Celebrates 50 years of community services, 25th anniversary of Jain Temple of Jain Center of Northern California, Milpitas
Sacramento, CA: On June 9, 2025, the California State Assembly and Senate paid homage to the core tenets of Jainism, spotlighting the values of peace and non-violence (Ahimsa), while commemorating the 50 Years of Community Services and 25th anniversary of the Jain Temple of Jain Center of Northern California (JCNC) in Milpitas. The event, led by Former Advisor to President Biden and community leader Ajay Bhutoria and co-hosted by Biren Shah, was warmly hosted by Assemblymember Alex Lee and Senator Dave Cortese, honoring the JCNC’s remarkable legacy of compassion and unity.
The occasion featured a heartfelt recognition on both the Assembly and Senate floors, where Assemblymember Alex Lee praised the JCNC’s role as a pillar of peace in Silicon Valley, and Senator Dave Cortese delivered an inspiring tribute to the center’s extensive contributions to community service. The delegation, comprising esteemed Jain leaders Mayur Patel Deven Shah, Prem Jain, Girish Shah, Dr Parveen Jain PhD, Nitin Shah, Hasu Shah, Bipin Shah, Biren Shah, Mittal Kothari, and Vinita Bhutoria, alongside young Jain Yash Bhutoria, and 30+ Jain community leaders were celebrated for its half-century of impactful work. The event also recognized Assemblymember Ash Kalra, Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel, and other legislators, notably those who championed the bill to establish Diwali as a state holiday.
Ajay Bhutoria shared his appreciation, saying, “In a world today shadowed by chaos, wars, and violence, Jain values and the message of Lord Mahavir and Acharya Mahashraman Ji of non-violence (Ahimsa), compassion, and peace provide an essential path to harmony. I urge the folks protesting against immigration policies to follow the path of Peaceful Protests. The Jain Center of Northern California, Milpitas, has cultivated peace, compassion, unity, and service within the community for over 50 years. I’m truly grateful to have had the privilege of cohosting the JCNC delegation at the State Capitol, hosted by the gracious Assemblymember Alex Lee and Senator Dave Cortese, who honored our community on the Assembly and Senate floors. Your support is invaluable, and we are grateful.”
Cohost Biren Shah also highlighted the JCNC’s 25-year journey, emphasizing the center’s outstanding efforts in promoting interfaith dialogue, providing educational programs for youth, supporting local charities, and organizing community health initiatives. He noted, “The JCNC has been a steadfast beacon of hope, fostering cultural preservation and environmental stewardship through its innovative projects, classes on Jainism, community services activities and mindfulness workshops, which have enriched our community immensely.”
Deven Shah President, Mittal Kothari and Nitin Shah Chair and Cochair of the 25th Anniversary Celebrations Committee thanked state legislatures for recognizing the JCNC.
The event concluded with group pictures on Assembly, Senate floors and a memorable group photo in front of the Capitol Building, capturing a moment of pride for the Jain community and underscoring its growing influence in California’s cultural fabric.
