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PalanpurOnline.com is an initiative of Vidyamandir Trust, Palanpur. It attempts to re-establish and nurture the link with the land of our forefathers. Connect.

This community website seeks to foster and strengthen the bonds between the members of the Palanpuri Jain community around the world. The website provides a virtual platform for sharing information and thoughts, learning more about the community’s culture and heritage, and staying abreast with news of the community and its hometown. Additionally, and importantly, it plays the role of an intra-comm

unity networking resource, hosting information and contact details of Palanpuri Jain families across the world. In the interests of privacy and security, the Directory section can only be accessed by Palanpur Online members, who can use the username and password that is assigned to them. Share. Unite. That's what the platform hopes to do! Note:
Palanpur Online members are those who or whose forefathers were residing in the town of Palanpur and/or possessed immovable property in the town at the time of India's Independence i.e. on August 15 1947 and practice Jainism. Apart from listing details of the Members, Palanpur Online also lists details of Jains of Banaskantha district. They are those who or whose forefathers were residing in and/or possessed immovable property at the time of India's Independence i.e. on August 15 1947 in the geographical area now covered by Banaskantha district and practice Jainism.

15/08/2026

Shri Jain Balmandir of Vidyamandir, Palanpur Wins Gujarat's Top Honour for Early Childhood Education

Shri Jain Balmandir, managed by the Vidyamandir Trust, Palanpur, has been honoured with the prestigious Gijubhai Badheka Shreshth Balvatika Award 2026, one of Gujarat's highest recognitions in the field of early childhood and foundational education.

The award, instituted by the Children's Research University, Gandhinagar—the country's first university dedicated exclusively to child development and education—was presented by the Hon'ble Governor of Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devvrat. The award was received on behalf of the Vidyamandir Trust by Shri Shivakumar Krishnan, Director. Along with this prestigious honour, Shri Jain Balmandir also received a cash prize of ₹51,000.

While presenting the award, the organisers made special mention of Shri Jain Balmandir's exceptional contribution and exemplary performance in foundational education. They commended the institution for its innovative educational practices, unwavering commitment to quality early childhood education, and its nurturing, child-centric learning environment.

The recognition is especially significant as Shri Jain Balmandir is the institution from which the Vidyamandir Trust's educational journey began.

The origins of the institution date back more than a century. Jain Shishushala was established in 1921 by the late Shri Surajmal Lallubhai Mehta at the Sthanakvasi Lukagachchha Jain Pustakalaya in Palanpur. On 16 August 1951, the Vidyamandir Trust assumed its management.

Soon thereafter, Shri Jain Balmandir was established at the initiative of Shri Kantilal Chhotalal Mehta, made possible through the generous donations of Smt. Kesarben Amritlal Zaveri, Smt. Lilaben Surajmal Mehta, and Smt. Lilavatiben Gafurchand Mehta. What began as a single institution with a vision of nurturing young children through value-based education went on to become the first institution of the Vidyamandir Trust and laid the foundation for an educational movement that today serves thousands of students through a network of schools, colleges and educational institutions across North Gujarat.

Long before activity-based and value-centred education became widely accepted, Shri Jain Balmandir had adopted these principles as the cornerstone of its philosophy. Today, the Gujarati-medium nursery and kindergarten continue this rich legacy by providing a joyful and stimulating learning environment. Its thoughtfully designed facilities include a dollhouse, sand and water play areas, a library and a multimedia room. The curriculum, based on the Pragna Abhigam approach, encourages curiosity, creativity, confidence and the holistic development of every child.

Expressing their delight on the occasion, Shri Russell Mehta, Chairman and Shri Ashish Mehta, Managing Trustee, Vidyamandir Trust, said in a joint statement: "This award is a proud moment for every member of the Vidyamandir family. Shri Jain Balmandir is where our journey began more than seven decades ago, and it continues to reflect the vision and values of our founders. We dedicate this honour to our founders, donors, teachers, staff, students, parents and well-wishers whose unwavering support and commitment have made this recognition possible. While we celebrate this achievement, it also inspires us to continue raising the standards of foundational education and nurturing every child with knowledge, values, creativity and compassion."

The Vidyamandir Trust expressed its sincere gratitude to the Children's Research University and the Government of Gujarat for this prestigious recognition. The award reaffirms the Trust's enduring commitment to excellence in education and strengthens its resolve to continue shaping young lives through innovative, value-based and child-centric learning.

Photo Captions:
(i) Hon'ble Governor of Gujarat Shri Acharya Devvrat presenting the Gijubhai Badheka Shreshth Balvatika Award 2026 to Shri Shivakumar Krishnan, Director, Vidyamandir Trust, Palanpur, in recognition of Shri Jain Balmandir's outstanding contribution to foundational education.
(ii) Plaque with the Award Citation
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14/08/2026

Palanpur Samaj Kendra Conducts Annual Prize Distribution for 2025-2026 Sports Tournaments

The annual prize distribution ceremony of sports tournaments conducted by the Palanpur Samaj Kendra’s Sports Committee during 2025-26 was held at Yashwantrao Chauhan Centre on 12 July 2026.

In keeping with the established practice of inviting a well-known sports personality to address and inspire the young sports enthusiasts, the Chief Guest for the occasion was inspiring table tennis player Mr Pinakin Sampat, who started his professional career at the age of 67 and went on to win multiple national as well as international competitions including one when he was 74.

Prizes were distributed to all who had emerged as winners across the year in the regular events such as Badminton, Chess, Carrom, Table Tennis and Tennis, the highly popular Box Cricket as well as the newly introduced Padel ball.

Given the success of the latter, which was held at the BDB courts, the Sports Committee announced that it would be adding a new tournament in Pickle Ball this year as well.

The Sports Committee congratulated all the winners, thanked the Sponsors for their support and expressed confidence that the sports events will see even better participation in the coming year.
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10/08/2026

8-year Old Kiaan Kothari Wins Two Gold Medals at World Taekwondo Culture Expo in S. Korea.

Kiaan Kothari, an 8-year old student in Grade 3, won two gold medals at the 19th World Taekwondo Culture Expo held in Muju-gun, Jeonbuk- state, South Korea, from July 16-21, 2026. Kiaan is the son of Riddhi & Sneh Kothari, and the grandson of Jyoti & Sandip Kothari and Mayuri & Dipendu Shah.

The young competitor emerged as the winner in the Poomsae (Fight Routine) as well as the Kyorugi (One-on-One Fight) during the Culture Expo this year. The Expo is an annual event and this year attracted almost 4,000 participants from across 30+ countries.

Having completed his Grade 2 from Oberoi International School (OGC), Mumbai, Kiaan will be joining in the Nord Anglia School (NAS), Dubai as his family relocates. He started taking Taekwondo classes from the very young age of between 3 and 4 at the Jayesh Training Classes and has progressively secured belts of higher grades, moving from the yellow in 2023 to the Poom Belt (Black Belt) in February 2026.

Simultaneously, he has also won a number of medals at local, national and international events in India between 2024 and 2026.

In addition to Taekwondo, Kiaan also makes time to participate in other sports such as tennis, cricket, football, and has figured in the Top 10 and Top 20 in Mental Math Competitions in 2024 and 2025. He also is a regular Cube enthusiast – having learnt 2x2, 3x3, Pyraminx, Axis, Barrel and Megaminx.
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28/07/2026

Mehul Shah elected President of World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB)

Senior Palanpuri diamantaire Mehul Shah has been elected President of World Federation of Diamond Bourses, (WFDB) the apex global body of the diamond trade comprising 26 Diamond Bourses from across the Globe and six affiliated members. He is the first Indian diamantaire to be chosen for this prestigious post.

The election took place during the 41st World Diamond Congress held at Singapore from July 13-15, 2026.

Anoop Mehta, President of Bharat Diamond Bourse, will continue to represent India on the WFDB Executive Committee.

Mehulbhai described his election as an important milestone for the Indian diamond industry that opens a new chapter for the country to play a key role in taking the global diamond industry forward. “This is a Victory for India. I am humbled by this appointment and proud to have represented India on the international stage.”

He also acknowledged the support he received during the election process from Anoop Mehta, President BDB and Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, and added, “It is a proud moment for the community too.

Prior to this, Mehulbhai has been a member of the WFDB Executive Committee for over two decades, and been Treasurer-General of the organisation ever since he was first elected to that role in 2016.

Within the country, Mehulbhai has been Vice-President of the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) for more than a decade, and was recently appointed as the Chairman of the Gemmological Institute of India (GII)
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15/07/2026

PSK Women’s Forum Hosts International Yoga Day Celebration

The Wellness Yoga Group of the Palanpur Samaj Kendra Women’s Forum, under the leadership of Mrs. Neetaben Nimishbhai Mehta, celebrated the 12th International Yoga Day on 21st June at the Patidar Samaj Hall.

The theme of this year’s celebration was “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.” By combining gentle movement, stretching, and pranayama, yoga supports many of the abilities that help us remain active, independent, and vibrant as we age.

Mrs. Neeta Nimish Mehta has shown remarkable dedication and commitment to yoga, selflessly teaching yoga to members of the community for over twenty years, inspiring countless individuals to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

More than 120 participants enthusiastically took part in the session. The highlight of the programme was a beautifully synchronized yoga performance by the students, led by their guru herself, set to melodious music that captivated the audience.

The session included a variety of yogic practices designed to enhance flexibility, strength, stability, and balance, all conducted under Neetaben’s expert guidance.

Following the yoga session, participants enjoyed refreshments and snacks. It was a wonderful way to conclude the event, providing everyone with an opportunity to socialize, relax, and reflect on the benefits of a rejuvenating yoga practice.

The celebration was a resounding success, promoting the timeless message of wellness, mindfulness, and healthy ageing through yoga.

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14/07/2026

Palanpuri Community Conducts Games Evening in Antwerp

The Palanpuri Games Evening, a social event held in Antwerp on June 6, 2026 was a great success, bringing together 105 participants for an evening of fun, teamwork, and fellowship.

Participants were divided into five teams—Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, and White. The event featured a variety of activities, including relay races, paper sit-down games, logo-solving challenges, and a lively round of Antakshari, creating excitement and plenty of laughter throughout the evening.

The programme was expertly organized by the Board of "Les Amies d'Anvers,” with five women Board members -- Avani Mehta, Kejal Bhansali, Miloni Shah, Shikha Mehta, Urvi Mehta – leading the planning and coordination and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable event for all.

The evening concluded with a delicious dinner, giving everyone the opportunity to relax and socialize.

Similar events and programmes have been held by the organisation over the years, under the leadership of different committees.

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10/06/2026

Arnav A Mehta Elected Hon Treasurer of Responsible Jewellery Council

Arnav Akshay Mehta, a third-generation diamantaire and industry leader with over two decades of experience across the global diamond and jewellery value chain, has been elected as Honorary Treasurer of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) at the organisation’s 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held recently. He is MD of Blue Star Diamonds and Star Blue Jewels, and leads the natural diamond, lab-grown diamond, manufacturing and jewellery divisions of the A-Star Alliance in India.

RJC is the world’s leading standards-setting organisation for the jewellery and watch industry. It was founded in 2005 by 14 organisations including De Beers, Tiffany & Co., and Cartier, and now brings together over 2,000 companies across the entire global watch and jewellery supply chain to promote responsible practices and ethical standards.

Arnav, who has remained closely associated with initiatives focused on responsible sourcing, compliance, sustainability and supply chain integrity throughout his career, brings deep industry insight and a clear vision for the future of the sector.

He has worked in different capacities with miners and producing countries, as well manufacturing, polishing, and distribution companies. Most recently, he founded House of Mehta (HOM), a contemporary luxury jewellery brand in India that blends heritage craftsmanship with modern design and innovation.

An alumnus of University College London with First Class Honours in Information Management, he has also completed executive education programs at Harvard Business School, Singularity University, UBS and DeBeers.

He is a Board Member at YPO, Mumbai Connect Chapter, currently holding twin responsibilities as Finance Officer and Member Engagement Officer and was a former member of De Beers Sightholder Consultative Committee.

In his new role as one of the Officers of the RJC, Arnav will join the Board in supporting the strategic direction, governance oversight and continued development of RJC as the organisation advances responsible business practices across the global jewellery and watch supply chain.

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09/06/2026

Sheffalie Jhaveri Wins Two Prestigious Global Awards for Interior Design

Sheffalie Jhaveri, founder of Rutam Intarch, was a winner of the Asia’s Best Residential Interior Design Award at the Asia Architect Design Awards (AADA 2026) and a Silver Winner in the Residential Interior Design (Housing & Apartment) category at the 2026 International Architecture and Design Awards (IADA 2026).

Sheffalie is married to Amish R Jhaveri, son of Jaswantiben and Rajnikantbhai Jhaveri. She is the daughter of Maltiben and Bharat Kantilal Parikh.

These honours were received for her work on Meghavan, a twin-villa retreat in Lonavala.

In a post on Facebook, AADA describes the project as one that “transcends the typical ‘business of design’ to become a soulful sanctuary that celebrates the journey, resilience, and spirit of its octogenarian inhabitants.”

Meghavan has also been commended for its “altruistic design, focusing on the mental, physical, and social well-being of a couple navigating their golden years.”

Innovation at Meghavan is found in its organic adaptability to the challenging climate of Lonavala, which sees nine months of heavy rainfall annually. By selecting durable, high-aesthetic materials like Burma teakwood and natural limestone, Rutam Intarch achieved a breathtaking look that is entirely maintenance-free. This thoughtful approach ensures that the home remains a place of celebration rather than a chore, proving that the future indeed belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams, regardless of age.

The project comprised two villas: one a five-bedroom residence, the other a two-bedroom, both linked by a landscaped garden and pool zone. At its heart is a central garden designed as a social amphitheater with multi-tiered seating, a creative bridge that connects the two villas to foster communal joy while respecting private boundaries.

Sheffalie is a senior architect who founded Rutam Intarch in 1989 and developed it into a studio focused on clarity and spatial intelligence. Leading a lean design team supported by over 100 artisans, Sheffalie remains hands-on, sketching plans and limiting projects to four or five annually to maintain quality.

Expressing her happiness at being chosen for the award, Sheffalie said, “After working silently for so many years, this award is important as it validates my understanding of the craft and what my firm stands for. It shows that my design language is being heard and accepted. To remain relevant, I have never followed trends, but been guided by my innate sense of design and aesthetic which remains dynamic and open-ended, shaped by experience and the demands of a project.”

Sheffalie also expressed gratitude to the human work force that has stood steadfastly with her for more than 25+ years. “After putting the design on paper, it is the site work and discussions with the contractors that help me hone my craft. Giving back to those who brought our visuals to life will always be a priority.”

She also emphasized the role played by her family, “My parents-in-law and husband never held back; they kept nudging me towards excellence. I am also grateful to my parents for exposing me to the worlds of music, dance, philosophy, theater, politics, literature, horse riding and finally to the world of design. They have truly shaped my aesthetic.”

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08/06/2026

Two Vidyamandir Alumni Appointed to Prestigious District Collector Posts in Gujarat

Two former students of Vidyamandir have reached new highs in their careers in government administration – Harshad Vora (IAS) has been appointed as the Collector of Botad district and Tejas Parmar (IAS) has been appointed as the Collector of Surat district.

Both of them began their schooling at Vidyamandir from Balmandir and completed their Std 12 Board exams from the institution as well.

Harshadbhai completed his Bachelor of Arts in Gujarati, and later completed his M.A., an M.B.A., and a Diploma in Cyber Law. He started his career as a part-time professor at the Banaskantha District Kelavani Mandal in Palanpur. He later transitioned to a full-time professorship at a college in Ambaji. Upon clearing the GPSC exam he joined the administrative service in 2014, and served in different capacities as a Super Class-1 officer for a decade, ultimately earning a promotion to his current appointment as the District Collector of Botad.

Tejasbhai did his B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering from Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, and an M.A. in Public Management. He successfully passed the highly competitive all-India UPSC exam in 2015-16. He worked in the state administration at various capacities and was Municipal Commissioner at Junagadh prior to his appointment as Collector of Surat.

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06/06/2026

Anoop V. Mehta Elected Vice President of World Diamond Council

Anoop V. Mehta was recently elected as Vice President of the World Diamond Council (WDC) at the Annual General Meeting of the organisation held in Antwerp on May 7. The prestigious global body, formed in 2000, is the diamond and jewellery industry’s official representative within the Kimberley Process (KP).

Newly elected WDC President Vander Linden welcomed the election of Anoop Mehta, describing him as “a pillar of both the Indian and global natural diamond trade. His experience, leadership and deep connections across the industry will be extremely important as we continue this work together.”
WDC works along with governments and civil society to end the trade in conflict diamonds and to protect the integrity of natural diamonds and their distribution chain.

Anoop Mehta, who was elected to the WDC in 2022, and also served earlier as Treasurer of the organisation, is the President of BDB, Convener of the Diamond Panel Committee of GJEPC, Chairman and Managing Director of Mohit Diamonds Pvt. Ltd., and an Executive Committee member of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB).

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