Jain Education And Empower Trust 2014 - Book Summary

This document is a publication from the Jain Education and Empowerment Trust (JEET) from April 2014, authored by Rajhansasuri. The core message and purpose of the trust, as elaborated throughout the text, revolve around the motto: "Today's Sadharmik becomes tomorrow's Shreshti and High Shravak" (meaning, today's fellow Jain becomes tomorrow's eminent person and devout follower of Jain principles).

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key aspects presented in the document:

1. Vision and Mission of JEET:

Vision: To build a completely independent, neutral, and transparent trust that operates continuously without any expectations, aiming to improve and elevate the standard of living for the entire Sadharmik (fellow Jain) community. The goal is for the institution to perpetually work for the betterment of its community members.
Purpose: To support the educational and self-employment needs of Sadharmik families from all sects within the Jain community, making them self-reliant and enabling them to become future pillars of the community. The aim is to deliver this support to every needy Sadharmik family.
Goal: To ensure that today's Sadharmik becomes tomorrow's Shreshti and High Shravak. They aim to cover 10,000 Sadharmik families by June 2015, with the support of over 500 volunteers.

2. Founding and Inspiration:

JEET was established in 2007 by a group of "welfare friends" who are successful businessmen, industrialists, CAs, MBAs, and experts in their respective fields.
The trust operates under the inspiration, blessings, support, and guidance of Pujya Acharya Shrimad Vijay Rajhans Surishwarji Maharaj, the successor of the "Shasan Samrat" (Emperor of Jainism) community.

3. Key Activities of JEET:

The trust undertakes various activities to achieve its goals:

Educational Support: Providing academic assistance to children of Sadharmik families, especially those living in villages with low incomes.
Career and Employment Support: Assisting individuals in business, industry, and employment.
Student Hostels (Vidyarthi Gruh): Facilitating the admission of children into student hostels for better education, nutrition, and upbringing.
Career Guidance: Offering guidance to students on their career paths.
Collaboration with other Jain Institutions: Helping to channel support through existing Jain organizations like Jain Jagruti Center, JITO, and Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya.
Establishing New Hostels: Initiating the creation of new student hostels where there is a need.
Finishing School Diploma Course: Offering a diploma course designed for the holistic development of children, covering subjects like yoga, meditation, personality development, public speaking, leadership, management, and Jainism.
Angel Fund: Providing financial assistance to Sadharmik individuals for their business needs.
Community Engagement: Encouraging more Shreshtis (prominent individuals) from the Jain community to participate in the trust's activities through their time, mind, and wealth.

4. Emphasis on Education:

Education is highlighted as the foundation for a prosperous life, fostering self-reliance, good values, and empathy.
JEET focuses on children from villages and small towns who face severe financial constraints, preventing them from accessing even basic education.
The trust helps students from Class 1 to 12 and those pursuing higher education like CA, Engineering, and MBA. For higher studies, they assist in securing loans.
The document states that as of March 31, 2014, JEET had assisted over 1456 students in Classes 1-7, 1686 students in Classes 8-12, 1085 graduates, and 325 students in higher studies. They aim to cover 10,000 families by June 2015.

5. Student Hostels (Vidyarthi Gruh):

The document details the challenges faced by families who cannot provide adequate nutrition, a conducive study environment, or proper Jain values due to financial limitations and small living spaces.
It contrasts this with the benefits of Jain student hostels, which offer temples, comprehensive facilities, access to English medium schools, sattvic food, Jain upbringing, and often, free accommodation and facilities.
JEET acts as a bridge, connecting needy families with these hostel facilities.

6. Shree Adinath Vidyapeeth & Finishing School:

This is a new initiative by JEET to provide better education and training for students to become capable individuals for Jainism.
A hostel and a Finishing School have been established in CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai.
The Finishing School aims to equip students with skills beyond academics, including yoga, meditation, personality development, communication, leadership, management, and Jain philosophy, by inviting experts.

7. "JIT" (JEET) Frequently Asked Questions:

What is "Jit"? It's the short name for Jain Education and Empowerment Trust.
What is its purpose? To help economically weaker Sadharmik families in villages and small towns with education and employment, thereby improving their religious and economic status.
What is its objective? To provide support akin to a creeper's support for a vine, helping families become self-reliant through education.
What is its goal? For today's Sadharmik to become tomorrow's Shreshti and High Shravak.
Why focus on education? Education is the foundation of life. JEET's surveys reveal that children in villages lack adequate educational support.
How to get help? By filling out a family application form and submitting it with necessary documents.
How is educational aid disbursed? Checks or demand drafts are sent directly to schools/colleges for students up to Class 12. Interest-free loans are provided for studies after Class 12.
Eligibility criteria? Personal visits by JEET representatives, verification of needs, assessment of religious inclination, and consideration of any other assistance received.
Why limit the scope to villages? Many organizations are already active in metropolitan and urban areas, so JEET focuses its efforts on rural communities.
How can others join? Through service, time, mind, and financial contributions.
Role of volunteers? Distributing information, conducting home visits for verification, delivering aid, participating in activities, and encouraging financial contributions from their networks.
Volunteer conduct? Adhering to trust constitution, providing only necessary information, not misusing JEET's name, giving impartial opinions, and obtaining authorization before promising aid.

8. Testimonials and Experiences:

The document includes several heartwarming testimonials from families who have received assistance, expressing deep gratitude and the positive impact on their children's lives. It also shares poignant field experiences, illustrating the dire circumstances of some families and the transformative effect of JEET's support.

9. Financials and Achievements:

The document presents financial data, including the corpus fund, income and expenditure, and balance sheets over several years.
It highlights significant amounts of educational aid disbursed, the number of families and districts covered, and the number of dedicated volunteers.
Lists of students achieving high scores in Class 10 and 12 are provided, showcasing the success of the educational support programs.

10. Gratitude and Appeals:

JEET expresses gratitude to various trusts, institutions, and individuals who have supported their mission.
They welcome further collaboration from organizations and individuals to further their cause.
The document includes appeals for contributions through various "Corpus Fund" schemes and "Seat Donor" opportunities for the Shree Adinath Vidyapeeth.

11. Spiritual Guidance and Blessings:

The publication features blessings and endorsements from various revered Jain Acharyas (spiritual leaders), underscoring the importance and merit of JEET's work.

In essence, this publication is a detailed account of the Jain Education and Empowerment Trust's mission, activities, impact, and its commitment to uplifting the Jain community through education and empowerment, guided by the principles of Jainism and the patronage of its spiritual leaders.