Pranam everyone! I'm applying for the head Sevak (volunteer/President) position at the JCSC. I have been serving as JCSC Vice President since January 2022. I have served several years on the JCSC Executive Committee in various roles and as a Public Relations officer in the JCSC EC.

I aim to create a sustainable ecosystem for our Finances and Operations and create a sense of belonging for young individuals. Almost all our major donors and creators of our centers are aging; hence, we must plan NOW to ensure we have a sustainable Jain Center for the long-term future. Our founders were all young when they created such an outstanding center for us. Our young members will only participate, contribute, and commit to our Jain Center if they see a young leadership team!

Operationally, we must ensure an unbiased approach towards all the sects and community members. We must stop the downward descent regarding our cash-on-hand situation and regain our community's trust and faith in our leadership. We must bring in innovative approaches and transforming technologies such as AI & automation tools to achieve operational excellence.

My family and I have been in the JCSC community for over three decades. During these years, I have had the privilege to serve the Jain Center and participate in several activities.

• Over 23 years ago, as a young adult, I was one of the directors for the first Young Jains of America (YJA) convention in Los Angeles.
• I participated as one of the team members for the JCSC phase 2 planning committee.
• I was one of the core team that started the Young Jain Adults Swadhyay group in the late nineties.
• I was part of the youth group that led the Paryushan Swapna Ceremony for ten years.
• I served on the Board of the JAINA Convention 2019 (Ontario, California) and chaired many Convention committees.
• When I became a PR officer, I transformed how we communicate at JCSC.
  • I transformed our Digital Communication by overhauling our Email Platform, the look and feel of our emails, introducing text Messages, Introducing Facebook integration with our emails, etc.
  • Overall readability, open rates, click rates, and engagement through our emails grew by almost 25%
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, as the PR officer of JCSC, I became the face and voice of our Jain Center along with the JCSC President in ensuring we communicate transparently, effectively, and timely – whether sharing about the government safety guidelines adherence, announcements, and protocols at the JCSC, or about Grocery Distribution at JCSC, the vaccine drive or hosting dignitaries and discourses from India (several Sadhu Bhagvants including Aacharya Ratna Sundar Vijay Suri, Gurudev Shri Namramuni, and many others) – overall hosted over 60 such discourses through Zoom.

I possess multiple undergrade and graduate degrees and an executive MBA from Pepperdine University. I have several years of entrepreneurial experience as well as corporate experience - holding various leadership roles in the field of Strategy, Digital Marketing, and in information Technology for Fortune 500 firms for the past 25 years. I intend to devote my time, experience, and skills to help our JCSC and community flourish even further.

I am Yogesh Shah currently President and running again for upcoming election as the President of our Jain Center.

I am the founding member of Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC). Involved since 1979 and actively engaged in Progress of JCSC which started with 64 families and currently almost 1300 family members.

I was involved to acquire all the properties JCSC owns. Involved most of the time to raise the funds for our center's progress to establish facilities like Temple, Cultural Center, Pathshala Classes and other amenities.

During Pandemic involved in raising funds for all the activities including Humanitarian, Sadharmik, and Sadhu Sadhviji Vaiyavach funds.

Personally, I support all sects of Jainism and support them to promote their activities. I served as EC Member, Vice President, BOD member and currently as President. I have vast experience to understand the needs of our members and love to do SEVA two more years as the President.

I request you all to Vote for me in upcoming election for 2024-25 term to make environment at our Center more as JCSC family.

Pranam and Jai Jinendra,

I am Ketan Parekh, a candidate for the JCSC Vice President position.

Residing in Cypress with my wife Bhavana, son Raj, and daughter Krisha, I am a Mechanical engineer and currently working as the director of Quality for a private firm.

Having been a part of the Jain center for the past 26 years, it has become an integral part of my life. The center has supported my family's religious journey; my children received their religious education in Pathshala, and my wife and I expanded our knowledge through Swadhay, Dignitary lectures, and various religious activities. The Jain center plays a vital role in our lives.

I have been serving our center since 1997, consistently working in the best interests of our Jain community. It has been my privilege to be a life member of JCSC and have contributed to various committees, including -

• JCSC Executive committee (EC)
• JCSC Board of Director (BOD)
• JCSC Religious committee
• JCYC Winter camp committee
• Solar project committee.

During my tenure as an EC member from 2014-2018, I got opportunities to serve our community in the following areas :

• Organizing religious activities – Anniversary Program, 18 Abhisheks and Paryushan
• Serving food during Ekasana, Ayambil Oli and Swamivatsalya
• Helping treasurer in Counting Bhandar
• Record keeping of Nakaro & Ghee boli during Paryushan and Anniversary
• Organizing the keys of our Jain center
• Managing Lifetime Tithi Program
• Installing Solar panels to reduce the electricity bill.

I have been honored to serve as the JCSC Secretary since 2019, marking my second term in this role. During my tenure, I have taken on various additional responsibilities, including conducting meetings, documenting minutes, managing the Life membership database, and assisting the Nomination and Election committee, among other tasks. Through these experiences, I've come to appreciate the immense dedication and effort it takes to maintain the functioning of our Jain center.

I find great fulfillment in my role as secretary and am enthusiastic about continuing my contributions. With your support and blessings, I am eager to extend my commitment for the next two years, taking on even greater responsibilities as your Vice President (VP).

As the JCSC Vice President, I will be committed to dedicating my service with unwavering diligence and sincerity. As our center undergoes expansion, we are presented with a multitude of challenges and opportunities. Some of these include -

• Sustainable fundraising
• Encouraging youth participation
• Advancing Phase III development
• Efficient management of membership data
• Promoting inclusivity & equanimity for all sects practicing Jainism
• Management of JCSC website

I am poised to contribute meaningfully to these challenges and opportunities, striving to make a significant difference.

My mission is to serve our Jain center by Tan , Man and Dhan for its success and progress and to fulfill my mission, I am counting on your vote in getting elected, so please vote for me.

Please contact me at 714-299-6789 or ketanraj@sbcglobal.net, should you have any question. Thank you for your time and your consideration.

Always in your Seva,
Ketan Parekh

My name is Jignesh Mehta.

If you don't know me I am a pharmacist by profession and own my own pharmacy business. While also practicing pharmacy I also loved to spread my knowledge and ideas . During Pandemic we did lots of vaccination camps in our community and also bringing other communities together. I also do work at my business as an educator for younger generations.

These are our future. Here at our temple, I bring the same values and experience of bringing people and their ideas together. As you can see, I became a leader by running my own business as a lot of work I do involves bringing people together, make interactions with different age groups and understanding their needs.

During my time at temple, I have been actively volunteering and helping where I can and eventually serving as an EC member. In this position I was able to serve the community greatly and use my Jain values and experiences to bring community together by taking on the challenging task of lunch (food) at our temple, one of the biggest tasks which came with many challenges, was to keep everyone happy from our kids to our seniors. Using my values, talked to our community and to the best of my ability was able to bring satisfaction to our community.

Another great successful event was Jaina in Los Angeles where I was able to serve and help. I was able to hear it from the community despite it being a large event and many expecting the best and it turned out to be one of the biggest and most successful memorable Jaina event, I would like to continue participating and leading as needed these kind of successful events and be part of this great community by bringing together the community in any way I can . I want to use my experience to help our community grow by creating a place where the old and young can smile and better experience their culture by giving their rightful rights given by our By- laws at JCSC . I believe JCSC needs lots of reforms and opportunities for the youth to take care of the center for the next generation.

Even though I was given 1 year of term of service I can prove as a VP a lot more can be done even in 1 year of service and assure you that the community will ask for another year once they find satisfaction in my work. Jai Jinendra.

JCSC has been a pillar of strength and moral direction for my family and I since its inception. My parents were actively involved for over 20 years while they lived in Southern California until they passed. It has given my family a strong moral foundation by which they currently thrive. This is why I have generously donated my time, energy, and resources to JCSC for decades, why I will always continue to do so, and why I seek to serve on its board of directors: to preserve these values and continue to build upon the success of what our community has achieved over the past four decades.

• Immigrated to Southern California at 20 years of age to continue undergraduate studies in Microbiology; I have been a Life Member since 1985
• Personal Attributes: Honest, hardworking, impartial, team player, dedicated leader, independent thinker, strong religious background and Jain values
• Education:
  • B. S. in Microbiology from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
• Leadership
  • Currently serving as Mahila Mandal Secretary and JCSC Food Committee Member
  • Served as JCSC Executive Committee Member for two terms: 2014-15, 2018-19
  • Served as JCYC Pathshala Lunch Coordinator for 14 years
  • Served as JCSC Food Committee Chair and Idol Ornaments Committee Chair
  • Arranged Ekasana, Aaymbil, and temple cleaning for many years at JCSC
  • Served as 2009 JAINA Convention Food Committee Co-Chair, 2011 JAINA Convention Food Committee Member, Cultural Committee Member for 2009, 2011, 2019, and 2021 JAINA Conventions
• Experience:
  • Currently manage a large medical practice, overseeing all medical billing, accounting, and daily operations
  • Currently serve as President of a hospitality corporation
• Community Service:
  • Served on cultural, decoration, and food committees for JCSC Pratistha, JCSC 25th Anniversary, and dozens of major JCSC events
  • Volunteering for religious events at JCSC for decades
  • Host dignitaries visiting JCSC on a regular basis
  • Assisted in numerous fundraising activities at JCSC including Japan and Haiti earthquakes, Hurricane Sandy, Philippine typhoon and Uttarakhand disaster
  • Volunteer at JCSC medical camps
  • Volunteer at local hospitals
  • Served as school PTA member at Barnhart and Claiborne schools
• Family:
  • Husband: Dr. Jayesh Shah, is very active at JCSC and JAINA. He is supportive of my community service activities and shares my sentiments for JCSC and the Jain Community
  • Son, Akash: is a neurologist and practicing at Southern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Group
  • Daughter: Avni, is a pediatrician, currently practicing at Cincinnati Children's Hospital while her husband Sanjit completes his neurosurgery residency in Cincinnati

JCSC needs female representation on the Board. If you elect me to the Board of Directors, I will be the only woman on the entire board. As a female representative from our community, I will bring a woman's and mother's perspective to the board and administration and will inspire more women (especially from younger generations) to pursue leadership roles.

Having immigrated to the US at the age of 20, I am a generational intermediary: I understand the needs of older and younger Jains alike and am in a unique position to help lead the community and organization that has given so much to four generations of my family.

I am asking for your vote and support to continue to serve JCSC and help maintain its trajectory of progress and accomplishment.

In Seva,
Ramila Shah

Pranam & Jai Jinendra,

This is PankaJ Sheth.

We moved to Los Angeles in 1996 with my wife( Nira) and daughter( Labdhi) . JCSC has been an important institution for my family. It has been a place of pilgrimage and a place of community spirit. It allowed our family to continue our traditions and pass on our values to future generations.

It has been my privilege to serve this community, from children in pathshala to all members performing "TAP" and help it grow from the single building temple to multi-complex landmark. Over the years, I have served our Derasar as a Life member.

My volunteer contributions include:

• Currently as of august this year on behalf of JCSC, Co-Hosting JAINA's Election for 2023
• Participating as Executive Committee for two years.
• Leading the Procession Committee on two occasions for our Derasar's Prathista Mohatsav and also at the JAINA Convention hosted in Los Angeles
• Co-Hosting with my wife, Nira Sheth at Mahavir Janam Kalyanak Cultural program for two years
• Leading "AAGAM ARPAN" at the 25th Anniversary Celebration
• Sponsoring and coordinating many Swamivatsalya and Ekashana from 2002 until today with our Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association (IDCA) community and with Trishala group and
• It has been my honor to serve our" Ekashana Tapasvi " nearly every year for the past 15years.

Nira has been with me every step of the way with notable contributions of her own, serving on the cultural committee for numerous Mahavir Janma Kalyanak programs, anniversary celebrations, JAINA conventions and many more. Nira and I have dedicated our TanMan and Dhan to our center. I am proud of my service of 15 years to the JCYC (pathshala) program. I participated in back office work and program development. Though many children will remember me as the "tardy slip uncle," I hope our program showed them the value of our faith and the importance of discipline and timeliness in their careers ahead. Leading so many Winter camps programming was another highlight of my contributions as well. On a National level, I have participated in JAINA programming, serving a key role at the JAINA Convention our Sangh hosted in 2005 as the leader of the Booth committee as well as representing our Sangh at other JAINA conventions. Apart from my contributions to JCSC, I have held several volunteer leader positions in our local community (including President of WIPA at Whitney High School, Fundraiser for the Whitney Board, Director of IDCA) that demonstrate my ability to steer JCSC into the future. My participation in our community has allowed me to learn from you all what you hope to see in the future of our center. As a BOD Member, my vision is to: (1) bring Young Jains together through dedicated youth programs and Increase lifetime memberships (2) and by that create new avenues for fundraising and balance the needs of community with Jain center expansion and wherever appropriate funds are needed, amongst other initiatives. Our Derasar has given my family and me strength, comfort and community. It would be my honor and privilege to Serve Volunteer and Lead JCSC. Regards Pankaj Sheth

Jai Jinendra

My name is Hamendra Doshi. I am 72 years old, and I am contesting for the Role of BOD member. I have been fortunate enough to serve on the Executive Committee for more than 10 years, of which 8 years has been as Vice President.

I am totally committed, dedicated and devoted to the Jain Principles. My main purpose of contesting for BOD position is to increase participation by the youth of our community while adhering to the Jain Principles. They are our torch bearers and I strongly believe in promoting Jain Center activities that attracts these youth ensuring our traditions and culture is maintained.

While enhancing various religious activities currently in place, I would also promote cultural activities that would create a bond in the community to share great values.

I am currently involved in religious and maintenance committees at Jain Center. I also actively participate and help during Paryushan, Ayambil Oli & various other activities.

I promise to serve our center whole heartedly & selflessly just as I have done in the past.

I humbly request your support.

Thank you.

Sincerely
In Seva
Hamendra Doshi

Jai Jinendra
My name is Piyush Jain and I am applying for the position Secretary at the Jain Center of Southern California for the year 2024-2025. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and Engineering and I am currently working as a Sr. Manager at Amazon. I live in Irvine, CA with my wife, Shraddha Jain, son Aryan Jain and daughter Shanaya Jain.

My family and I are fortunate and blessed enough to be part of the Jain Center of Southern California since 2008. Born and raised in a very religious family and always surrounded by religious leaders, I always knew my calling to serve the community and look for any opportunities (Tan, Man and Dhan) to be able to give back to the community. My family and I have seized any opportunities to participate in Jain Center through sub-organizations and large events. I am privileged and thankful that I got an opportunity to serve our Jain Center as EC Member from 2020-2021, PR Officer from 2022-2023, and 2-times Election Committee chair. During my tenure as PR I truly feel proud that we are able to bring great engagements through email and broaden the outreach amongst all the community members.

My vision for Jain Center and our community continues to be able to help develop programs that can create more engagement in Jain Center for Jains ages 25 to 50. Jains in this age are the busiest ones with family and career. This is the age group that sets examples of commitment to our Jain Center for the younger generation of Jains, and sustains the Jain faith as the way of life for many generations to come.

My continued engagement in many Jain Center activities for e.g., Swapna Ceremony during Paryushan Parv, volunteering in JAINA convention, organization of Youth Winter Camp, and leadership in JAYA is driven by community building activities at our Jain Center. I have a vision to expand the reach of committed individuals and social connectivity at our Jain Center by bridging the two pillars of a powerful Jain community. Religious activities and community bonding are the two pillars of our Jain Community and work hand in hand to empower dedicated Jains. Community bonding through programs such as a Jain Cricket League, major picnics, etc. will not only strengthen our ability to support one another as a community but also serve as a fundraiser for our Jain Center.

As a volunteer I take pride in every small opportunity to serve our community and Jain Center. I am seeking your blessings to be able to serve in the Secretary role and contribute through Tan, Man and Dhan towards our Jain Center and the community.

Name: Bhavin Vinodchandra Modi
Spouse: Mansi Bhavin Modi
Applying for 2-year Treasurer Position
Life Member: Since 2000

I have a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Currently I am working in a Hospice Care Company. Initially I helped in the kitchen, in parking and in the building committee. I have handled the library for five years. I have served as EC since 2011. I have helped in many different areas such as 18 Abishek, Maintenance, Bhandar and for the last several months I have been helping in Accounting to Varshaben and Pareshaben.

Jai Jinendra.
Bhavin Modi
In Seva Forever

• Served as EC member during 2021-22 term.
• Part of JCSC community for over 20 years.
• Former Pathshala Teacher for Gujarati Class and thought for 2 years
• Lead Volunteer for Mahavir Janam Swapan Ceremony arrangements for last 7 years
• Active volunteer for various activities at Jain center

Jai Jinendra,
My name is Dharmesh Shah and I am looking to serve our center in the public relations office capacity for two year term, 2024-25. My wife’s name is Manali Shah and we have two kids (Saanvi & Shraya Shah).

Professionally, I am an IT leader with nearly 25 years of experience in healthcare IT, Cybersecurity, and e-commerce within fortune 500 companies. I will work closely with EC/BOD and youth of our center to determine the best ways to connect with youth and engage them in various activities at our center. Though not in my direct perview, I will look to influence our BOD team to lay out a 5 year plan to address growing needs of our center with respect to Pathshala, parking, Kitchen, etc. and to provide clear transparency with future plans for new building.

Our center is very active with many religious and cultural activities. My goal is to look for opportunities to streamline how we engage and communicate with our community in a timely and transparent way.

It will be an honor to serve our center in the public relations officer capacity for next term.

Thank you,
Dharmesh Shah

Jai Jinendra,
I am Twinkle Variya. I have been a member of JCSC for past 15 years along with Tejas Variya my husband and my two lovely kids Aaryan and Priyal, who are currently enrolled in pathshala for past 12 years.

I have been actively involved through religious, cultural, STEAM, and other outreach activities at our center. If given the opportunity, I would like to give back as much as possible to the Jain Center that has given us so much.

My future goal is to create space for the many voices of people of all generations to be heard, while involving the youth to connect and create new pathways for enrichment of the community through their religious and cultural heritage.

Jai Jinendra and Pranam All,

My family and I moved from Seattle, WA to Southern California in 2014 and I have been a Lifetime member since 2016. One of the factors we considered when moving was the presence of an active Jain Community and how great the Jain Center of Southern California would be for us and our children (5 Years and 8 Years) at the time.  With god’s grace and blessings, our Jain center is thriving today.

However, this is not the time to be complacent and continue with the status quo. There is a need to make some changes on how we operate and continue to involve the younger, next generation in running and how we run the organization.  My vision for making our Jain Center more viable and even better is as follows:

1. Ensure that all the decisions made are inclusive of all of our members. The diversity of our members is what makes us great. Therefore, all minority sects should be treated with respect and equality.
2. Continue to encourage more participation from young generation of leaders.
3. Continue modernizing and improving the Jain Center infrastructure.

I am an existing EC member (2021-2023 term) and wish to continue my seva for the 2022-2024 term.
Jai Jinendra!

Jai Jinendra!
My name is Ketan Doshi and I am honored to join the EC of our Derasar. Derasar has always been a second home for not only myself, but for the entirety of my family including my two kids and wife: Hetal, Sapan, and Jaina. For the past 30 years, Derasar has provided me a community of lifelong memories, relationships, and opportunities to participate in seva. I would love to give back to the Jain community which has helped raise all of our kids and support our livelihoods and connection to Jainism. As an EC member, I look forward to focusing on topics including food service, volunteer and seva opportunities, and working with the Jain Center youth. Please contact me for any questions!