Jai Jinendra!
I am Kauti Shah. For 22 years, our family has been deeply attached to our Jain center and community.
I have been a proud JCSC member for all 22 of those years and an active volunteer for more than 12. I was born and raised in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in a family where the Jain religion always comes first. I immigrated to the US 22 years ago, and I have also pursued a career in hospitality management.
This dedication to seva is a family legacy. My grandfather was deeply involved in establishing and managing a Jain Derasar in Ahmedabad. My father, Dr. Mahendra Shah, follows in his footsteps, having been instrumental in managing a Derasar in our society in Ahmedabad. Here at JCSC, he has served as an EC Member, Vice President, and BOD member, and is currently the Religious Committee Chairman.
My mother, Niru Shah, is actively involved in Mahila Mandal and derasar activities, and has also contributed to the kitchen. My wife, Rupina Shah, is also very active in Mahila Mandal, derasar activities, and other areas of the Jain center. Both my daughters are involved in the JCYC committee.
My Seva Journey at JCSC
For the past several years, my seva journey has included:
- Help during Puja, Pakshal, Dhwaj Puja ceremonies and during procession.
- Serving on the Pathashala traffic safety team.
- JCSC winter camp Volunteer
- Volunteering at the 2019 JAINA convention (Registration Committee and procession).
- Volunteering for bhandar money counting.
- Currently teaching Gujarati in Pathashala.
- Actively participating in food service and kitchen assistance during events
- Volunteering at numerous JCSC events, including Paryushan, Aayambil Oli, MJK programs, and anniversary programs
My Commitment
The Jain center truly feels like our second home. While I have enjoyed helping in these various roles, I am now eager to take on more responsibility as an EC member. My goal is to see our center flourish, and I want to contribute in any way I can to make that happen. Being a committed volunteer, I am seeking to serve as an EC member with your support.
Always in Seva,
Regards
Kauti Shah
Past Student of Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya, Vallabh Vidyanagar.
Originally from Ahmedabad. In USA since 1998 in NYC and in Corona CA since 2003.
Civil Engineer. Small Investor in Real Estate
Age: 60 Marshal Arts Black Belt in early this Year 2025.
I volunteered in couple of JCYC Winter Camps.
Currently I am serving Hindu Groups to save and protect our Dharma.
Recently, due to my efforts with help of others, Jain Community was accepted and added in Congressional Hindu Caucus with Hindu, Sikh and Buddh.
I was part of protesting recent 3 anti-Hindu bills in California.
- Ban on Swastik (Bill AB 2282). The bill was passed by some correction. Hindu Groups’ protest couldn’t stop it but was successful to get allowed for Dharmic purpose by Hindu, Jain and Buddh.
- Bill about Cast System in Hindus SB-403 (Bill was introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab to label Hindus as Castists). Due to collective efforts of Hindu Groups, the bill was Vetoed by the Governor.
- Bill SB 509 was targeted to Indian Community. This bill was co-authored by State Assembly Member Jasmeet Kaur Bains. Due to lots of protests and efforts of hindu Groups, The Governor Vetoed the Bill.
Above shows that anti dharma elements use politics against us. Conferences like Dismentaling Global Hindutva are organized. If we are not active politically and don’t raise our issues, we may not be visible much and gradually we can get disappeared in long run.
We believe in Ahinsa. Dialogues stops Hinsa. For Dialogues, political representation is the right and non-violent way.
“If we are not on the Table, we can be in the Menu.”
Please give me opportunity to work on Shashan Raksha.
Jai Jinendra!
My name is Viral Doshi, and this is my first time applying for the Executive Committee. For over two decades, our family of five, including my two beautiful children, loving husband, and caring mother-in-law, has been fortunate enough to be part of the Jain Center Community. My professional life as a licensed sonographer for over 20 years, and academic foundation of Bachelors of Science of Biochemistry has instilled in me a disciplined, detail-oriented approach and a commitment to service, which strengthens my belief that Jain values and modern aspirations can be harmoniously integrated.
I have been a proud and devoted member of the Jain community, embodying the principles of compassion, nonviolence, and service that define Jainism. Being a dedicated mother of two, I have raised my children in the spirit of Jain values, ensuring they have attended the temple since the age of three. They are currently part of the JCYC Youth Group and have participated in activities such as Pratrikraman and Chaityaparipati. Through his belief in Jainism and determination, my son was able to complete an Atthai. Through their journey, I have witnessed firsthand how early connection to faith shapes character, discipline, and empathy. This realization drove me to spread the message of Jainism to not only my peers but to the younger generation as well. For the past 15 years, I have actively provided selfless seva in diverse roles, directly making connections in our community, and most importantly, our youth and seniors:
Co-founder of STEAM CLUB for the past 7 years: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, through which we create the next generation of innovators by incorporating principles of Jainism.
MJK facilitator: I helped coordinate the Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, which preserves traditions while allowing young participants to express their spirituality through creativity and joy.
Winter Camp Volunteer: I supported educational and spiritual growth through our annual camps.
Lead choreographer for JCSC anniversary choreo: I took a leadership role in organizing major cultural events for the center.
Service During COVID-19: During the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19, I have volunteered at our center by distributing food, coordinating the chaitraparipati, and teaching performances online to youth and seniors for MJK.
Through the activities above, I was able to encourage the younger and older generations to see Jainism as a foundation for limitless growth. I believe that Jainism is not confined to only rituals, but it is a way of life. My approach is rooted in community, communication, and compassion for all. Whether volunteering at temple events, guiding children through cultural programs, or offering a helping hand to families in need, I embody the mindset of selfless service, the mindset of seva. I believe that a strong community is built through unity, empathy, and shared purpose. I will make it my mission to spread those values through the temple.
If I get the opportunity to serve as a member of the Executive Committee, I can give back to the community and try to create a balance between faith and progress. I will strive to be a living example of what it means to follow Jain values with heart, wisdom, and unwavering commitment.
Pranam,
Viral Doshi.
Jai Jinendra & Pranam,
I, Jay Patel, am applying for an Executive Committee (EC) position for the term 2026-2028.
I have lived in the City of Irvine with my wife Sveta and Son (Dheer) and Daughter (Diti) for 10+ years. Professionally, I have spent almost three decades in the aerospace industry, holding various engineering and executive leadership positions. We are very blessed and fortunate to be part of this omnipotent Jain Center since 2014. This center has played a pivotal role and provided immense support by strengthening the Jain values to help our family grow spiritually through various activities at JCSC.
We are strongly committed to continue to do Seva with Tan, Man and Dhan for the growth and success of our Jain Center.
I have been an active EC member for the last four (4) years, back-up secretary for the last two years and 2024 election committee chair. I lead by example, taking responsibility for my actions and setting a visible standard of integrity, diligence, and compassion. I serve with humility, listening first and putting the needs of others before my own ambition so that every voice can be heard and valued.
I commit to transparency in my words and decisions, sharing context and rationale openly to build trust and invite constructive dialogue. My choices are guided by what best serves the community at large — prioritizing long-term wellbeing, equity, and resilience over short-term gain.
I ensure all groups are represented equally, intentionally creating space for diverse perspectives and removing barriers to participation. Above all, I work to maintain harmony by fostering mutual respect, mediating differences thoughtfully, and focusing on shared purpose so we can move forward together.
As I seek re-election, my primary goal is to continue serving graciously for the overall growth and advancement of our Jain Center. I would like to engage with maximum members of Jain Center, especially young parents and youth, to encourage their active participation in all JCSC activities.
I humbly request your vote and support in my continued seva to our Jain Center.
Thank you
Jai Jinendra!
My name is Ketan Doshi, and I am excited to be running for a second term as a member of our Derasar’s Executive Committee.
During my first term, I deeply valued the opportunity to work alongside my fellow EC members, contribute to meaningful projects, and serve our community through seva. The experience has been both humbling and fulfilling, and I look forward to building on what we’ve accomplished to make our Derasar even stronger in the years ahead.
For my family, my wife Hetal and our two kids, Sapan and Jaina: Derasar has always been a second home. Over the past 30 years, it has given us countless memories, friendships, and opportunities for seva. As I seek another term, I hope to continue focusing on food service, volunteer and seva opportunities, and working closely with the Jain Center youth to strengthen our shared sense of community and Jain values.
Thank you for your support and I look forward to continue working to support our community.