUR OWN NAVIN DEDHIA
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KOJAIN Congratulates our own Navin Dedhia for receiving prestigious Simon Collier Quality Award मन थी चोवाजॅ हॅडो मॉ थी न चोवाजॅ
िदल थी दे वाजॅ हॅडो हथ थी न दे वाजॅ
आउ गाल कढां ने अईं समजॉ तके कोर किरयुं
वगर चे समजॅ हुज “प ढजो” चोवाजॅ
MATRIMONIAL
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Nickul N Shah DOB 12‐19‐1988 Address ‐ 49 Glendale Road, Agawan MA 01001 Phone No ‐ 413‐786‐5923 Education ‐ BS 2011 University of Massachusetts, 4th year Medical Student (American University and NY) Father ‐ Narendra B Shah, Engineer, Village Koday Mother ‐ Kunda Shah, Medical Technologist, Village Desalpur Brother ‐ Nimish age 23 Professional parents from educated Kutchi visa family of Doctors (residing and employed, US Citizens) are interested in inviting matrimonial match for their son, 25 years of age US born, raised and educated. Looking for educated and professional career minded Kutchi visa females between the age of 22 to 25, with excellent family background and character. Priyank Bharat Savla
Birth: 8:47 PM January 21, 1987 (Mumbai) Height: 5'11"
Current Residence
-
Burlington, MA.
Native Place
-
Nani Tumbadi
Profession
-
Digital Marketing Manager at NetBrain &
Independent Marketing Consultant.
Education
-
MBA (Technology Marketing) – WPI –
Worcester, MA, B.E. (Information Technology) –
University of Mumbai.
Parents
-
Kalpana and Bharat Savla
Family Residence
-
A/32 Heritage, Dadabhai Rd, Andheri (W), Mumbai.
Family Business
-
Chembro (Importers of Chemicals/Pharmaceuticals)
Grandparents
-
Damji Savla and Jayantilal Gogri (Koday).
Contact: Bharat Savla -
+919821122721 OR [email protected].
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Congratulations to Mr. Peter Bhedah for Receiving Humanitarian Award
Page no 24-25
(Left to right): Rob Kammerer (co-chair), Dorothy Bheddah, Peter Bheddah, Jean Kelly (INN Executive
Directors), Harry DiSimone (INN Board President)
NEW YORK (TIP): Peter Bheddah was honored with the Humanitarian of the Year award at the 2014 INN keepers’ Ball on May 8th. Peter has been a supporter of The INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network) for over 15 years, and has also been instrumental in India Association of Long Island’s support of The INN. According to Jean Kelly, Executive Director of The INN, “Peter is a source of inspiration to us and the Indian community and for of his exceptional thoughtfulness and generosity we are honored to acknowledge him.” Peter who is from Kutch, came to the US in 1960 for further studies. He met his wife Dorothy at Columbia University. The two fell in love, leading to their marriage in 1964. Bheddahs have two daughters Karen Bheddah O’Rourke and Sheila Bheddah. Peter ran a successful Wholesale Electronics business from 1972 ‐01 and which lead to a relaxed retired life. Given to social involvement and philanthropy, Peter was president of Nargis Dutt Foundation in 1992 – 1994. He is a member of the Board of Directors since 1987. He has been active in Gujarati Samaj of New York, and he was President in 2001 ‐02. He is a Trustee of Samaj since 2011. Peter is also Advisory Board Member of Heart & Hand for the Handicapped from 2003 to Present. He was President of Long Island Chapter of Indian National Overseas Congress from 2008 – 2012. P
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Peter Bhedah Continue……..
page no 25
(Left to right): Rob Kammerer (co‐chair), Peter Bheddah, Fran Gutleber, Amy Hughes, John Hughes, Jean Kelly (INN Executive Directors), Harry DiSimone (INN Board President). Steve Richman (co‐chair) He is a Founding member and a Grand Sponsor of the DIWALI FOOD DRIVE from 1995 to 2013. Under the umbrella of India Association of Long Island (IALI) Food Drive has provided INTERFAITH NUTRITION NETWORK (INN) with more than 400,000 meals, truckloads of foods and $400,000 of medicines to Rota Care. During 2001 earthquake in Kutch, Gujarat, India, Peter supported projects worth One million dollars for building a Hospital, two Schools, and 500 Houses. He is a recipient of many awards including “ELLIS ISLAND MEDAL OF HONOR” in 2012. A lifelong Democrat, he was keynote speaker for Hilary Clinton during her senatorial campaign in 2001. He and Dorothy were invited twice to White House in 1993 and 1995. Peter has always believed and practices that good fortune should be shared with the needy and the less fortunate in this country as well as in India. The INN is a volunteer based charitable organization that operates soup kitchens in 22 Long Island communities, provides shelter for 150 children and adults each night in clean and safe housing and offers a full range of supportive services.
MEET THE REGIONAL DIRECTORS
Laxmichand (Louis) K Shah
Region 4
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PAGE

Recently retired from the post of Second Vice President, Financial Analysis and Consulting division of Large Corporate Erisa, from the Northern Trust Bank of Chicago, a very well reputed financial firm which is recognized worldwide. 
Louis holds MBA from USA and B.Com/LLB Degree from Bombay University. 
He is involved with Chicago Kutchhi social activities for over 20 years. 
He was one of the first and is also the current BOD member of Region 4 of the KOJAIN. 
He has worked as a scientist and consultant in the US and India. He was first trio of KVO chemical engineers graduated from IIT Bombay in 1967. He got his MS (Polymers Option) from Stevens Tech In USA. 
He was the first CEO and Director of the Gujarat Industrial Research and Development Agency, a Govt of Gujarat organization located in Vadodara, India, during 1983‐1986. He was featured in The Achievers Column of the Economic Times in 1991. 
He has four US patents to his credit and last two were granted in the last one yea. He has written many publications, book chapters and magazine columns published in the US, India, UK and Germany. 
KOJAIN Regional Director since 2011. Manilal J. Savla
Region 8
Nikki Dedhia-Shah
Region 1

She has two Masters, one MBA in Finance and a second specializing in pure Management; she is professionally, a higher education and research consultant for Germany and Europe for Indian students. 
Her achievements are the Indian Ambassador to the Netherlands for Rotary International. 
She was the voice of Radio Lora on international and women’s issues broadcasted live once a month from Zurich, Switzerland for 5 years. 
She is catalyzing German funds now she is Director‐International Relations for Shree Bidada Sarvodaya Trust, Kutch.
MEET THE REGIONAL DIRECTORS
Manoj Dharamsi
Region 7
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
One of the pioneers of starting KOJAIN 
Founder President of Jain Center of Washington, DC, wherein served as President for 15 years starting in 1980. 
Pioneer and first elected President of JAINA established in 1981. 
Chaired a number of JAINA committees including awards, public affairs, constitution, interfaith, membership, scholar committees, and arranged opening of the US congress session with a Jain prayer to celebrate the 2600th birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir in 2001. ElecEng/ Info Sys Tech by profession; worked for Dept. of Defense Kusum Harakh Kenia
Region 9
I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you all. I am KUSUM HARAKH KENIA, (Baroi‐Kutch) live in New Rochelle, NY since Last 35 years. I am a psychology graduate and a business owner 
She has been a member of board of directors for KOJAIN since last two years, From New York region. 
She has also served in the committee of IACAW, local India Association. 
She has Bachelors degree in Chemistry and worked as a Medical Lab Tech. 
I am an active member at Jain Center of Houston and Jain Vishwa Bharti, including being a pathshala teacher for the past 10 years. 
In addition to being a committee member for Kojain, I am also on the executive committee for Gujrati Samaj of Houston. Geeta Gala
Region 3

MEET THE REGIONAL DIRECTORS
Nitul Haria
Region 2
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
He has been a member of board of directors for KOJAIN since last four years, from Northern California Region 2. 
He has bachelor’s degree in Electronics from Mumbai University. 
He has also been serving in the Jain temple of Northern California. 
He is passionate in music and plays several instruments and sings as well. He has been playing Dhol professionally at various Dandia events around Bay‐Area. 
He has accompanied several vidhikaars as sangeetkaar and has travelled around various temples in US. FROM THE SECRETARY’S DESK We are pleased to present second newsletter of this year. I am thankful to all who has provided news items and other material to publish in this issue. I am requesting the KOJAIN regional director and all the members to send any news you would like to see in next News Letter via email to [email protected]. After reviewed, edited and approval by committee it will appear in next News Letter. News, matrimonial, advertisements, self‐written poems, songs and achievements etc. can be published. I also am thankful to Nitul Haria and Navin Bhai Dedhia for providing me support and guidance.
KOJAIN Secretary
Alka Rambhia
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KUTCH 2 MANITOBA, CANADA TRADE MISSION DURING
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SEPTEMBER 2014
PAGE NO 29
The Kutch trade mission represents sectors from various industries of Kutch. 30 companies are a part of this delegation and it plans to continue building of the bi lateral trade relationship between India and Manitoba, Canada. Kutch is one of the first regions from India to start international trade relations, centuries ago and Manitoba is one of the most warm host to all cultures in the world, it is only befitting that a trade delegation as large as 30+ companies from varied sectors has visited Manitoba, Canada from 14th ‐ 25th September 2014. A series of roadshows, meetings, and other efforts from Manitoba Trade and Investment for over 6 months, has resulted in the formation of the trade delegation in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Industries in Kutch (CCIK ) to form this delegation. The delegation represents a variety of sectors such as Mining and Mineral processing, Agriculture, Engineering, Construction and building materials, Real estate, Hospitality and tourism, Education and more. The delegation will visit Winnipeg & Brandon to start a long lasting relationship between the two regions. The visit also plans to propose Bhuj, Kutch and Winnipeg, Manitoba as twin cities to promote cultural and knowledge exchanges in addition to the trade & investment relations. The delegation visit was made possible as a result of efforts expended by Hemant M. Shah of Winnipeg, Manitoba (Village: Varadia Kutch). [Contact: Kutch 2 Manitoba, 1001‐02, 10th Floor, Safal Prelude, Corporate Road, Prahlad Nagar, Off S G Highway, Ahmedabad ‐ 380015 Gujarat ‐ INDIA, Tel: (91)‐79‐4032‐4827, Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.kutch2manitoba.com/; OR Hemant M. Shah, 6‐55 Henlow Bay, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3Y 1G4, Canada Email: [email protected]] ____________________________________________________________________________________
नधर अचॅ त “सपना” अच
सपना अच त “तूं” अच
रोज हे न िवचार म रात पूरी थई वनती
नती “नधर” अचॅ
ने नती “तूं” अच
HEMANT SHAH
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ની રગરગમાં વહ છે રં ગ ૂિમ…
રં ગ ૂિમનો હરતોફરતો એ સાઈકલોપી ડયા
દય ર તથી
ંુ િસચન ક ુ છે ,
એ મ ઘાં અ ૂલાં રતન વેચવાં છે …
ગની દહીવાલાની ગઝલના આ મતલામાં કંઈ કેટલાંપ્ર ો સમાયેલાં છે . આપણને આપણી જ સમ ૃ સં કૃિત પ્ર યે કેટલું
માન છે ? આપણાં અમ ૂલાં રતનોનુ ં જતન કરવા આપણે આજ સુધી કેટલાં પગલાં ઉઠા યાં છે ?ક્યારે ક પોતાની જાતને જ
આ સવાલો કરી જોયાં છે ?
તમને જાણીને આ યર્ થશે કે પરદે શમાં વસતા એક ક છી દશા ઓ વાળ કુટુંબની િઝંદાિદલ શિખ્સયત કે
વષ થી કેને
ડાના િવનીપેગશહેરમાં િ થત છે તેમ જ એક અ યંત સફળ ઉ ોગપિત, કલાપ્રેમી અને અપાર કરુણાથી ઉભરાત ું યિક્ત વ
ી હેમત
ં માણેકલાલ શાહ િવષે વાતકરવાનુ ં મન થાય છે .
ી હેમત
ં શાહ અઢી દાયકાઓથી લખનારના ડાઈ-હાડર્ ફેન છે એટલી જ ખબર હતી એમના િવષે. ફોન ઉપર સંદેશાઓની
આપલે થઇ અને એક સાં
એ શખ્સ ડોરબેલ વગાડે છે ! અનોખી મુલાકાતની સાંજ વધુ ને વધુ રસપ્રદ યારે બનતી ગઈ
યારે આ મધુર યિક્ત વકમળના એક પછી એક પડળો ઉઘડતાં ગયાં. ગુજરાતી રં ગભ ૂિમની અને બોલીવુડ સંગીતના
િવ ની ક્યારે ય ન સાંભળી હોય એવી વાતો સાંભળતા લાગ્યુ ં કે હવે આ મહારથીના અસલી પોત સુધી પહ ચવુ ં જ ર .ું
હેમત
ં શાહના િપતl મુબ
ં ઈનાં એક મોટા વેપારી નરિસંહ મુલજી કંપનીના
ી માણેકજી નરિસંહ ગુદ
ં રવાલા. વતંત્રતાની
ચળવળના નાટકો ઠેરઠેર ભજવાતા એમાં બાબુસેઠ આિથર્ક સહયોગ આપતા. નાટયિવ ની ક પના બાબુસેઠ વગર
લગભગ અશક્ય હતી. પોતે એક વતંત્રતા સેનાની હોવાથી દે શદાઝ િદલમાં ભારોભાર તો હતી જ. ઓપેરા હાઉસની પાસે
દે ઓધર હોલની ઉપર એમનુ ં ઘર
માં હેમત
ં ભાઈનો જ મ થયો. એ વખતે લ મીચંદ નાગડા, શાંિતભાઈ નાગડા અને
બાબુસેઠ એમ ત્રણ ખમતીધર વેપારીઓની િત્રપુટી વખણાતી. દે ઓધર હોલમાં એ વખતે થપાયેલ ઇ ટા (IPTA)ના નેજા
હેઠળ નાટકો ભજવાતાં. ઇ ટાના પાયા નાખનારાઓમાં મુખ્ય વે મશહરૂ અિભનેતા બલરાજ સહાની અને કે. એ. અ બાસ
હતા. 1958-59માં આ જૂથ ક યુની ટ પ્રવ ૃિ ઓ સાથે પણ સંકળાયેલ ું હોવાથી ગુજરાતી કલાકારોએ એમાંથી અલગ
થવાનુ ં નક્કી કયુર્ં અને રચાઈ આપણી ગુજરાતી રં ગભ ૂિમ
માં કલાકારો
મ કે તરલા મહેતા, દીના પાઠક, વનલતા
મહેતા, પ્રતાપ ઓઝા, હની છાયા, િવ ણુકુમાર યાસ, મહે દ્ર કપ ૂર (પા ગાયક) હતા. મંગળદાસ પકવાસા (ગવનર્ર ઓફ
બો બે) પ્રમુખ અને લાલુભાઈ શાહ સેક્રેટરી તરીકે િનમાયા હતા.
આ તરફ આ ફ્રેડ ઈરાની એટલે કે અરુણા ઈરાનીના િપતા ની પોતાની નાટક કંપની હતી. એ અરસામાં પ્રખ્યાત નાટકો
મ કે 'વડીલોના વાંકે', 'પૈસો બોલે છે ' ખ ૂબ પ્રચિલત થયા. કલાકારો
િદગ્ગજ કલાકારો પણ એમાં હતા.
મ કે ચ સીભાઈ નાગડા, લીના જરીવાલા
વાં
H EMANT SHAH CONTINUE……….
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િવજય દ
િદગ્દિશર્ત આઝાદીનુ ં નાટક- 'એક જ દે િચનગારી' તેમ જ ગુણવંતરાય આચાયર્ િદગ્દિશર્ત- ઉપે દ્ર િત્રવેદી
અિભનીત નાટક ' ઝેર તો પીધાં જાણી જાણી ' પણ ખ ૂબ વખણાયાં. શેખર પુરોિહત, અરુણા ઈરાની, ઝંખના દે સાઈ, પ ા
રાણી, સિરતા જોશી, સગુણા
વા કલાકારોની યાદગાર ટીમ હતી.
બીજી તરફ 1960માં ભારતીય િવ ા ભવન કે. એમ. મુ શી કલા કે દ્ર અને આઈ. એન. ટી. એમ નાટકો માટે બે સરવાણી
ઓ ટી હતી
માંદામુભાઈ ઝવેરીએ શરુ કરે લી આ નાટય કવાયતમાં અનેક કલાકારો
મ કે પ્રવીણ જોશી, કાંિત મઢીયા
વગેરે નામો હતા.
દર ગુરુવારે છ વષર્નો નાનકડો હેમત
ં એમના િપતા ીની આંગળી પકડી નાટકો જોવા જાય, ટે જ ઉપર અને હોલમાં દોડા
દોડી કરે અને નાટકપ ૂરંુ થાય એટલે ગ્રીન મમાં જઈ કલાકારો સાથે ગ મત કરે , એ વખતે જો એને પ ૂછવામાં આવે કે
'બેટા તને નાટક ગ યુ?ં એમાંથી શુશ
ં ીખ્યો?!"તો એને ઘણું આ યર્ થતું િવ મય પણ. નાટક પછી િપતાજી જોડે લો ગ ડ્રા
ઈવ પર જતાં એમની પાસેથી રં ગભ ૂિમ િવષેની અઢળકવાતો સાંભળે , ગીતો સાંભળે અને એમાંથી બોધપાઠ લઇ ધીરે ધીરે
રં ગભ ૂિમમાં રસ ધરાવવા લાગ્યો. હેમત
ં શાહ માટે એ સોનેરી યુગ હતો.ચોતરફ કલાનુ ં સામ્રા ય હત.ું નાટકોમાં કામ કર
વાની વાતઆવી તો િપતા ી એ કહી દીધું હત ું કે પોતાના પગ ઉપર ઉભા થઇને બતાવો.
આટલા વષ થી નાટયિવ ના સતત સંપકર્ માં રહેવાથી યુવાન હેમત
ં ને બેક ટેજ કામ કરવાની ચી જાગી. એને ખબર હતી
કે ખરંુ શીખવાનુ ં નેપ યમાંથી જ મળશે.
ુ ાઈ)નુ ં નાટક 'સો ટચનુ ં સોનુ'ં
1960 થી 1970ના ગાળામાં નાટય સંપદા પણ રચાયુ.ં એ વખતમાં તેરિસંહ ઉદે શી(શંભભ
એ જમાનાનુ ં િશરમોરચરણ બની ગયુ!ં એમાં િપતાનો રોલ અિભનયના બાદશાહ સોહરાબ મોદીનો હતો. આ નાટકના ઐ
િતહાિસક 400 શો થયાં હતા. એમનુ ં જ બીજુનાટક
ં
'છોગાળા છગનલાલનો વરઘોડો' પણ વખણાયુ.ં ઉદે શી માણેકજીના
અંગત િમત્ર પણ હતા.એમનુ ં ત્રીજુ ં નાટક 'હીરા માણેક' નુ ં નામ …
हे न नवे वरे आँजो धन वधे, सोख वसे, केर न आंके कड़े रसे.
काजू ख्यो पेसता ख्यो भेगा भधाम ख्यो
वडे वडे टे ज ते य सारा सारा भजन ग्यो तोय असां जेड़े नेढे माडुए भेगो यो.
क छी माडू असीं बाजर जी मानी िखयु ता
वट करे घाटी छाय िपयु ता सचे धेल थी नवे वरे यूँ
शभ
ु कामनाऊं िदयु ता….
P
Kutchhi Song
હેલી મેલી ને હલજા કેસે વેર મ કઈજા,
PAGE
P32NO 32
ખેલી ખેલી ને વેનજા જીઅણ
ર મ કઈજા।
મન ડુખ કડેક થયો વે ને લગી હોય િદલ કે ઠેસ,
સામુ ં વને માફી મંગી ને પેલ અઈ કઈજા
ખેલી ખેલી ને વેનજા જીઅણ
હેલી મેલી ને હલજા કેસે વેર મ કઈજા
ર મ કઈજા,
સામુ ં થઈએ આગ ત પાણી અઈ થીજા,
િદલ મેં ન રહે કોઈ દાગ મેટઠી વાણી
સોણાઈજા
િમઠા ભની િમઠાસ જી અઈ લાણી કઈજા
ખેલી ખેલી ને વેનજા જીઅણ
ર મ કઈજા,
માફીમંગી માફી ડઈ ડે ઉ ધીર ચોવા ,
હલી મેલી ને હલજા કેસે વેર મ કઈજા
નમ કસ કરે પેલાત મેં હુ વીર ચોવા
ભોલો મેળે ભોલી ને મન જી ગ ઠું છોડીજા
ખેલી ખેલી ને વેનજા જીઅણ
ર મ કઈજા,
હેલી મેલી ને હલજા કેસે વેર મ કઈજા
નમધા તડે ગમધા ને જોકો ખમધા ખટધા,
ણ
અંખીએ મેં ખેલકાર કરી ને હોસ સે હલધા
ખમત ખામણા કરી ને મેણી કે ખમાઈધા
ખેલી ખેલી ને વેનજા જીઅણ
ર મ કઈજા,
મન મેં રમણ કઈ ને રમધા
હેલી મેલી ને હલજા કેસે વેર મ કઈજા
Jai Jinendra