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Jain Association of Young Adults (JAYA) by Neha Shah
Jai Jinendra! My name is Neha and I have been the president of the youth group, JAYA, at the Jain Center of Southern California for the past two years. We have established a volunteer service program where youths assist doctors at the annual medical expo and serve food during Jain Center regular programs.
JAYA publishes a youth newsletter Jiva in which we address religious and social issues that Jain youth experience. The newsletter also has a "Dear Jiva" section where youths ask questions and express their opinions on issues.
JAYA held numerous activities that enabled Jain youths to interact with each other. We organized many forums where religious, social and first generation adjustment issues were discussed. Religious awareness was created for Jainism and other religions. The youth group visited a Buddhist temple and learned the principles of Buddhism. This activity made the youths realize the many similarities between Jainism and Buddhism.
We put together a youth program at Jain Center during Mahavir Jayanti. We held a fashion show that modeled Western and Indian clothes that were made of animal-free products. Along with the fashion show many youth girls took a trip to the Newport Beach Fashion Island Mall where they were made aware of makeup products that were cruelty-free.
We also held two successful bonfires at the beach where youths came together for a casual social purpose. Lastly, we held three banquets where youths from all over came together to enjoy music, dancing and food. We continue to strive to balance the religious and social aspects of activities for the Jain youths of Southern California. As a result, awareness of religion developed, understanding of our society and culture enhanced and more importantly a sense of connection occurred among the youths.
Without Jainism in my life, I would be a lost soul. To me being a Jain is a privilege. - Sonal Sheth (13)
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