Here is the judges’ report:

WINNER: We selected Seena Beed’s (12 years old) circular logo because we felt the followings characteristics made it the most usable:

Circle by Seena Beed

1. Everything is contained within the circle, so it will be versatile - it can be used for stationary, printing on tee-shirts, and as individual patches.
2. It contains the full title, initials, and established date within the circle.
3. It links India and America with the 2 flags.

Below are comments on the other 7 entries:

• Trees by Dishal Shah – we likes this logo because it had a link to a family with the tree motif plus it had a very “Indian” flavor. It’s shape seemed to limit how it could be used, for example it would be too difficult to make into patches from this shape.
• Star by Shaam Beed – The large star had a great visual impact, but with the words outside the star and with this shape, it limits reproduction opportunities.
• Rectangle by Bina Beed – This was great shape for reproduction, but seems to USA oriented with such a strong flag background & the text seemed too small.
• Diamond  by Dishal Shah- This was very creative and Dishal’s logic behind Indian and US Flag pattern were inventive, but the green background seemed a little overwhelming and it didn’t incorporate the HOVA initials or established date.
• Circle by Sonya Shah – This circle was very artistic and the circle is a great choice with the 1/2 US and 1/2 Indian flag in the center. However, the full name of the organization was not included.
• Circle with Banner by Ankita Vora – This is attractive, however we felt it was too dark
• Circle by Ankita Vora and Amy Shah – Again, this circle seemed a little too dark and some of the text were covered by the images, so it is hard to reproduce.

Thanks for the challenge and we hope everyone enjoys our choice. It was a good exercise for the entrants, as well!

Veni & Debbie Sumaria

Preface

Jaina scriptures have prescribed six necessary duties for a Jaina householder, which are: sämäyika, chaturvimashati stava, vandanaka, Pratikramana, käyotsarga and pratyäkhyäna. Pratikramana is the central theme of these necessary duties as all the other five are included in it.

It has been a tradition for Swetamber Jains all over the world to do Pratikramana several times a year. The most important being the Samvantsari Pratikramana on the last day of Paryushana when a lay person confesses and atones for the sins committed knowingly or unknowingly during the past year. However, as the sutras and the prayers which are recited during the Pratikramana are mostly in Sanskrit and Prakrit (Ardhmaghdhi), most devotees do not understand the exact meaning behind the sutras and prayers.

Excellent Gujarati and Hindi texts are available on this subject but I am not aware of any works in simple English.

I must confess that I am not a scholar of Jain Religion and this is not a literary translation. It is my interpretation of the sutras and prayers after going through various texts on this subject written by scholars and very able writers. My purpose of writing this book is to give a simplified unconventional English translation to make it
easy for an average reader to understand the meaning of the Pratikramana stotras.

This book “Exposition of Pratikramana Stotras” includes the original verses in Gujarati, with transliteration in English followed by as accurate as possible meaning and as clear as possible commentary of the verses. This book will be very helpful to the people who are familiar with the Pratikramana stotras but do not understand the original meanings as they are not well versed in Indian dialects.

Rati Dodhia
12 Mitris Blvd.
Lincoln RI 02865, USA

Download (PDF, 933KB)

Manuben is survived by her husband Motichand Nathoo Shah, three children, Milan, Nipul and Sajal, and five grand-children. She was the eldest daughter of late Narshi Jetha and Motiben Shah of Sikha thereafter Meru, Kenya.

Manuben enjoyed a zest of life and activities such as swimming, walking and cooking. She was also a keen florist and displayed her skills at Lavington Garden, Ltd in Nairobi, Kenya.

Manuben had travelled extensively throughout the world. She spent the last 7 years in the USA with her children between California and Florida.

If you are in the area or visiting Texas, please plan to join us for a fun filled event of games and great food.

For more information contact Tejal Shah [Email address: oshwal_tx_ok #AT# yahoo.com - replace #AT# with @ ].

The Objective of this group is to bring the Oshwal youth on a common platform to promote cultural and social values. The group plans to celebrate festivals like Navratri, Diwali, & Christmas together and also organize other social events like Picnic, overnight Camps, Bowling Parties, Drama & Movie nights, Garba, various Competitions, and Children’s Events.

We have already formed a small HVO Youth Group of USA on Facebook, which has been met with a lot of enthusiasm from the young members. We invite other young Oshwals to join us on Facebook – Oshwal Youth Club of USA.

This location was hit couple years back as it is close to Indian shopping area of Edison and is centrally located to our community. We will have fun filled day with everyone’s participation. We will try to have activities for everyone to participate and enjoy. Also make suggestions if you have any ideas. We need volunteers to organize games.

Date: Sunday, June 16th from 10:00am

Place: Merrill Park, Islin, NJ (near Edison Indian market) (map and directions below)

Contact: Manisha Shah (phone:845 462 0321, email: newyork [Email address: newyork #AT# oshwal-usa.org - replace #AT# with @ ]) to RSVP for the picnic, more details or if you wish to volunteer.

Dues: Before May 31, Adult $15.00, Children 5 to 12 year $12.00, Children under 5 free.  After May 31st please add $5.00 per person.

Make check payable to HVO of America and send it to:

Jayanti Galaiya, 198 Flocktown road, Long Valley, NJ 07853.

DIRECTIONS:

Route 287

* Take Exit 3 for New Durham Rd.
* Make left at light (Metuchen) New Durham Rd.
* Turns into Rt. 27 after sharp left bend
* Follow into Iselin
* Make right onto Green St.
* After going under bridge, make first left (Middlesex Turnpike)
* This takes you into the park

Route 1 North

* Take jughandle for Green St. (Cross over Rt. 1)
* Pass firehouse on right
* Make right on Middlesex Turnpike (Last right before bridge)
* This takes you into the park

Route 1 & 9 South

* Make right at Avenel St.
* Follow directions for Rt. 9

Route 9 North

* Follow onto Rt. 1 & 9 North
* Take jughandle for Avenel St. (Cross over Rt. 1 & 9)
* Cross over Rt. 35 (St. Georges Ave.)
* This will be Chain O’ Hills Rd.
* Bare right at New Dover Rd & Chain O’ Hills Rd.
* 3rd left just before Bridge (Fairview Ave.)
* Takes you into park

Garden State Parkway

* Exit 131 (Rt. 27 Lincoln Hwy.)
* Make left at light (Rt. 27)
* 1st intersection make right (Green St.)
* 1st left after bridge (Middlesex Turnpike)
* This takes you into the park

NJ Turnpike

* Exit 11
* Follow signs for parkway North, then follow signs for parkway

View Larger Map

Logo contest details:

• May include – HVOA (Halari Visa Oshwals of America)
• Year of Establishment – 1986
• Can have approximate Halar Map or any other halar symbol
• May include American Flag or Map
• Can create symbol which shows both nations as part of our lives

Either hard copy can be mailed to our judges Veni & Debbie Sumaria at:

View online or download, below:

Download (PDF, 491KB)

Bangalore Samaj has sent an open invitation for the grand opening of the wadi on May 3rd to 5th, 2013.

Bangalore Samaj has built a fabulous five story wadi near Vimalnath Halari Jain Deharasar in Baseswara nagar (90% of Halaris in Bangalore live within three miles). It has provision for the hostel on the top floor with separate kitchen. Parking is in the basement. Dining hall with kitchen is on the lower floor. Next floor has a main hall with a capacity of over 1000 people and it opens to two floor for excellent view of the event. The two top floors has 20 plus rooms. The invitation and HVO Samaj Bangalore web does have artist’s rendering of the building from the outside.
The electronic link for the Bangalore samaj is http://hvosamajbangalore.com

See below for the open invitation for the grand opening.

Download (PDF, 166KB)

The highlight of the evening was when everyone came together and participated in dandiya raas after dinner.

She was wife of Late Virchand Bhojraj Malde, mother of Vinodrai (Nakuru,Kenya) Ashwinbhai, Narendrabhai,and Jayendrabhai of  Wisconsin, USA, Sushilaben and Vanitaben UK.

She was mother in law of Mrudulaben ,Ushaben, Prafulaben, Pritiben, Sobhagchandbhai and Chandrakantbhai.

She was a grandmother of 13 chilidren and great-grandmother of 14.

Funeral and cremation were completed on Dec 3rd 2012 in Nakuru, Kenya, followed by prayer at 8.30pm.

Prayer service and dinner was held at Racine, Wisconsin, USA at Narendrabhai’s residence on Dec 16th 2012.

Prayer service was held at Oshwal Center , UK on Dec 22nd 2012.

She will be missed by her family . May god grant her eternal peace.
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.

For more info please log on to: .http://www.harrowobserver.co.uk/west-london-news/local-harrow-news/2012/10/31/awards-for-borough-s-inspirational-volunteers-116451-32139021/

Birth of Oshwal Sect

City of Osiya is closely related to the origin of Oshwal community. Its original name was Upkeshpattan or Upkeshpur, located in state of Rajasthan 32 miles north of city of Jodhpur. It is an ancient city built during Lord Mahavira’s time more than 2600 years ago. It was ruled by King Upaldev. He appointed his childhood friend Uhad as his chief minister.

Lord Mahavira attained nirvana about 2607 years ago. 70 years after that, Shri Ratnaprabh Suri the sixth head of Lord Parshvanath’s monastic order with his disciples went to Upkeshpur to spend the rainy season (chaturmas). While he was there a tragic event took place. King’s son was bitten by a poisonous snake. No one was able to help. One of the disciples of Suriji suggested the king to go to his guru. The king with body of the prince went to the place where the acharya was staying and begged him to revive the prince. Acharya agreed with condition that in return he will have to accept Jaina religion.

The acharya with the help of supernatural powers was able to revive the prince by sucking out the poison from the prince’s body. As promised king with is subjects embraced Jaina religion. He called them Mahajans and founded the Upkesh Gacch (division of monastic orders with its followers). The community came in time to be known as Oshwals.

Before conversion people use to worship goddess name Mahishasurmardini also known as Chamudadevi. They had built a temple for her and used to sacrifice goats and buffalos and offer to please the goddess. But after the conversion the animal sacrifices stopped and replaced by the offerings of sweets and savory dishes and she was adopted as the communal deity of the Oshwal sect and called her Sachiya Mata. Even now she is continued to regard as the communal deity.

In conclusion from the historical documents, manuscripts and poems of the bards and legends, it seems most logical that:

1. King Upaldev is the ancestral father of Oshwal sect.
2. Acharya Ratnaprabh Suri, the sixth head of monastic order of Lord Parshvanath, is the founder of Upkeshvansh, which evolved into Oshwalvansh probably around twelfth century V.S.
3. The conversion took place 70 years after the nirvana of Lord Mahavir, and
4. The birth of Oshwal Sect took place in Upkeshpattan/ Upkeshpur now known as city of Osiya.

Exodus: Flight of the Oshwals

Around 154 B.C. a calamitous epidemic visited on the entire population of Upkeshpattan the prosperity of the city started deteriorating from that time. Entire Oshwal population left the city and settled down in other parts of India.

The history of Halari Oshwals is approximately 500 to 600 years old. The colorful and inspiring history of the migration of Halaris was not only due to adverse financial conditions but also social and religious reasons. Our ancestors, who came from Rajasthan, embraced the path of non-violence and renunciation. While following this path they had to face many obstacles. In the early and medieval age India was not one united country, but was divided into many small kingdoms. There were feuds between the kingdoms, invasions by foreign rulers and frequent drought. Because of political and economic insecurity, Oshwals began to look for new opportunities elsewhere and fled Punjab and Sindh around tenth and eleventh centuries A.D.

While Hindu kings ruled Sindh, life was peaceful. In the early part of the fifteenth century V.S. Sindh came under the power of Muslim rulers who either killed the Hindus, Buddhists and Jains or forced them to adopt Islam. So the people fled again, this time to Cutchh for safety.

In Cutchh they settled down and established 48 villages in Kanthi District and 24 in Kanthkot. Due to internal conflicts and feuds part of the royal family left Cutchh and went to Saurastra to establish a new kingdom accompanied by loyal subjects which included many Oshwal families.

The Oshwal families who came with Jam Rawal from Cutchh separated into two groups.  Most of the Oshwals who were farmers at first settled in and around Khambhalia, the original capital, later spreading eastwards towards Jamnagar.  The majority of them settled down in villages located between the two cities Khambhalia and Jamnagar. In the beginning they were in few villages but as time passed the number of villages increased to 52. Most of the people, who lived in villages, as they had done in Cutchh, were landowners who farmed their own family properties. Some worked as hired hands or laborers and continued speaking the Cutchhi language as their mother tongue. The farmers lived in villages. A few settled down in towns and cities and started businesses. They stopped speaking the Cutchhi language and instead adopted Gujarati as their mother tongue.

For 250 years in spite of battles and internal conflicts in royal families, the Halari Oshwals lived happily with what they had. But then natural disasters started occurring. The Kingdom of Halar is on the periphery of the monsoon belt and receives irregular rainfall, which often drops below normal. There will be a drought every two or three years. There will not be enough water to cultivate and grow crops and famine will set in. Because of that people and mostly domestic animals will perish due to lack of food.

The condition in Halar was becoming bad. The period between 1880 A.D. and 1940 A.D. was worst. A number of calamities fell on Halar. Some young man went to Bombay. Life in Mumbai was hard
some found jobs with a Cutchhi Oshwal owning a shop selling spices, grains and provisions. They worked twelve or more hours a day. They had to carry heavy bags of grain weighing 200 of more pounds on their backs. The pay was meager, about 1 to 2 Rupees a month. They were provided with meals but the food for the owner and for the servants used to be different. For people who worked in shops, owners were kind enough to let them sleep in the shops. The shops were dusty. There were rats and cockroaches all over and in summer it was very hot. So most of the time they preferred to sleep on the footpaths. Because of all these hardships after they had made enough money most of the people would return home.  Some people though small in numbers went, to Arbi, to Pandhurna in Madhya Pradesh, or to Sindh and Hyderabad and settled down there. Many of them became quite wealthy.

In spite of the opportunities, which were available in various places in India, the financial condition of most of the people did not improve much.  As the situation was getting desperate some people started thinking of migrating to foreign lands across the ocean.

The first Halari Oshwal who undertook the journey across the sea was an eighteen-year-old young man Jetha Anand from the village of Kharaberaja, in year 1896 A.D. He sailed on an Arab dhow from Jamnagar. After an arduous journey of two to three months he landed in Madagascar.

After hearing about the success of Jetha Anand more people thought of going abroad. Four courageous sons of the Halari Oshwal community, Hirji Kara from Moti Rafudal, Popat Vershi from Ambla, Devji Hirji and Nathoo Devji from Dhunia in 1899 A.D. left their homeland took the arduous journey by Arab dhow from Porbunder to East Africa to escape poverty. They landed in Mombasa after several weeks of sea voyage. As there were no hotels they probably either stayed in rest house or some kind person’s house.

Hirji Kara decided to stay in Mombasa.  In 1900 A.D. his wife Kankuben joined him in Mombasa. She was the first Halari Visa Oshwal woman to go to Kenya. After saving enough money he opened his own business firm of Hirji Kara & Co. in 1901 in Mombasa. Devji Hirji and Popat Vershi, the other two, decided to go to Nairobi. They decided to hitch hike to Nairobi. They would hitch a ride on a railroad trolley during daylight and at dusk spend the night in the tents or in the trolley in the company of railroad workers. In this way they reached Nairobi after about a month. Popatlal Vershi passed away six months latter of an unknown illness.

The news of the first four pioneers’ success spread fast all over Halar and more people decided to follow their path. In the beginning only a handful came. The numbers then went on increasing. The Oshwal flow increased during Second World War. Some who migrated were very young 12 or 13 years old. Thus the honor of opening the doors of East Africa to Halari Visa Oshwal community goes to these four pioneers.

(note: this is part 2/2 of a series by Rati Dodhia [Email address: history #AT# oshwal-usa.org - replace #AT# with @ ].  See here for Part 1 “I am Proud to be Oshwal”)

Halari Visa Oshwals is a very small community originally settled since last 560 + years in the Halar district around Jamnagar city in the western part of Gujarat, India. Prior to settlement in Halar, the community’s roots were in Rajasthan and Kutchh. In Halar, the community’s main source of livelihood was agriculture as the majority of the members were illiterate. From Halar the community families mass migrated mostly to Mumbai, East Africa and United Kingdom to earn livelihood and for advancement. Currently the total worldwide Halari Visa Oshwal Community population is around 80,000 in number.

The Halari Visa Oshwal migration to America, specifically United States and Canada, began in the mid 1960s. A group of Oshwals came here to further their education and professional careers. After their education, many oshwals entered the job market and found new opportunities attractive enough to settle in North America. This group of Oshwals was made up mostly bachelors who returned to their home land (India and East Africa to find suitable mates to start families and establish roots in America. A small number married American Anglos. Halari Visa Oshwals in America have generally preserved their culture, tradition and religion here, holding various organized social and religious functions.

In the mid 1970s, another group of oshwal immigrants came here due to unsettled political situation in East Africa. The majority of these oshwals settled in Canada as well as in USA.

During the 1980s, the oshwals immigrating to America were mostly relatives of the first and second Groups.

These pioneers who settled mostly in North East USA were instrumental in forming of the Halari Visa Oshwals of North America; there were a few common reasons that led to bring the community members closer via communications and frequent gatherings:

1. Everybody was in USA, so far away from homeland-India probably very first time. Each one was homesick being away from family in this new vast and strange land, culture and fast lifestyle

2. Communicating to the family members in India was difficult and expensive ( telephone call cost to India was five dollars per minute with minimum call charge time 3 minutes and the operator on the other side in India listening every word you speak on phone, reminding you that ” your three minutes over, do you want to talk more!”). For most of us this high international telephone call charge was not affordable at that time. (Graduate professionals were earning about10 to 12 k/year) with all kinds of obligations here in America as well as in India).

3. The Oshwal immigrants from 60′s,70′s, and 80′s that settled in North America was fresh and familiar with Halari customs, village lifestyle, our original Halari Katchhi language, food, functions, festivals etc- these things were missed by everyone as they were scattered in different parts and places in USA for work or studies.

4. We wanted to retain and strengthen the link with our roots, Halari common customs/ culture with the sincere hope to pass it on to the future generations of oshwals in America.

During 1990s and onwards a new group of oshwal immigrants mostly with advanced technical knowhow in computer and financial fields is steadily settling in America. Currently this group is sizable in number. They have advanced in their fields and careers much faster than the earlier groups of 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. At the same time, the children of the Oshwal immigrants of 60′s, 70′s, and 80′s are also entering in the job market with advanced degrees in education in multiple fields and they seem to be doing very well.

Nearly two generations- over 40 years have passed from that beginning of SINCERE HOPE. In our new and younger generations, the current trend for the interest in the community events participation interest dwindling and looks little bit less encouraging. There may be multiple reasons for this situation:

1. The majority of the oshwal community younger members in America are born and brought up here. Many of them may not have visited India or members of the joint family there. So obviously they may have less exposure to their roots. They are not homesick like their parents/grandparents. Everything for them is here in America.

2. The current trend of mixed/intercast marriages are increasing. So many common culture, lifestyles, customs etc. are changing.

3. The advancement in science and technology, new tools (cell phone, facebook, SMS, TV, computer, ipad, iphone etc) take away a lot of time.

4. With advanced education, the new generation earn much more than earlier generation. So they may have expanded hobbies, friend circle, leisure activities to pass time :

In closing,  the history of the Oshwal settlement in America is almost 50 years old. We are in the third generation in America! The old generation is beginning to reach the retirement age. The new generation is in the driving seat. The new generation’s career fields, social contacts, interests, thinking, amenities, activities etc are much diversified leaving lesser time for community activities. Obviously the new generation, born and brought up in America has lesser degree of exposure and attachment to oshwal roots, history or the hardships that earlier generations went through. But now is the time that the new generation should take over the responsibilities for this organization to further cause, build the spirit that WE ARE A FAMILY.

Like many people of our community I knew practically nothing about our history when I was in school, collage and immigrated to the United States.  When first time I read about history of Oshwal community which was in late 1970, I realized what I had missed. This not only reaffirmed the richness of our culture and traditions and but also made me more proud of being born in this noble community.  My search for more information about our origin and exemplary progress during the last 120 years resulted in my book titled: “Rise and Glory, History of Halari Visa Oshwals”.  The book is posted on our web site: http://www.oshwal-usa.org/history/

Many people will wonder why I am writing these articles about our community. The reason is I want everyone, young and old, boy or girl and man and woman out there to be proud of being born in this community as much as I am or even more.

Let me start with asking you all: Are you all proud of being an American? I am sure the answer is going to be yes and rightfully so. But have you ever asked yourself why you are proud to be an American. Again I am sure the answer is going to be because America is the richest, most powerful country with vast resources and ample opportunities for everyone to pursue ones desire to improve the quality of life.  This is very true, but what has that to do with us. What have we done to make this country being rich or powerful? Most of us have done very little or nothing but we are still part of this great country.

So just as we are proud to be an American, Why not to be proud of being an Oshwal? I have come to know that many people do not care and have an attitude of, “so what is so great about being an Oshwal. What has that community done for us?”

This community has origin that goes back to Lord Mahavira’s time. It has a rich heritage. It practices one of the oldest religions of the world. It is one of the richest communities in India; it is one of the most honest communities in the world.

In the articles which will follow, I intend to write about our origin, our religion, our ancestry and our heroes of past and present to make each one of us feel proud of being an Oshwal.

Before I end this article, I have couple of questions for all.

1. Do you know the history of your own family?
2. Our community is made up of many sub-groups. These sub-groups are our last names or surnames. Do you know your surname? Do you know the origin of your surname?

If you do know the answer to these two questions will you please briefly write to me at this E-mail address: history [Email address: history #AT# oshwal-usa.org - replace #AT# with @ ]

 (note: this is part 1/2 of a series by Rati Dodhia [Email address: history #AT# oshwal-usa.org - replace #AT# with @ ].  See here for Part 2 “Origin of Oshwal Community”)

This year the Annual North-East Oshwal meet was held at the Bid’s residence in Livingston, NJ. Oshwals from all over New Jersey and also from NY, CT, MA, & NH attended the event with great enthusiasm and zest.

The event started with the recitation of Navkar Mantra by kids and the recitation of Indian National Anthem by Paulomi Shah and American National Anthem by Seena Beed. It was followed by other games and activities planned for every age-group. The games were hosted by Ila Shah, Madhu Shah, Trupti Shah, Suresh Shah, Nimish Vora, Ketan Dedhiya, Neel Shah, Harsh Jhankhariya, Shweta Jhankhariya, and Seema Maru and all the members participated with a lot of enthusiasm. There was a Dance performance by Seena Beed and Shalini Shah. Seena Beed had also compiled a slideshow of pictures of all the Oshwal events and picnics right from the 1st Oshwal meet in USA. The video touched the hearts of all the Oshwalites and left everyone nostalgic. There was also a drawing competition held for the young Oshwalites which was themed around the “Festivals of India” in an attempt to introduce and acquaint the children with the rich culture and tradition of India and give them an opportunity to showcase their skills. The competition was judged by a panel – Madhu Dodhia, Kamla Shah, and Kanchan Shah and was meant to encourage the young talent. Winners of the drawing competition were Chirayu Ketan Dedhiya & Deeti Mitesh Shah.

We had delicious Indian food for Lunch. Lunch were managed by Neelam Mansukh Shah and Kamla Shah . Evening snacks and Dinner were managed by Neelam Mansukh Shah, Suresh Shah, Chandu Shah and Team. We had a mix of Indian and American Meal to cater to the tastes of all.

The day concluded with a discussion for next year’s Annual gathering and a Peace Walk by all members.

A special vote of Thanks on behalf of HVO (US) to:

• Madhu & Manek Dodhia Family and Madhu & Hemendra Shah Family for sponsoring the cakes.

• Pallavi & Ketan Dedhiya, Mita & Nimish Vora, Tanvi & Mitesh Shah, Madhu & Hemendra Shah, Trupti & Suresh Shah for sponsoring the prizes.

• Seena Beed for her special and outstanding contribution as a young member of HVO.

• All the Volunteers for helping around.

• Mitesh Shah and Jayanti Galaiya for managing the finances and other back end operations.

• The Bid’s & Beed’s for hosting the event at their home and making this event so memorable.

• Our President Bina Beed who worked hard day and night to put this event together and managing everything so well inspite of some last moment changes in the venue. It is after all a Leader’s Vision that accomplishes great things for the entire group.

• And last, but not the least to each and every Oshwal member for attending the event and actively participating in the activities and adapting to some last moment changes…without you all the event would not have been such a huge success.

Pictures of the event have been posted on Oshwal Website and Facebook page. Hope you enjoy them and see you at the next gathering.

 

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Over the last few months, WCCO has shared plenty of stories about kids whose lives have been changed because of Washburn Center for Children. But now we’re focusing on one of the people who does the changing.

Dr. Tina Shah serves two roles at Washburn Center for Children: Counseling kids and mentoring other therapists who are learning to help them.

Both of those roles are linked to her own childhood.

“I just feel like I can understand the impact of children’s mental illness on a family as a whole,” said Shah. “I feel like I can understand that, and also I feel like I have more empathy towards children that are experiencing that.”

It’s empathy developed through experience. Growing up, her entire family struggled with her sister’s mental illness. The right help wasn’t available until she was older.

“Emotional outbursts, conflict with my parents and she experienced a lot of learning difficulties at school, bullying,” said Shah. “I just wonder what her childhood would have been like if she’d had that at that point.”

It inspired her to help others and become a child psychologist.

“I feel like it’s my duty to have that empathy,” said Shah. “My sister didn’t receive that. And so I feel like it’s so awesome that I can provide a space where kids can come and feel safe.”

Children’s mental health services have changed since those days. Washburn has been at the forefront.

Shah feels she can contribute even more by bringing that empathy to her role as a teacher. She brings an extra perspective because she was once a student at Washburn herself.

“(That’s) part of the reason I like supervising,” said Shah. “I feel like I have a broader reach.”

That’s why her desk is surrounded by thank you cards from kids, from students and all because her own experience inspired her to help others.

“I think that they are excited that I am able to provide services to families and children that wanted to receive earlier and they weren’t able to,” said Shah.

Shah believes cultural differences played a role in her sister’s struggles, too. Her family is Indian, and moved here from Africa. So, she tries to bridge those gaps, as well.

To see the other stories in this series and to learn more about Washburn, just go to WCCO.com/Washburn.