In Aligarh, U.P., India have been created to spread the Jain teachings and message of GOOD LIVING by encouraging Satya (truth), Ahinsa (nonviolence), Achaurya (non stealing), Brahmacharya (Celibacy), Aparigraha (non-attachment) & Shakahar (vegetarianism), thus to achieve peace and tranquility in life
Spread over 80 thousand sq. yards, this unique Temple Complex gives a magnificent look and daily attracts thousands of people. For the making of this Architectural Marvel, people of all walks of life have generously contributed without considering religion or nationality. This Social Service Centre, located on Aligarh – Agra Highway is committed to change the lives of thousands of people living in the surrounding villages.
In addition to marvelous temples, Teerthdham Mangalayatan houses a Hospital for primary medication & Student’s Hostel to impart academic as well as religious education to children. Here the Research Centre is equipped to collect study & preserve rare calligraphed literatures and has a good collection in its library. Publication Section of the Teerthdham regularly brings out CDs, Cassettes & books. Its monthly magazine ‘MANGALAYATAN’ has a wide popularity not only in India but abroad also. A mirror of these activities and much more is available at www.mangalayatan.com & www.mangalayatan.info.
Recently the Government of Uttar Pradesh has passed the bill, Mangalayatan University Uttar Pradesh Act, 2006 by which we have been granted permission to start Mangalayatan University in Aligarh. All promoters of Mangalayatan University are distinguished personalities from different fields and all efforts are being made to establish Mangalayatan University as one of the finest Universities of world around.
To promote national integration and secularism, the Trust has established Bhagwan Aadinath Vidyaniketan (a students’ hostel with an existing capacity of 100 students) four years back. It provides free quality education, boarding and lodging to school children from all over the country regardless of religion, caste or creed.
During first year 26 children were admitted in Bhagwan Aadinath Vidyaniketan. In the second year the number was increased to 62 and in third year 76 admissions were made. Major admission criteria are financial background and general intelligence. For academic excellence of these students, the Trust has tied up with Delhi Public School, Aligarh, one of the finest English medium Schools of this area as well as Shri K.L. Jain Inter College for Hindi medium students.
At present about 100 needy children from all parts of the country are staying in Bhagwan Aadinath Vidyaniketan and getting their education starting from class IXth. Out of this, 86 children are staying in Bhagwan Aadinath Vidyaniketan and studying in classes IXth to XIIth; eight students doing Engineering, three students are preparing for IAS & IPS; three students are doing coaching for IIT/CAT and three students are doing Graduation. Expenses of these children are being borne by the Society for their studies, food & education.
Aside from academic education, the Trust imparts moral education, yoga and meditation with special emphasis on ethical living, discipline, national integration and secularism.
In coming years, students of Bhagwan Aadinath Vidyaniketan will continue their higher studies in Mangalayatan University and come out as an asset to the Society.
Every year we admit 20 children of class IX in Bhagwan Aadinath Vidyaniketan. Total expenditure on a student for his eight years of studies, which includes Engineering or Medical, is approx. Rs. 3.60 lacs to Rs. 4.00 lacs ($8-10K, USD), depending on the professional courses.
We will provide brief details and a photograph of the student to the Sponsor. Also we will give feed back on the performance of the student at regular intervals.
Break up of the expenditure is as under –
- Rs.30, 000 ($700) per year for the Ist 4 years (IX, X, XI & XII)
- Rs.60, 000 to Rs.70, 000 ($1500-1700) per year for Eng./Med. For 4 years
All donations to Teerthdham Mangalaytan & Bhagwan Aadinath Vidyaniketan are exempted from Income Tax Act u/s 80G
Why Bhagwan Aadinath Vidyaniketan is an Important Partner?
What we are doing here is not to create another stand alone program but to partner with this institution to add the number of new students by say 15-20 for which they have complete infrastructure (lodging, boarding, Schooling, moral education, medical, transportation).
In this way, this addition to the program can be accomplished right away as soon as the donors are there.
For this meager sum ($500/year) we plan to involve mostly our young Jain professionals who need to get involved with these kinds of projects.