BY VIREN MAYANI

Inspired by Acharya Chandanaji, Veerayatan-Palitana will house, perhaps the world’s first contemporary, multi-dimensional and technology infused; environment-sustainability museum. Based on “ahimsa” (non-violence) and void of any religious, caste, creed, appearance, age or gender discrimination, “Veerayatan” has for the past 38 years, diligently served the nature’s devastated. 

The Conception: Bhagwan Shri Mahavirswami’s discourses communicate that it is only by preserving nature that we will be able to save our species. It is this theme that is elaborately presented at Veerayatan-Palitana. Life size, moving and communicating mannequins will narrate the transformation of human life-form over the ages and stress the need for co-existence with nature. 

The Acquisition: Of the 100 acres of land required, 48 acres has already been acquired and another 16 acres will be added shortly. There is an unprecedented willingness by people, power and process to help this project and thus within a week, 16M Rupees were raised. The total development is tagged at 100M and includes: boating with a forest experience, a laser-show theater, sustainability museum, vocational training centers, micro-climate management, water cascades and much more.

The Execution: This Veerayatan’s construction is slated to commence in September 2009 and take approximately 500 days for completion in 2011. Acharya Chandanaji is committed to staying in Palitana, to oversee it. Besides displaying the fully interactive Environmental – Sustainability origins of Jainism, it will train the local adults in vocational skills necessary to maintain a respectful life. The Center: will provide a modern / engaging teaching structure and a better understanding of Yoga, and Naturopathy besides making Ayurvedic medicines available for mind-body-spirit improvement.

The Requisition: Needless to state that without monetary support the mission will not meet its planned consecration. More importantly, what is anticipated of the young Indian-American Diaspora is the volunteering of their time and talent with specific reference to technology expertise in: sound systems, water purification and power generation. The young entrepreneur’s views are needed to enhance this project as a unique model for global replication, in order to multiply its understanding. 

* The data was gathered from documents and an informal conversation with Acharya Chandanaji and Sadhavi Shubhamji. For inquiries and/or donations visit: http://www.veerayatan.org
Or reach Raju Shah @ (404)786-1791 / rajuhshah2003@yahoo.com