Our Mission
We are a sub-committee of JAINA that advocates for the universal embrace of the Jain principle of non-violence (Ahimsa), leading to a compassionate and sustainable society that respects and honors the sanctity of all life forms and the environment.
We do this by promoting awareness and adoption of veganism and environmental sustainability as expressions of Jain ethical principles, fostering compassionate action within and beyond the Jain community.
Contact us
Write to communications@jainaevc.org. Or reach out to mayur.shah@jaina.org (Chair) or piyush.jain@jainaoffice.org (Co-Chair). We read all emails.
Committee members
Background
MBA Marketing, MS Finance who worked as a biochemist and a medical science liaison. Having survived a coma, my journey in life, after almost losing it, has led me to try to live, in all ways, an inspired and purpose driven life.
What inspires their work with JAEVC
I feel at ease with my soul with every moment I devote to being a voice for animals and a good steward for the environment.
Piyush Jain
Co-Chair
Sunnyvale, CA
Background
Finance Professional (CPA, CA) with 30+ years of experience. Now retired and enjoying travel, grandchildren and working for nonprofit.
What inspires their work with JAEVC
My passion is to work and contribute towards the cause of animal compassion. I have been vegan since 2009. I joined JAEVC to bring awareness about the benefits of the plant based food and how it contributes to saving animals, improving health and bringing ecological balance to planet earth.
Vaishali Gala
Los Angeles, CA
Payal Mehta
Long Island, NY
Background
Ashni had been rescuing strays in Mumbai for ~5 years when she stumbled upon Luvin Arms through the vegan network.
Browsing through the website and socials, she felt an alignment with our values and approach to animal welfare.
With no preparation beyond pure faith in this Sanctuary’s ethos, she packed her bags and flew to Colorado, ready to volunteer for 1.5 months.
In no time, Ashni realized she was home, and Luvin Arms found a new team member.
Through JAEVC, Ashni shares the stories of Luvin Arms’ 150+ rescued animal residents with the Jain community, hoping to inspire all to consider ahimsa in their daily choices.
What inspires their work with JAEVC
It is very easy to burnout and be disheartened as a vegan in a non-vegan world. Creating community and jivdaya impact are the surest ways to keep alive a hope for the future.
Ruchika Chitrabhanu
Mumbai
Sunny Jain
Houston, TX
Background
I’m a sustainability enthusiast guided by the philosophy of Ahimsa—compassion toward people and the planet. Through conscious lifestyle choices and content, I aim to simplify sustainability and inspire individuals to take small, meaningful steps toward a more responsible and mindful way of living through @esgbites.
What inspires their work with JAEVC
I’m inspired by the ability to turn the philosophy of Ahimsa into real, everyday actions—helping people live more consciously while creating a positive impact on both society and the environment. Being part of this committee allows me to contribute to something meaningful, while also continuously learning and evolving myself. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by people who are equally committed to creating a more mindful and sustainable world.
Ahimsa awakening
As i learned more about the science behind what we consume and what we wear can influence our physical and mental well-being, I became increasingly aware of the impact of everyday choices I made. I’ve always felt a strong sense of compassion toward other living beings, along with a responsibility to care for the Earth and it’s resources. Over time, my actions naturally began to align with both my learnings and my values.
Background
As a deaf Pacific Northwest native who lost his hearing completely at a very young age, reading and academics are my superpowers.
What inspires their work with JAEVC
Connecting with like-minded peers who share a strong belief in the mission to advocate for plant-based conduct as the new baseline for Jain communities worldwide.
Ahimsa awakening
I became aware of ahimsa in my early teenage years when my deep interest in science prompted my grandfather to gift me the English translation of “Science and Religion” by the young Muni Shri Chandrasekharvijayji. That text awakened me to the concept of ahimsa and led me to deep immersion in English translations of many Jain texts; by the time I graduated from high school, I was using cruelty-free soaps, toothpaste, etc. and avoided leather, silk, and consumption of rennet-based cheese. Then in 2014, I read Gurudev Chitrabhanuji’s letter to Lighthouse Center (lhcmeditationcenter.wordpress.com) which exposed me to the violence associated with dairy. That was the catalyst that led me to take the permanent anuvrat (vow) to eliminate all dairy products from my life and to become fully plant-based. I bow down to the venerable Arihants and the acharyas for giving me the darshan (perception) and the jnana (knowledge) to further perfect my charitra (conduct) in accordance to ahimsa paramo dharma.
Haresh Shah
Dr. Jina Shah
New Jersey
Pratik Bhansali
New Jersey
Background
Masters in Computer Science and Masters in Technology. Strategic technical program management leader with 15+ years designing governance, compliance, and execution systems that scale delivery across large, multi-team organizations.
What inspires their work with JAEVC
Jainism and it’s principles
Ahimsa awakening
My Ahimsa awakening happened when I moved from simply believing in non-violence to consciously practicing it through my daily choices.