Anuj Shah - anuj@convention.youngjains.org.uk
Ashik Shah - ashik@convention.youngjains.org.uk
Bansi Malde - bansi@convention.youngjains.org.uk
Dilesh Haria - dilesh@convention.youngjains.org.uk
Jigna Malde - jigna@convention.youngjains.org.uk
Kewal Shah - kewal@convention.youngjains.org.uk
Preena Shah - preena@convention.youngjains.org.uk
Priti Shah - priti@convention.youngjains.org.uk
Priya Kothari - priya@convention.youngjains.org.uk
Rishma Shah - rishma@convention.youngjains.org.uk
Shaileen Shah - shaileen@convention.youngjains.org.uk
Suraj Shah - suraj@convention.youngjains.org.uk

Anuj Shah

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Ashik Shah

Ashik Shah has been an active member of Young Jains since 1999, and is currently a member of its NEC. He is particularly active in the areas of Jain Dharma Training and content development for events and conventions. He has presented at three Young Jains conventions. Ashik was also a member of the Young Jains of America Executive Board in 1993-5, and was involved in planning, and presented at, the first YJA convention in 1994. Ashik is a trustee of Raj Saubhag Satsang Mandal UK, and an active member, organising regular swadhyay sessions and shibirs. He takes guidance in his spiritual growth from his guru, Shri Nalinkant Kothari, Param Pujya Bhaishree. Professionally, Ashik is in the investment business.

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Bansi Malde

I first came across Young Jains when I attended Tasting the Mango 2 -6th Young Jains International Convention in 2004. Though I was brought up in a fairly religious family, the keynote sessions and workshops at the Convention really changed my perception of Jain Dharma and inspired me to delve deeper into its rich philosophy. I have since been actively involved in Young Jains events since late 2007 and was the Media Officer on the YJ Executive Committee for 2008-09.

I have shared insights from Jain Dharma at a number of Young Jains workshops, including a session entitled “Chocolate Cake and the Meaning of Life” at the Jains UK Mahavir Janma Kalyanak 2009 celebrations. I really enjoyed Tasting the Mango 2 and am very excited to be part of the team planning the Bridging the Gap Convention. I am looking forward to meeting you all in July (or before).

Beyond Young Jains, I attend a weekly swadhyay in the City with other aspirants. Professionally, I work as a economist at a leading research institute.

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Dilesh Haria

I graduated from St John's College, Cambridge University with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. I now work in music production and engineering, as well as running and working in a graphic design company. Whilst at Cambridge, I was President of the Cambridge University Young Jains Society as well as acitvely invovled in the Hindu and Cultural socities. Whilst studying in a year abroad at MIT, I was also involved in the Religious and Cultural societies in Boston, as well as participating in several community service events, including National Gandhi Day of Service. I am currently a very active volunteer for Young Jains UK and Shishukunj (an international organisation dedicated to the welfare and holistic development of children.)

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Jigna Malde

My first experience of Young Jains was at the Tasting the Mango 2 Convention in 2004. This opened my eyes to the fact that there is more to Jain Dharma than the blind practice of rituals. In the past year, I have volunteered at numerous Young Jains events including the Jain Dharma Training sessions and the Bridging the Gap – A One Day Conference held in November 2008. I am very excited about the forthcoming convention, particularly working with the dynamic, knowledgeable and enthusiastic team and sharing Jain Dharma in a fun-filled, innovative and interactive manner.

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Kewal Shah

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Preena Shah

More info coming soon...

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Priti Shah

I've been a member of Young Jains since it started and have the good fortune to be part of many of the volunteer teams; allowing me to explore the faith, work with fantastic people and realize my own talents.

I've been part of the last 6 convention planning teams and have co-led previous conventions. I've relished the opportunity to grow personally. Like a pebble thrown into still water creates wider and wider ripples, I know that the value of conventions continues to benefit more and more people.

I'm a past President of the Young Jains and passionately believe that the organization is open, encouraging, providing a welcoming atmosphere to everyone. This is created by the people active in the organization, as they continue to deepen their understanding of Tirthankar Bhagwan, and seek personal transformation.

I've also represented the Jain faith on BBC Radio, the National Interfaith Network, and at various local Interfaith Groups.

Team Involvement: Newsletter Editor, Raas Garba, first ever Paryushan Parva celebrations, International Conventions, Shibirs, Jain Dharma Training, Interfaith Retreats.

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Priya Kothari

I have been an active volunteer with Young Jains for nearly 10 years. I started my exploration of Jain dharma by attending Shri Chandana Vidyapeeth (SCVP) Jain classes where I was inspired both by the dharma and by the dedication of a phenomenal group of teachers. So much so, that when I finished studying at the school, I sought out an organisation where I could have the opportunity to continue learning and give back - and that's exactly what YJ is about!

I have worked on a range of projects, including the TTM I and II conventions (of which I am particularly proud of the Jain Jigsaws built in my living room!), and represented YJ at UK events such as the National Ahimsa Day, and global events such as the JAINA and YJA conventions in America. As the founding President of the Cambridge University Young Jains Society, and then as Young Jains Student coordinator, I supported the development of a Jain student network which has nodes across the country and allowed students away from home to keep in touch with Jain dharma.

I am particularly enthusiastic about our new Jain dharma training programme, and our aim to develop Jain leaders of tomorrow who can confidently share Jain dharma to add tremendous value to their own lives and those around them.

I look forward to meeting each and every one of you at the Convention!

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Rishma Shah

More info coming soon...

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Shaileen Shah

I have actively been involved in Young Jains for over 10 years, playing various roles and contributing to the activities of the organisation in meeting the mission statement. Currently I am in the roles of Non-Executive Officer and Co-Lead for the 2009 convention team. Previously I have been on the main Executive Committee in the capacity of President, Vice-President, Newsletter Editor and Training Officer. Through this involvement I have had the opportunity to work with incredible people on teams that developed and delivered conventions, retreats, shibirs, garbas, training sessions and events during the major Jain festivals of Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, Paryushan and Diwali. Represent the organisation and the faith at conferences at the Vatican and Young Jains of America and developed Interfaith Youth Retreats at the Brahma Kumaris Retreat Centre in Oxford.

I have been on convention teams since 1998 and had the pleasure to co-lead the legendary and impactful Tasting the Mango (TTM) activities. Much of this has been inspired by the following quote and vision :

“Be juiced about Jainism; a leader sharing confidently, clearly & enthusiastically Jain philosophy and concepts with others (Family, Friends, School, Work, Community); leading by example; using what they know on a consistent basis to add tremendous value to the quality of their lives and those around them”.

Professionally I work in I.T for an investment bank. I am happily married to Harshna and enjoying my role as dad to Meerav.

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Suraj Shah

Having read an advert in the Oshwal News in 2000 for volunteers to join the Young Jains web team, I thought this would be a great way to make use of my skills whilst serving the community. I remember mum supporting me back then saying that she's heard good things about Young Jains, and that it is a professionally run organisation who are very good with their timekeeping.

My first key experience of Young Jains was the Freeing the Spirit convention in summer 2000 where I remember being welcomed warmly when I was helping to set up the venue before the convention, and was encouraged to be a part of the team throughout the event. This strong foundation led to immersion within Young Jains activites in the following years...

My first key experience of Young Jains was the Freeing the Spirit convention in summer 2000 where I remember being welcomed warmly when I was helping to set up the venue before the convention, and was encouraged to be a part of the team throughout the event. This strong foundation led to immersion within Young Jains activites in the following years...

The 2002 convention "Tasting the Mango" was so innovative and engaging that it inspired me to connect up with the Young Jains EC and work towards setting up the Jain Student Network, which evolved into Young Jains Students.

While I was in my final year at Uni, I joined the Young Jains Executive Committee in 2003 for a couple of years, and served in the roles of Volunteers Officer and Vice-President. Over the years, I have been actively involved in planning, supporting and attending Young Jains retreats, Jain Dharma training workshops, Paryushan events and more.

Beyond Young Jains, I regularly attend swadhyay and use www.livingjain.com to send out daily inspirational quotes which align to my understanding of the Jain path. Professionally, I consult on web marketing strategies for universities, and at home look for ways to enhance my newly married life and through that understand myself better.

website: http://www.surajshah.com
twitter: http://twitter.com/surajshah

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