For many years, Chennai has been the home for a large number of North Indians. Most of them are from the Jain community who remain a portent force in business. Known for their strict adherence to the principles of Lord Mahaveer, the community is also involved in social work of many kind. "We show our utmost interest in social development and welfare by offering our services," says Dharam Chand Lunkar, a social worker with the Jain Social Foundation. In many ways, the Jain Social Foundation or JSF, as it is known, has distinguished itself, not just through its service activities, but by being a model for co-operation. They work as a team with no office bearer. "We accepted such an arrangement to avoid wrangling among ourselves to grab posts. We also believe that service doesn't depend on calling ourselves president or secretary of an Association," explains Dharam Chand. With no office bearers around, he takes the moral leadership of the association.

Formed in 1970 under the initiatives and guidance of Guru Adrash Rishi, the Jain Social Foundation has its branches in Bangalore, Chennai, Ahemad Nagar apart from several towns across South India. Conducting health camps, awarding top ranking students among 14 Jain schools in the city, spreading the principles of Lord Mahaveer by commemorating his birth anniversary are a few ways in which the federation offer its services to the city dwellers. "We always give first preference to education," says Dharam Chand. He also explains that annually, the federation  conducts a function immediately after the announcement of SSLC and Higher Secondary results and awards the top rankers. "Since there are more than 500 schools in the city, we decided to concentrate on a select number of them. So, we restricted our purview to the 14 Jain schools in Chennai," says Dharam Chand. The federation also helps poor students of these schools by giving uniforms, buying books, and paying their fees. "Of course, we do give these on the basis of their economic conditions and whenever we get requests from the schools," says Dharam Chand.

The Federation has also conducted more than 25 health camps in Chennai city. "Helping the economically weaker sections is again the priority here. According to Dharam Chand the federation sponsors one eye transplant operation every day. Providing equipment to hospitals where it is required is also a part of their services. Where ever natural disasters take place, JSF makes its presence felt by sending their team to provide relief to the victims. "In 1993, when parts of Maharastra was destroyed by earth quake, we went from here with the essential requirements. Similarly, we were there in the flood hit zones of Gujarat and AP," says Dharam Chand, when it hit them in 1995 and 1999. Celebrating the birthday of Lord Mahaveer is an important occasion for the JSF, like many Jains across the country. "Sharing the ideals of our lord is the important part of our celebration," says Dharam Chand. The federation chooses a venue in the city to distribute sweets and flowers. "Along with the sweets, we also give a small placard containing the principles of Lord Mahaveer such as Non-Violence, Ahimsa, abstinence from non-vegetarian food, alcohol and spreading the massage of love and universal brotherhood," explained Dharam Chand.

In fact, JSF welcomes anyone who follows Jain principles as its member. "Our emphasis is more on participating in our service activities than paying subscriptions," says Dharam Chand. In deed, the services they provide helps humanity and enlightens them with good thoughts.

L. Subramani