Dr. Girish Shah (Samast Mahajan)

In the Bachchan family’s 2021 Diwali photograph, a striking painting of a bull by Manjit Bawa hangs behind the family. Seeing the bull given such a prominent place made me think of the living animals that have served our farmers for generations. (indianexpress.com⁠, indianexpress.com⁠) My humble appeal to the Government of India is to work with the States to frame a national policy to stop the slaughter of bulls and bullocks, support farmers who care for them, and provide lifelong care for animals that can no longer work. Article 48 of our Constitution calls on the State to take steps to prohibit the slaughter of cows, calves and other milch and draught cattle. That commitment should be backed by practical support at the village level. (legislative.gov.in⁠) * Put healthy bullocks to work where farmers need them. Support village groups and farmer cooperatives that share trained bullock teams and suitable implements for sowing, weeding, light tillage and farm transport. Provide regular veterinary care, well-fitted harnesses, and adequate rest and water. * Help farmers earn from dung. Organise village-level collection and link farmers, Gaushalas and Panjarapoles with composting and biogas projects. A reliable payment for dung can help meet the cost of fodder and care. * Protect bulls and bullocks from slaughter. Work with States to strengthen safeguards under their cattle preservation laws and enforce protections against illegal transport and slaughter. Give farmers a funded, humane way to surrender animals they can no longer care for. * Provide lifelong care. Support Gaushalas and Panjarapoles with per-animal funding, fodder, water and veterinary services for aged, injured and abandoned cattle. An animal’s right to care continues when its working life ends. Let us give farmers the means to care for these animals and give every bull and bullock a life free from cruelty. जीवदया • किसान कल्याण • ग्राम स्वावलंबन Girish shah Member, Animal Welfare Board of India Managing Trustee, Samast Mahajan

Dear Jayantibhai and Mukeshbhai, Jai Jinendra! 🙏 It was a pleasure to meet you both. Your commitment to serving society through your respective work is truly heartwarming. Jayantibhai, your impartial and fearless coverage of Mumbai’s diamond industry through Parasmani deserves heartfelt appreciation. By giving space to the concerns of both traders and diamond artisans, you have kept journalism connected with the people it serves. Your dedication to truth and tireless enthusiasm continue to inspire us. Mukeshbhai Babulal, your philanthropic spirit and dedication to caring for the Bhandup Ashram are deeply admirable. Giving your time, taking responsibility and attending to an institution’s needs with compassion are meaningful expressions of service. You bring these values to life through your actions. One serves society through a pen committed to truth, and the other through a heart devoted to service. Both contributions are precious. May you both be blessed with good health, long lives and continued strength to serve society. 🙏 With warm regards and respect, Girish Shah Samast Mahajan

A welcome decision—let Maharashtra now lead the world in compassionate veterinary care I sincerely appreciate the Maharashtra Government’s decision to increase the monthly internship allowance for veterinary students from ₹11,000 to ₹18,000. This encouragement will support young veterinarians and strengthen their commitment to serving animals and livestock keepers. This welcome step also presents an opportunity to address the larger need for veterinary education and animal healthcare. Maharashtra has 330.80 lakh livestock, apart from poultry birds. Against this enormous responsibility, the available figures indicate: 11,636 registered veterinary doctors, as on 31 March 2025—not all necessarily engaged in active field treatment. Approximately 4,000 government livestock supervisors/para-veterinary personnel, according to reported workforce estimates. 153 deployed mobile veterinary units—73 under the state scheme and 80 under the centrally supported scheme. 864 annual BVSc & AH admission seats across the existing and newly added colleges. These represent future training capacity; they do not mean 864 doctors are already graduating every year. These numbers underline the need to expand both veterinary training and accessible treatment, especially in villages, Gaushalas, Panjarapoles and animal shelters. I humbly request the Maharashtra Government to develop world-class veterinary university infrastructure in Mumbai, building upon Mumbai Veterinary College and its existing Aarey–Goregaon campus. The college’s historical records refer to approximately 146 acres; the Government may verify the present landholding and prepare a comprehensive development plan. Let this become an institution combining the highest standards of veterinary science with Bharat’s timeless values of Ahimsa, Jeevdaya and compassion for every living being. The development should include: Expanded undergraduate and postgraduate education, with qualified faculty and strong practical training. A comprehensive animal hospital with round-the-clock emergency care, advanced diagnostics, surgery, rehabilitation and affordable treatment. Dedicated training for para-vets, ambulance teams and Gaushala/Panjarapole caregivers. Research and teaching in pain relief, preventive healthcare, animal welfare and alternatives to animal experimentation. Partnerships with shelters and rural veterinary services, so that academic excellence directly benefits animals in need. International fellowships and collaborations that bring students and professionals from across the world to learn in Bharat. The campus should develop with respect for Aarey’s ecology, its trees and the communities living there. Let the world come to Bharat to learn not only how to treat animals, but how to care for them with compassion, dignity and respect for life. Maharashtra can create an institution that serves our farmers, strengthens veterinary science and gives a voice to animals who cannot speak for themselves. Girish Shah Member, Animal Welfare Board of India Managing Trustee, Samast Mahajan

Dear Congresswoman-elect Pia Dandiya, Jai Jinendra! Heartiest congratulations on your election to the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida’s 22nd Congressional District. Your journey from the classroom to Congress is a source of pride for Jains across Bharat and around the world. What makes your achievement especially meaningful to me is that you began as a teacher. You know firsthand how much a child’s future can change when someone believes in them and gives them the chance to learn. Your journey reminds me of Bhagwan Rushabhdev, the first Tirthankara, whom Jain tradition remembers as the first teacher of our present era. He taught his daughter Brahmi the art of writing and his daughter Sundari mathematics. He is credited with introducing a hundred practical skills for daily life and teaching 64 kalas to women and 72 kalas to men. At the heart of his teaching was Ahimsa — learning to live with care so that our actions cause as little harm as possible to any living being. May you bring that spirit to your service in the United States. May your office open doors for children whose talents might otherwise go unseen, ease the hardships of families whose voices are too often unheard, and extend compassion to animals and birds. The patience and care you brought to the classroom will serve you well in Congress. On behalf of Samast Mahajan, I warmly invite you to Mumbai, Bharat. It would be our privilege to bring together members of the Jain community from across India to felicitate you and hear what your years as a teacher have taught you about public service. सबका कल्याण हो। May there be well-being for all. With warm regards and best wishes, Girish Shah Managing Trustee, Samast Mahajan Member, Animal Welfare Board of India

Dear Dr. Amish Shah, Jai Jinendra ! Heartiest congratulations on your election to the U.S. House of Representatives from Arizona’s 1st Congressional District. As the first Jain American elected to the U.S. Congress, you have given the Jain community in Bharat and across the world a moment of great pride. As you take on this responsibility, I have a humble appeal rooted in the Jain legacy of Ahimsa and Jeevdaya. Please use your voice and the trust people have placed in you to help spare crores of animals and birds from needless slaughter and cruelty. As a physician, you have devoted your work to relieving suffering. In Congress, may you carry that same compassion into public service and ease the hardships of people who have too often gone unheard. “સવિ જીવ કરું શાસન રસી” — Savi Jiv Karu Shashan Rasi. May all living beings be drawn to the compassionate path of the Jinas. “सबका कल्याण हो।” May there be well-being for all. On behalf of Samast Mahajan, I warmly invite you to visit Mumbai, Bharat. It would be our privilege to bring together members of the Jain community from across Bharat to felicitate you. Your visit would also give us an opportunity to sit together and discuss how we can advance Jeevdaya through practical cooperation. I look forward to welcoming you to Mumbai. May your years of public service bring relief to those who suffer and greater protection to the lives entrusted to our care. With warm regards and best wishes, Girish Shah Managing Trustee, Samast Mahajan Member, Animal Welfare Board of India

It was a pleasure to welcome Shri Gurudatta ji, a renowned Vastu Shastri, to the Samast Mahajan office today. What I admire most about Gurudatta ji is his command of the Sanskrit shastras. When he explains a principle of Vastu, he can recite the relevant shloka from memory and show how it applies to the home or office . I have been fortunate to receive his guidance for all my homes and offices over the years. A verse from the Bhagavad Gita (18.46) that Gurudatta ji shares in his WhatsApp status feels especially fitting. स्वकर्मणा तमभ्यर्च्य सिद्धिं विन्दति मानवः। By worshipping the Divine through one’s own work, a person attains perfection. I see that spirit in the care with which he studies, practises, and shares Vastu Shastra. Thank you, Gurudatta ji, for visiting Samast Mahajan today and for the thoughtful guidance you have given me over the years. 🙏 Girish Jayantilal Shah Managing Trustee, Samast Mahajan

🇮🇳 राष्ट्र प्रथम—सशक्त बेटियाँ, सशक्त भारत! आज जयपुर में नचिकेता गुरुकुल के प्रतिभा विकास शिविर में राजस्थान के सातों संभागों से चयनित 1,000 प्रतिभाशाली बेटियों से संवाद करूँगा। भगवान ऋषभदेव की पुत्रियों ब्राह्मी और सुंदरी की ज्ञान-परंपरा तथा जीवनोपयोगी दस कलाओं से प्रेरणा लेकर शिक्षा, संस्कार, स्वावलंबन और राष्ट्रसेवा पर अपने विचार साझा करूँगा। मेरा संदेश है—अपनी प्रतिभा निखारें, आत्मनिर्भर बनें और “राष्ट्र प्रथम” के संकल्प के साथ एक सक्षम, संवेदनशील और सशक्त भारत के निर्माण में योगदान दें। 📍 आदर्श विद्या मंदिर, किरण पथ, मानसरोवर, जयपुर 📅 2 नवम्बर 2026 बेटियाँ आगे बढ़ेंगी—भारत सशक्त बनेगा!

🙏 195 Years of Jeevdaya—A New Chapter of Compassion Today, I had the privilege of joining the foundation stone ceremony for the new 36,000 sq. ft. modern animal shelter at Shri Mehsana Panjarapole, an institution serving animals since 1831. Blessed by Param Pujya Acharya Shri Jineshratnasurishwarji Maharaj Saheb, the occasion brought together many dignitaries, trustees, donors and Jeevdaya lovers in a shared commitment to caring for animals. My heartfelt appreciation to the trustees, organising team and every supporter taking this proud legacy forward. Every brick laid today carries a promise of shelter, care and dignity for animals. 🙏 Girish Shah Member, Animal Welfare Board of India Managing Trustee, Samast Mahajan

Respected Shrimati Nita Ambani ji, Heartfelt congratulations on the foundation of Nita Mukesh Ambani Anant Ashray—a beautiful expression of compassion, dignity and lifelong responsibility. Your vision addresses one of a parent’s deepest concerns: “Who will care for my child when I am no longer here?” To offer families hope in the face of that uncertainty is an extraordinary act of humanity. Envisioning a loving home for over 5,000 children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities—with healthcare, companionship, education and opportunities to fulfil their potential—reflects remarkable sensitivity and foresight. The finest expression of philanthropy is to make every person feel: “I belong. I am valued. My life has purpose.” Anant Ashray carries that promise. As someone devoted to Jeevdaya and service, I deeply appreciate this commitment to caring for vulnerable lives. May this noble beginning inspire many more institutions and families across Bharat to serve with the same compassion. With heartfelt appreciation and warm wishes, Girish Shah Member, Animal Welfare Board of India Managing Trustee, Samast Mahajan @Neeta.AMBANI

🙏 A warm invitation to all Jeevdaya lovers I will be attending today’s foundation stone ceremony for the new 36,000 sq. ft. modern animal shelter at Shri Mehsana Panjarapole. Please join us in this compassionate initiative to serve and shelter animals. 📅 Today, 1 November 🕘 9–11 AM 📍 Shri Mehsana Panjarapole, Radhanpur Road, Mehsana — Girish Shah, Samast Mahajan 🙏

Felicitation of Varshaben Doshi at Tapovan School It was a pleasure to attend today’s ceremony at Tapovan School to felicitate Smt. Varshaben Doshi on her appointment as National Vice President of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to her as she takes on this important responsibility. The occasion was graced by Deputy Mayor Smt. Anjuben, former Mayor Smt. Pratibhaben, Shri Mahendrabhai of Ahmedabad Mahasangh, and several respected corporators. My sincere thanks to the trustees of Tapovan School, Shri Rajubhai and Shri Mukeshbhai Patel, for their warm hospitality. The presence of Shri Rakeshbhai and Monaben, son and daughter of the school’s principal donor, Shri Bhikhabhai, made the occasion even more special. We gratefully acknowledge their family’s generous contribution to education. Special appreciation and heartfelt thanks to Shri Abhaybhai for coordinating the programme with dedication. Wishing Varshaben every success as she continues to serve society and the nation through her new responsibility. Girish Shah Samast Mahajan

Today We Lay the Foundation — Tomorrow Dreams Will Rise The sacred Bhoomi Poojan performed at Palitana represents much more than the commencement of construction. It symbolises the hopes, prayers and aspirations of families who dream of owning a home. May every home built on this land become a place of happiness, harmony, security and self-respect. Today, we have performed the Bhoomi Poojan. Tomorrow, may this very land witness families proudly entering homes they can call their own. What a beautiful blessing that would be!

A Home Is More Than Four Walls and a Roof A home is built with a mother’s love, a father’s hard work, the laughter of children and the values passed from one generation to another. Every mother dreams of raising her children in a safe and secure home. Every father wishes to give his family stability and a sense of belonging. Through Palitana Awas Yojana, we hope to help families turn these deeply cherished dreams into reality. When we help one family own a home, we help create security and confidence for generations to come.

A Home Is More Than Four Walls and a Roof A home is built with a mother’s love, a father’s hard work, the laughter of children and the values passed from one generation to another. Every mother dreams of raising her children in a safe and secure home. Every father wishes to give his family stability and a sense of belonging. Through Palitana Awas Yojana, we hope to help families turn these deeply cherished dreams into reality. When we help one family own a home, we help create security and confidence for generations to come.

When Society Comes Together, Dreams Become Reality An individual can dream, but when an entire community joins hands, countless dreams can become reality. The Palitana Awas Yojana is a wonderful example of collective responsibility and social cooperation. Through Siddhachal Heights LLP, with the support of Samast Mahajan, we are working towards helping families without their own homes become homeowners through interest-free financial assistance. The greatest wealth of any society is not its money, but its willingness to support one another. Let us build a society where every hardworking family has an opportunity to live with dignity.

Divine Blessings — The Greatest Strength Behind Every Noble Initiative The blessings of our revered Gurubhagwants are the true inspiration behind this meaningful initiative. During the Bhoomi Poojan ceremony at Palitana, we had the privilege of receiving their blessings and guidance. Our heartfelt aspiration is that families who have never owned a house should also experience the happiness, security and dignity of having a home of their own. When compassion becomes a commitment, and commitment receives divine blessings, beautiful transformations become possible.

MY CONVERSATION WITH SHRI ANANT AMBANI: A VISION FOR EVERY GAUSHALA TO BECOME A “MINI VANTARA” During my interaction with Shri Anant Ambani ji at Vantara, I placed before him a heartfelt request on behalf of the countless people serving animals across Bharat: Let us empower every Gaushala, Panjarapole and animal-welfare organisation to become a “mini Vantara”—a dependable centre of compassion, shelter and quality care. Across our country, dedicated trustees, donors, veterinarians and Gau Sevaks work tirelessly for animals in distress. Many face daily struggles with fodder, water, treatment, infrastructure and funding. With expert guidance and sustained support, their service can reach so many more lives. I requested Anant ji to guide and motivate these organisations, share Vantara’s knowledge with them, and support constructive engagement with government authorities to strengthen animal-welfare policies and their implementation across Bharat. His response gave me tremendous hope. During our conversation, Anant ji shared that his animal-care initiatives were already caring for approximately nine lakh Govansh, supported by around 100 animal ambulances. He also expressed his willingness to send teams to animal-welfare organisations across the country to understand their needs, guide them and help strengthen their work. For me, this was a deeply encouraging exchange: an opportunity to connect the dedication of grassroots organisations with the expertise and resources needed to expand their impact. This video, officially shared by Vantara, captures a glimpse of my conversation with Anant ji and his interactions with fellow Gau Sevaks. What touched me most was his willingness to listen. Despite his substantial business responsibilities, he makes time to understand the suffering of animals and the challenges faced by those caring for them. His personal involvement deserves heartfelt appreciation. This spirit can inspire a much larger national movement. My appeal to industrialists and philanthropists in Bharat and around the world: let us make compassion a sustained, organised commitment. Adopt a Gaushala. Support a veterinary team. Strengthen an existing Panjarapole. Help a village secure its water and fodder. Invest in the people who are already serving. My vision is to bring this approach to Bharat’s approximately 6.5 lakh villages, through rainwater harvesting, grassland development, indigenous tree plantations, organic farming and dependable animal care. With communities, philanthropists, experts and administrations working together, let us set ourselves a five-year mission to make measurable progress towards self-reliant villages and dignified care for animals. I offer my wholehearted support to Anant ji and the Vantara team in taking this shared purpose forward. Let every Gaushala become stronger. Let every village become more self-reliant. Let no animal be left without care. Let compassion become everyone’s responsibility. Please share this conversation and its message. May it inspire more people across the world to turn concern for animals into lasting action. Dr. Girish Jayantilal Shah Member, Animal Welfare Board of India Managing Trustee, Samast Mahajan

🏡 A Home of One’s Own — A Dream Every Family Deserves! Every family dreams of having a home it can proudly call its own — a place of security, happiness, dignity and belonging. With the divine blessings of revered Jain Acharyas and Sadhu-Sadhviji Bhagwants, the Bhoomi Poojan of Palitana Awas Yojana, undertaken by Siddhachal Heights LLP with the support of Samast Mahajan, was performed on the sacred land of Palitana. The objective is to help families who do not own a house acquire a home of their own through interest-free loans. This is not merely the beginning of a construction project. It is the beginning of a journey towards self-respect, stability and brighter futures. We are not simply building houses. We are helping families build their dreams

🙏 Rushabhayan 3.0 — Connecting Our Heritage with Food Security We had the pleasure of inviting Smt. Nimuben Bambhaniya ji, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, to Rushabhayan 3.0. In Jain tradition, Bhagwan Rushabhdev taught Asi, Masi and Krishi — protection, writing and agriculture, guiding society towards organised livelihoods and self-reliance. Her association holds special relevance because food security, responsible consumption and respect for our food providers connect closely with this heritage. Today, we can carry that inspiration forward through organic farming, soil conservation and compassionate agriculture. 📅 27–29 November 2026 📍 Navlakhi Ground, Vadodara, Gujarat