secretary, kojain 422 hillview dr, apt 202 linthicum, md ... · happy grandparents arejiten and...

Kachchhi Oswal Jain Association In North America Visit our website http://www.kojain.com for news & events

Volume 15, Issue 3 1 Sep 2010

President’s Message Dear Fellow Kachchhi Oswals, Pranam & Jai Jinendra, Michchhami Dukkadam to everyone!!! KOJAIN is asking sukh-shata to all Tapasvis, who did something small or large tap (penance) or dharma aradhana during the Paryushan Maha Parva days. 70+ attendees including participants, speakers, volunteers and guests made the KOJAIN Entrepreneur Workshop during Oct 1 – 2, 2010 in Laurel, Maryland a grand success. The Workshop provided worthwhile take home ideas and suggestions for everyone. It was kind of a mini sammelan for many. The Workshop was a culmination of teamwork, team spirit, vision, talent and connections, hard work and involvement of everyone. KOJAIN thanks Anil Shah (Massachusetts) for heading the Workshop Program Committee and Advisory members Mayur Chheda, Vijay Chheda, Anand Gangar and Akshay Shah. KOJAIN gracefully thanks Kalaben and Bhavi Jain for handling Registration and communication tasks. KOJAIN thanks Amit Vora for hosting the Workshop and accommodating all the requirements and requests. Nayan Shah, Kunal Rambhia and Jaideep Shah were very helpful in compiling the Souvenir contents. Navin Vora accommodated request to print the Souvenir at a short notice. KOJAIN appreciates help from the Washington D. C. Area volunteers Gunvantiben Bhavsar for providing delicious meals, Manoj Dharamsi for the sound system arrangement, Meeta & Kanti Gangar, Vasant Gala, Nirmala & Navin Vora, Bhavi Vora, Amit Vora, Nalini & Harak Gala, Kala & Bhavi Jain and others for the help and assistance. A final thank goes to the meals sponsor Harshad Dharod & Family from California. Please pardon any errors or omissions. Unintentional errors and omissions are deeply regretted. A great amount of efforts and time went into making this Workshop the best ever. I, personally, would like to thank each and everyone, especially the Program Committee, speakers, volunteers and KOJAIN Board Members for their support and cooperation. This event would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication from all. Enjoy the Fall Season and upcoming holidays.

Navin S. Dedhia President, KOJAIN

************************************** SUPPORT KOJAIN & JOIN AS A MEMBER. MEMBERSHIP INFO AND OTHER

INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT THE WEBSITE WWW.KOJAIN.COM

Board of Directors: Officers : President: Navin S. Dedhia (408) 629-1723 [email protected] Vice President: Manish Mota (480) 614-3451 [email protected] Secretary: Nimesh S. Chheda (410) 245-0966 [email protected] Treasurer: Vijay J. Savla (978) 264-0596 [email protected] --------------------------------------------------------------- Regional Directors : Region 1: AZ, CO, HI, NM, So.CA, UT Kalyanji K. Mota (714) 956-0405 [email protected] Region 2: AK, ID, MT, NV, No.CA, OR, WA, WY Sarla Chheda (Kansara) (510) 226-8450 [email protected] Region 3: AR, KS, LA, MO, OK, TX Dhiraj M. Gosar (281) 530-1931 [email protected] Region 4: IL, IN, IA, MN, NE, ND, SD, WI Ram S Gada (612) 788-2566 [email protected] Region 5: AL, FL, GA, MS, TN Vinay L. Tejani (423) 842-6463 [email protected] Region 6: KY, MI, OH, W.PA, WV Chirag L. Shah (551) 580-8355 [email protected] Region 7: WA. DC., MD, NC, SC, VA, Manoj Dharamsi (703) 620-9837 [email protected] Region 8: DE, E.PA, NJ Tansukh U. Maru (732) 495-2304 [email protected] Region 9: NY Chhotalal Bheddah (516) 883- 0345 [email protected] Region 10: CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT Chandrika Shah (978)794-3028 [email protected] Region 11: Canada Rita Dharamshi (905) 542-0397 [email protected] Past President: Vijay D. Chheda (714) 654-6097 [email protected]

KOJAIN NEWSLETTER Secretary, KOJAIN

422 Hillview Dr, APT 202 Linthicum, MD 21090

Web site: www.kojain.com A Non-Profit Organization

Tax Exempt No. 06-1442444 Volume 15, Issue 3, Sep 2010



KOJAIN Regional News Region 1 (AZ, CO, HI, NM, SO.CA and UT)

New Arrivals:

Congratulations to Bhavin and Pankti Shah of Covina, CA for a Baby Boy Rayhil, born on August 3, 2010. Happy grandparents areJiten and Vimla Shah.

Tap Aradhna by Ashok Savla

JCSC (Jain Center of Southern California) Past President, Ashok Savla has successfully completed ‘Shrenitap’ and ‘Siddhitap’ અમેિરકાના લોસ જેલેસ શહેરમાં જૈન સેન્ટેર ઓફ સાઉથ કેલીફોિનયાના પાસ્ટ પર્ેિસડેન્ટ અશોક સાવલાએ ેણીતપ અને સીદ્ધીતપ કરી તપસ્યા નો રંગ રાખ્યો. પયુર્ષણ પવર્ દરમ્યાન અશોક સાવલાએ ેણી તપ અને િસદ્ધી તપ જેવી ઉગર્ તપસ્યામાં કુલ ૧૨૦ ઉપવાસ અને ૩૬ બેયાસના કરીન ેઆખા અમેિરકામાં િવકર્મ સજ્ય છે. અશોકભાઈ સળંગ ૨૫ વષર્થી અમેિરકામાં ૮ અથવા વધારે ઉપવાસની તપસ્યાઓ કરી છે. આ સમય દરમ્યાન એમન ે૮, ૯, ૧૦, ૧૧, ૧૫, ૧૬ (બે વાર ) અને ૨૧ ઉપવાસ કરલે છે. ઉપરાંત એમને બે માસખમણ (૧૯૯૬ અને ૨૦૦૬), વરસીતપ (૨૦૦૮-૨૦૦૯), સીદ્ધીતપ, ેિણકતપ જેવી તપસ્યાઓ કરી છે. એમની અનુમોદના દરમ્યાન બધી તસ્યોનો ેય એમના ધમર્પત્ની હષર્નાબેન, માતૃ ી દેવકાબેન અને બાળકો ગૌતમ અન ેપારસને આપેલ. એમના મોટા દીકરા ગૌતમે પણ આ વરસે અઠાઇતપ કરેલ. એમને સંઘની કારોબારી કિમટીમાં દસ વરસ સેવા આપી છે. તેઓ ૨૦૦૬ થી ૨૦૦૯ પર્મુખ તરીકે સેવા આપેલ છે. તદઉપરાંત પાઠશાળામાં પણ સેવા આપી છે.

Region 2 (AK, ID, MT, NV, NO, CA, OR, WA, WY) Jain Center of Northern California (www.jcnc.org), Milpitas, CA Paryushan Maha Parva Tap Aradhna 1) Saroj Dagli (Village: Baroi, Fremont) - 19 Upvaas in July, 8 Upvaas during Paryushan, Completed Varshitap during May 2010 2) Mahesh Gogri (Village: Bhujpur, Fremont) - 11 Upvaas 3) Navin S. Dedhia (Village: Bidada, San Jose) - 9 Upvaas 4) Himat Dagli (Fremont) - 8 Upvaas, Completed Varshitap during May 2010 5) Swati Haria (Village: Devpur, San Jose) - 8 Upvaas 6) Rashmi Nishar (Village: Bharudia, Los Altos) - 8 Upvaas 7) Vijay Chheda (Village: Kundrodi, San Jose) - 8 Upvaas 8) Neelam Gada (Sacramento) - 8 Upvaas Excerpts from San Jose Mercury Newspaper on “Saratoga family converts 1972 Volkswagen Beetle to electric” Hemant Bheda and family converted the 1972 Beetle to ‘Voltbug’

All members of the Bheda family got involved in converting 1972 Volkswagen Beetle car from gas to electric. "The one thing about this car is that it's very easy to work on," Bheda said. "The availability of the parts is extremely easy, and they're very reasonably priced." The family also said they had a lot of help from car shops, such as BugFormance, and a host of websites and Internet videos that helped explain the conversion process, which is well documented. Gerty the Voltbug runs on 12 batteries--six in the back of the car and six in the front--generating 144 volts. Gerty can travel up to 30 miles on each charge. The family has already put more than 700 miles on the car since its conversion. "The point here was to teach family members an example that if you decide to do something, it is possible.



If you get stuck you can ask for help. People are always helpful with their knowledge. We made mistakes and that's OK. Eventually, you always finish," he said. http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_15799181?source=most_emailed&nclick_check=1 [Monisha & Hemant Bheda, 14812 Gypsy Hill Road, Saratoga, CA 95010, Tel: 408-741-8408] Region 9: NY A Man of Many Parts: Peter Bheddah [Extracted from Page 6, Volume 4, Issue 8 of the Indian Panorama, www.theindianpanorama.com]

Peter Bheddah is a person with a wealth of contribution to society. He is a man who has passionately espoused social causes. He feels happy to be doing well to others. He has continually involved himself in community service in India. At the same time, he provided all his love, loyalty and attention to community in New York. He established himself as a successful businessman dealing in electronic wholesale business. In 1994, Peter originated and promoted the concept of assisting the less fortunate through India Association of Long Island (IALI). IALI’s Annual Diwali Food Drive has provided the Interfaith Nutrition Network, which operates 19 soup kitchens for the homeless. When Kutch in Gujarat was struck with a mighty earthquake in 2001, Bheddah coordinated projects worth more than $ 100,000 for the earthquake-hit people of Kutch. Bheddah played key role in the construction of two schools and 500 houses. A school Veerayatan in Jakhania and Hope School in Bhuj and 500 houses in Bhojay were completed. The Bheddah Hosptial in Bhujpur, established by Peter’s great grandfathers in 1929, was demolished in the earthquake. The 20 bed hospital was reopened in 2006. Bheddah raised more than $ 150,000 to help rehabilitate displaced persons due to 2005 heavy monsoon rain in Mumbai. Bheddah is a past president of Nargis Dutt Memorial

Foundation and a past president of Gujarati Samaj of New York Chhotalal (Peter) Bheddah’s selfless service to our community and society has been recognized in the print so the world will know about this gem and many will take inspiration to follow path to community service. [Chhotalal Bheddah, 60 Beacon Hill Road, Port Washington, N. Y. 11050, Tel: 516-883-0345]. Region 10 (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT): Educational Achievements: Congratulations

Nimish Shah, of Agawam, Mass (Parents: Kunda and Naren Shah, Village: Koday) Nimish was recently accepted to Tufts University School Of Medicine in Boston, MA in the Early Acceptance program, where he will be starting his medical studies in the Fall of 2012.

Nimish is enrolled at Tufts University, Medford, MA as an Undergraduate double-majoring in Biology and Biomedical Sciences. He is a Junior at Tufts University and expected to graduate in May of 2012. Nimish graduated as Valedictorian of the Class of 2008 at Agawam High School in Agawam, MA with a GPA of 4.7. Nimish's academic accolades are many. Nimish has been a recipient of many awards and distinctions throughout his school years.

Deans' List, Tufts University - Fall 2008, Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Spring 2010

Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award, 2007 University Of Massachusetts Honor Band

member, 2007 Rotary youth leadership Award, 2006 John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth SAT

Distinction Award, 2004 Good Citizenship Award, 2008

Nimish comes from a family of Kutchi Pioneering Doctors. Nimish's older brother Nickul is also enrolled in the Pre-Med Track at the University Of Massachusetts. Nimish's grandfather Dr. Bhavanji Rayshi Shah of Koday was the first MD doctor in the Kutchi community. Naren Shah is nephew of Dami & Prabha Rambhia of Connecticut. [Nimish Shah, 49 Glendale Rd, Agawam, MA 01001, Tel: 413-786-5923] Tap Aradhna by Esha Monil Chheda Esha Monil Chheda (Worcester, MA ) completed “Maun Atthai” (silent 8 days fasting) during Paryushan 2010



KOJAIN MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM:

A onetime KOJAIN Merit Scholarship is awarded each year to the KOJAIN students, residing in North America, graduating from High School and entering a college/university for higher studies in North America. Scholarships are awarded during 3rd Quarter of each year. Merit Scholarship program provides recognition and encouragement to the high school graduating North American students. Members are encouraged to donate generously towards the Merit Scholarship fund.

Your tax free dollars will stretch far more to recognize and encourage students.This is a Gyan Daan. Minimum expense of Merit Scholarship each year is $ 4000. Please make your check payable to ‘KOJAIN’ with a note: “Scholarship Program” on the memo line. Mail the check to the Treasurer of KOJAIN: Vijay J. Savla, 4 Sandy Drive, Acton, MA 01720, USA For information, please contact Dinesh K Chheda, . [email protected], 973-394-1701 2010 Scholarships were awarded to the following individuals Recepient Name Beena Shah, Parents: Manish & Bhararti Shah, Katy, Texas Somil Chheda, Parents: Nalin & Meena Chheda, Cerritos, California Veer Dedhia, Parents: Suresh & Jyoti Dedhia, Norwalk, Connecticut Ravi Momaya, Parents: Milin & Trupti Momaya, New Hyde Park, New York

KOJAIN conveys many thanks to the entire scholarship Committee and all Donors! Kojain Marriage Information Service: Kojain Marriage Information Service is providing services to KOJAIN community in North America for an exchange of information between potential candidates to select life partner, through the collection and distribution of information to candidates in a private and confidential manner. We encourage parents and candidates to use this service by visiting the Kojain Website, www.kojain.com and by visiting Marriage Information Service (MIS) - write-up, guidelines and registration form. You may be able to place an ad, with your e-mail address to get the direct response to your attention, from the prospective inquiries. The ad will be published in Kojain Newsletter. For more information, please contact Rajesh K. Chheda at (856) 768-4442 [email protected] OR Bhanu Shah at (203) 354 9399 [email protected]

KOJAIN Education Loan Program KOJAIN’s Loan Program Committee has awarded loan of $4000 to Mrs. Deepti Nagda of Sacramento, California. Deepti has been granted admission to Masters in Software Engineering at California State University Sacramento (CSUS) for Fall’10. She and her husband Nirav Gala reside at 7761 College Town Drive Apt. #242, Sacramento, CA. 95826. She is planning to complete her Masters by December 2011. KOJAIN’s Loan Committee consists of Chandravadan Haria, Vijay Chheda, Damibhai Rambhia and Kalyanji Mota as the Chairperson. To date KOJAIN has awarded $26,175 interest free loan money including present loan to bright KOJAIN Students pursuing Graduate or Undergraduate Studies in North America. KOJAIN Membership: KOJAIN encourages everyone to be a member, preferably a LIFE MEMBER to support activities related to education, culture, art, crafts and humanitarian aids. KOJAIN provides a venue for networking, exchanging ideas and keeping in touch with our motherland and community. KOJAIN Membership categories are: Family Life membership US $ 250 Family 2-year membership US $ 40 Individual Life Membership US $ 200 Individual 2-year membership US $ 30

Membership form can be downloaded from http://www.kojain.com/Membership/KOJAIN_Membership_Form.pdf Completed form along with a check, payable to ‘KOJAIN’, to be sent to: Vijay J. Savla, 4 Sandy Drive, Acton, MA 01720 KOJAIN Yahoo Group:

We request you to visit the KOJAIN E-group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kojain/ to read messages and other information. Periodically, Key information and announcements are sent to KOJAIN Yahoo group members.

If you are not receiving KOJAIN Yahoo group e-mails, visit KOJAIN’s web site at http://www.kojain.com/infoandwebsites/infoandwebsites.htm and click on subscribe to KOJAIN E-group.



KOJAIN Website: Please consider regularly visiting KOJAIN website www.kojain.com to read important news related to the KOJAIN’s activities (Sammelan, Membership, Scholarships, Workshop, etc.). We welcome your comments and suggestions about the website and its content to make it more user-friendly, useful and informative. Members are requested to: Send address, Telephone, E-mail updates, etc. to KOJAIN, [email protected] whenever changes occur. • Visit KOJAIN website to read newly posted

information and activity news. Receipts for Donation During past year, many of you have generously donated to various organizations through KOJAIN. While we believe we have sent receipts for these donations to you, if you have not received receipt for your donation(s), please contact Vijay Savla (KOJAIN, Treasurer) through email or phone with specific donation information. Email: [email protected] Phone: 978 264 0596 (evening 7PM ET onwards) Advertisements in KOJAIN e-Newsletter KOJAIN is very happy to publish your personal (including matrimonial or seeking life-partner), business or organization advertisement(s) in KOJAIN quarterly E- News Letter. KOJAIN e-newsletter is available to more than 1500 Kachchhi Oswals listed in the KOJAIN database. Advertisement guidelines, form and other details are given in this newsletter. Comments from the KOJAIN Oct 1 – 2, 2010, Laurel, MD, Entrepreneur Workshop Volunteer “Thanks to KOJAIN committee for giving me an opportunity to serve as a volunteer at the Entrepreneur Workshop held in Washington DC Area, during October 2010. I was amazed to find out how far we have progressed in furthering the entrepreneurial spirit that we all inherited generations ago. Our forefathers immigrated from Kachchh, leaving behind the agricultural business. They settled primarily in Mumbai. There, they established little provision stores and other trading posts for wholesale business (Vakhar, Peddhi etc.). That was the beginning of entrepreneurship. Over the past few decades, Kachchhis have started diversifying. They have indulged in new ventures that cater to the demands of a society that is getting more industrialized and modern.

At the Workshop, it was a pleasant experience to learn about the endeavors and accomplishments of our entrepreneurs like Anil Shah (MA), Vivek Maru, Washington D. C. (including his father Hans Maru), Hemant Bheda, CA and others. We should feel proud that we have world class technologists among our little KOJAIN community, providing inspiration to the budding entrepreneurs and geeks. The whole event was very refreshing and informational. It made me feel proud to be a KOJAIN member….” [Vasant H. Gala, 18917 Olney Mill Road, Olney, MD 20832, Tel: 301-774-4295, Cell: 240-543-6165]

Advertisement in KOJAIN e-Newsletter KOJAIN is very happy to publish your personal (including matrimonial or seeking life-partner), business or organization advertisement(s) in KOJAIN quarterly E- News Letter. This e newsletter is available to more than 1500 Kachchhi Oswals listed in KOJAIN database. Following table lists advertisement rates:

Advertise- ment

Size in inch (W X L)

Adv. ID

Rate (One Issue)

Annual Rate (Four Issues)*

Full Page 8”x 10” Full Page $ 150 $ 500

Half Page 8” X 5” Half Page $ 100 $ 300

* Kojain plan to publish four issues every year. If, for any reason less than four issues are published in any year, annual rate ad will be published in total four consecutive issues. * Kojain member in good standing (life-members or current year paid members) will receive 20% discount on above rates. Non-profit or charity organizations (IRS approved or government approved) will receive 25% discount on above rates * Discounts cannot be combined. KOJAIN does not print any paper copy of newsletter and these rates are for e-newsletter only. * Any questions, please contact KOJAIN secretary for further information. Contact: Nimesh Chheda, Tel: 443-420-1346 [email protected] 422 Hill view Dr, Apt 202, Linthicum MD 21090 Mail Address for all correspondence and Advertisement: Please fill out the advertisement form and return to KOJAIN secretary at least two weeks before the newsletter publish date along with the payment (checks made out to ‘KOJAIN’) and camera ready advertisement.



Excerpts from a Write-up in India Journal on ‘Harshad Dharod and his Friedly Franchisees Corporation (FFC)’ Friendly Franchisees Corporation (FFC) is headed by the dynamic Founder & Chairman Harshad Dharod. Speaking to India Journal Dharod upholds the ethic of hard work and determination to reach goals. His meteoric rise as an entrepreneur is a proverbial ‘rags to riches’ story. His entrepreneurial drive has led him to grow a franchise empire. Along the way he has learnt many lessons in the school of hard knocks on how to manage and grow a mega business and make it a huge success. Among the services FFC provides to its brands are Accounting, Financial, Legal, Human Resources, MIS, Insurance, Real Estate Management and Payroll (through third party providers). As Dharod says, “Our work culture here at FFC is customer first, company second followed by the employees. We see profits as being positive and keeping the company in growth mode.” He describes the company as being “people and profit oriented and rewarding hard work.” Disclosing some of the management practices he has evolved, Dharod says, “Trust your employees. Let them make mistakes within limits so that they can learn from them. Then you’re never going to have to worry about it. If you correct them, you’re going to have to correct them all the time. You have to let your employees learn how to resolve the problems.” He empowers team members, helping them achieve their goals but holding them accountable at the end of the day. Dharod says his entrepreneurial mindset is the key to his success. He is very focused on what he wants and balances risks with opportunities.

[Source: Rajeev Chopra, Friendly Franchisees Corporation 1 Centerpointe Dr., Suite # 400, La Palma, CA 90623, Ph.: 714-736-8900x209 ; Fax: 714-690-9447, Cell.: 951-903-6263, E-mail: [email protected]]

Grow-Trees Grow-Trees is a official Partner of the United Nation’s Environment Program’s Billion Tree Campaign. Trees have significant impact on the environment in offsetting carbon emissions, improving wildlife habitats, and upgrading water catchment areas, while providing flowers, fruit, fodder and fuel to communities and all living creatures. [Contact: Grow-Trees.com, 3, Scheherazade, Justice Vyas Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400 005, India, Tel: 91-22-2288-1301, e-mail: [email protected], Web: www.grow-trees.com]

Entrepreneurship Resources 1) Video link on 'Entrepreneurs can change the world'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6MhAwQ64c0 2) Video link on ‘Top 10 Mistakes Made by Entrepreneurs’ A very useful link from one of the prestigious university.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtHZUr3mdlY 3) Chirag Kenia of New York has taken a lead to form the Google IT group for exchange of ideas and better communication. Users interested in joining the KOJAIN-IT group, click on http://groups.google.com/group/kojain-it Mahavir Jain Charitra-Kalyan Ratnashram, Songadh, Gujarat Songadh Ashram, Songadh, Gujarat has been publishing Charitra Kalyan Sandesh for the past five years. The recent issue can be accessed by clicking the link http://songadh-ashram.blogspot.com/2010/10/charitra-kalyan-sandesh-july-to.html The Newsletter contains student activities, photos and other information. At present the 88 years old Jain Boarding Institute has 357 students. The progress of the Jain Boarding School for the past 10 years has been outstanding. Visionary parampujya Charitravijayji and Kalyanchandraji established Songadh Ashram 88 years ago. The Ashram provides educational and personal development activities and opportunities to the needy and less fortunate students. [Contact: Shree Mahavir Jain Charitra Kalyan Ratnashram Charitra Kalyan marg, Songadh (Saurashtra), Ta. Sihor, Dist.Bhavnagar State:-Gujarat, Phone:91-2846-2443245, e-mail: [email protected]]



KOJAIN e-Newsletter Advertisement Form

Name (Responsible for advertisement draft, approval and payment): ___________________________________________________________________________________ Company/Association: _________________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________ Fax: _______________________ E-mail: _____________________________ Advertisement Selection: Advertisement ID: _______ No. Of Issues: _______ Kojain Member: Yes / No Membership: Life / Bi-annual (Expiry Date: __________ ) Non-Profit or Charity Organization: Yes / No If yes, IRS No/ Gov. NGO No. ___________________ Camera-ready (PDF/JPG) advertisement enclosed: Yes / No The PDF or JPG format is always preferred for accuracy of message. If PDF/JPG format advertisement is not attached, we will create a “Best Wishes Ad” with your name and address as it appears above.

• All ads must be submitted electronically. Max. Permitted size of advertisement material is 1 MB and longest side will be less than 10 inches.

• Advertisement can be sent in color or b/w format. • Every effort will be made to meet your advertisement request specification. In case of

difficulty, alternatives will be provided. • Payment must be made in full when advertisement is placed. • Any advertisement promoting meat/alcohol products (meat, egg, fish, chicken etc) will not

be accepted. • All advertisements are subject to KOJAIN approval. • You may send your advertisement in electronic format (CD) at the address below or email to

[email protected] at least two weeks before the newsletter publish date.

Total Amount Enclosed: $ Please make check payable to KOJAIN with note in memo stating Newsletter Ad for and mail to Nimesh Chheda, 422 Hillview Dr, Apt 202, Linthicum, MD 21090 Signature: Date:



KOJAIN Directory Information Add / Update Form

For North American Residents only

Last Name First Name Middle Name Email Phone Occupation Village in Kachchh Spouse - First Name Spouse – Email Spouse – Phone Spouse – Occupation Spouse - Village in Kachchh (Before Marriage)

Home Address – Street Home Address – City Home Address – State, Zip Code & Country

Child 1 Name Child 1 Year Born (if married do not enter year born) Child 2 Name Child 2 Year Born (if married do not enter year born) Child 3 Name Child 3 Year Born (if married do not enter year born)

We urge every KOJAIN family to send the duly completed form to maintain KOJAIN Database. Help us make the database as complete as possible. Thank you for your support and cooperation.

Signed by: ___________________________________ Date: _______________

Please mail / fax the above form completely filled to the Secretary of KOJAIN:

Nimesh Chheda 422 Hill view Dr Apt 202 Linthicum MD, USA

Fax: 001-410-895-7508 (email: Nimesh. [email protected])



KOJAIN Entrepreneur Workshop

KOJAIN organized entrepreneurship workshop during Oct 1 (evening) – Oct 2 (all day) in Laurel, Maryland was a grand success. 70+ participants, speakers, volunteers and guests attended the workshop and gained insight into starting a business. The idea of the entrepreneurship session originated during July 14 – 16, 2006 sammelan in Washington D. C. Area. A session was dedicated to the entrepreneurship. The session generated a great interest and requests came to expand the session in future. A one day Entrepreneurship Program took place on August 1, 2008 as a precursor to the Sammelan during August 2 – 3, 2008 in Detroit Area. About 200 persons came to attend on August 1, 2008. A stand alone Entrepreneur Workshop idea was being toyed around for a long time and finally the Entrepreneurship Workshop took place during October 2010 with everyone’s support, help, cooperation and encouragement. The team made the Entrepreneur Workshop successful with a vision, goal, talent, connection, hard work, support and cooperation. KOJAIN Board was represented by Navin Dedhia (President), Manish Mota (Vice President), Nimesh Chheda (Secretary), Manoj Dharamsi (Region 7 Director) and Vijay Chheda (Past President). Entrepreneurship requires thinking unthinkable or thinking outside the box. Looking around for ideas and using creative approaches, a new business model can be created. An entrepreneur follows dream, pursues an opportunity, and takes charge of his own destiny. An entrepreneur brings something of value to the society, makes a job for himself and for others, and creates wealth that benefits family, community, country and the world. He is a believer of high thinking and implementation. He seeks support and guidance when needed. He has natural entrepreneurial guts, positive attitude and shows spirituality in actions. He is a highly goal oriented person with a multitasking cool brain and understanding of fiscal policy and economics and is very adoptive and flexible. Charles Darwin had said: ‘It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.’ Traditional approaches to services & products may have worked in the past are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of a changing marketplace. Along with the registration package, participants received a KOJAIN Workshop Souvenir and Rich Dad’s book on ‘Before You Quit Your Job’, authored by Robert T. Kiyosaki with Sharon L. Lechter. The colorful 36 page entrepreneur workshop souvenir contains articles on entrepreneurship, bio data of speakers and Kachchhi Business Directory of 46 business owners in North America. It is estimated that about 200 Kachchhi community persons own the businesses in North America. The Workshop topics covered wide range of subjects from the basics of entrepreneurships to the specific industries. Speakers presented varieties of topics on Words of Wisdom on Entrepreneurship, Historical Perspective and Kachchhi Entrepreneurial Spirit, Entrepreneurial Workshop & IT Opportunity, Taxation and Financial Planning, and the Specific Businesses such as Restaurants, Fast Food Franchises, Hotel/Motel, Retail Shops, Check Cashing, Available Resources and Business Opportunities in India. During the two days of the event, thought provoking presentations were provided by 14 speakers. Attendees were amazed with the speakers’ knowledge, experience and the information provided during the questions-answers period. Valuable tips, advice, tools and methodology were part of the speeches. Emphasis was placed on where to focus and communication. Planning for the unexpected was also stressed. A message from Gautam Prakash (Maryland), opening speaker on Oct 1, was to focus on the undeveloped (white spaces) markets and not to lose conviction and passion to survive. Vivek Maru (Washington D. C.) described his experience in Sierra Leon (African Country) on Social Entrepreneurship. ‘Results first and recognition will follow’ was his message. He also stressed to maintain an experimental spirit along with innovation, flexibility and adoptive nature. Anil Shah (Massachusetts) summarized nuts and bolts of entrepreneurship in his speech. His advice was to follow with passion along with concrete goals and do what you love. Importance of Income planning and sequence of return on invested money was key message from Harak Gala (Maryland). Kevin Manning (Massachusetts) stated to look for the niche market and product differentiation to succeed. A very cool example of a franchise operation was demonstrated by Dhavni Vyas (Maryland). Rajeev Chopra (California) summarized that success requires sacrifices, hard work, focus, perseverance, planning, action and execution. Lisa Vora (Maryland) and Amit Vora (Maryland) defined entrepreneurs as those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to use both to their advantage. They also said always seek advice and guidance from others. Organized information and planning ahead are key to the success. Rajesh Rayonia (Massachusetts) in his Retail Business speech said that an employee is not a ‘worker’ or a ‘nokar’ but is a help provider. He said to avoid dynamic and competitive businesses such as video store, restaurant, health food and specialty store, clothing and accessory store, card and gift store kind of businesses. Vasant Chheda (New Jersey) and Bhavi Vora (Maryland) said that check cashing is a highly regulated service business. Haresh Chheda’s



(India) opening remarks were ‘farming is the best, business is medium and job is the worst’. Upcoming sectors in India with potential growth are infrastructure (power, road, bridges, and telecommunication), health care (preventive care), education, information technology, fast moving consumer goods, real estate and finance.

KOJAIN Entrepreneur Workshop Oct 1 Opening KOJAIN Entrepreneur Workshop Guest Speaker Speaker Gautam Prakash (Second from left) with Haresh Kunvarji Chheda (Third from left) of Ghalla & Program Committee Members and Volunteers Bhansali, Chartered Accountants, Mumbai, India

KOJAIN Entrepreneur Workshop Oct 2 Speakers KOJAIN Entrepreneur Workshop Washington D. C. Area Volunteers with Program Committee Members Kachchhi community has business instincts in their blood. Looking into the past, many of our ancestors had farming business in Kachchh. As times changed, some ventured out of Kachchh in search of other business opportunities. Initially many settled in Mumbai and started to do the business as retail grain merchant. Later on some changed to clothing business. Still majority are grain merchant or clothing business owners. Lately, many are steel utensil retail shop owners, residential and commercial builders, manufacturers of raw materials and finished goods, and other kinds of odd business owners. Compared to other community, it is estimated that 60 – 70 % Kachchhi Community members are business owners in India. Kachchhi Community is considered a very affluent society amongst Jains in India. After migrating from Kachchh to Mumbai, a next wave of Kachchhis came to North America during 1960’s and



1970’s. Initial immigrants were engineers and doctors. Some of them after working few years in industry, jumped into businesses and became very successful business owners. Currently Kachchhi Business persons in North America own hotel/motels, retail stores, franchise operations, IT business, engineering/architect consulting firm, investment and mortgage broker, check cashing business, tax consulting and other businesses. Workshop Program Planning Committee Chair Anil Shah (Massachusetts) with the support from the Advisory members Mayur Chheda, Vijay Chheda, Anand Gangar, Akshay Shah and Navin Dedhia presented the best show to the attendees. Kalaben and Bhavi Jain handled Registration and communication tasks with attendees and KOJAIN. Amit Vora hosted the Workshop at his business facility and accommodated all requirements and requests. Nayan Shah, Kunal Rambhia, Jaideep Shah and Navin Vora produced a colorful 36 pages Souvenir in a very short time. Washington D. C. Area local volunteers Gunvantiben Bhavsar, Manoj Dharamsi, Meeta & Kanti Gangar, Vasant Gala, Kala & Bhavi Jain, Nalini & Harak Gala, Nirmala & Navin Vora, Bhavi Vora, Amit Vora and other members helped in all logistic support and make attendees feel at ease and at home. Harshad Dharod & Family from California were sponsored the workshop meals. Errors and omissions are unintentional and are deeply regretted. A great amount of effort went into making Oct 1 – 2, 2010 Workshop the best ever. Everyone including speakers, Program Committee Members, volunteers and KOJAIN Board Members contributed whole-heartedly. The Workshop would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of all. Program Committee wished attendees to take one good idea from the workshop to make a difference in their lives. When this happens the Program Committee would consider being rewarded for the job well done.

Program Committee Chair Anil Shah Navin Dedhia and Anil Shah with Vivek Maru, who spoke on addressing the audience on entrepreneurship Social Entrepreneurship and IT industry



ASQ Inspection Division Scholarship

ASQ (American Society for Quality) Inspection offers scholarships to the qualified candidates. Scholarship information is given below. Visit the ASQ Inspection Division Website at http://asq.org/inspect/index.html or http://asq.org/inspect/about/awards-inspect.html for additional information and the application form. The deadline to send the completed application is February 15, 2011. For assistance in application submission Item 1. e) contact: Navin S. Dedhia at 408-629-1723. Eligibility Requirements 1. The applicant must be nominated/sponsored by a member of the Inspection Division. Inspection Division members may

sponsor themselves. 2. The applicant must be a graduating high school student or an undergraduate or graduate college student already enrolled

in an accredited college or university. 3. The applicant’s course selection and academic performance must meet the entrance requirements of an accredited college

or university.

Application Submission 1. The scholarship application must include the following:

a) A completed Inspection Division’s Scholarship Application. Applications will be available to all members of the Inspection Division.

b) An original essay, written by the applicant, of not less than 750 words on how you can utilize your degree to enhance quality.

c) The most recent transcript of the applicant's high school or college record. The transcript must be signed by the school’s principal/dean, guidance counselor, registrar or an authorized alternate.

d) A letter of acceptance or, if applicable, a letter of good standing from an accredited college or university. e) A copy of the sponsor’s current membership card.

2. The original application and the other items listed above must be received by the Inspection Division’s Scholarship Committee Chair on or before February 15.

From : Nimesh S. Chheda Please send Change of Address/Updates to [email protected] 422 Hill view Dr., Apt # 202 Linthicum, MD 21090

secretary, kojain 422 hillview dr, apt 202 linthicum, md ... · happy grandparents arejiten and...

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