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"Extending Jain Heritage to the Next Generation"
in 1979, started discussing the possibility of creating an umbrella organization which would provide leadership to the various Jain centers, create more Jain organizations, and promote Jainism in North America.
colonies. Their migration to other countries started in full force in the 1960s when better opportunities opened in engineering, scientific and medical research, and various other professions.
At the beginning of this century, some Jains from Gujarat, especially from Saurashtra and Kutch, sailed to Zanzibar and other coastal towns of east Africa, such as Mombassa, Daressalam, Tanga, and Lindi. Soon, they migrated to the inland and opened businesses in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, and even to South Africa.
Jains live in the largest number in the U.K. U.S.A. Canada and Kenya (more than 25,000 Jains live in the U.K., the same number in the U.S.A.), They are well-settled in their financial careers; their sincerity and hard work have paid off in high dividends.
About three decades ago, Jainism was virtually unknown to all of Europe, with the exception of the U.K., America and Canada. But with the increasing number of contacts by the Jain settlers, people are beginning to appreciate the scientific aspects of Jain thought and the depth of our observations. This has aroused the interest of many Westerners.
As Secretary General of the World Jain Congress and Ahimsa International, I occasionally receive requests from foreign researchers or devotees of the Jain religion to send literature. Some even wish to begin Jain centers. In the absence of proper literature or personal briefing, they often have mistaken beliefs about the Jain codes of conduct.
As the Jains abroad are financially well-settled, they have established many Jain centers and societies for religious/social events. They come together for celebrations and parvas. These centers and associations are developing religious, cultural, and literary programs.
Among all the Jain associations and institutions of the West, I would make a special mention of the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA). It is the realization of a dream and a vision of a few very far-sighted Jains in America, who on an informal basis during November and December
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The first convention of JAINA was held in 1981 in Los Angeles and the Sixth Biennial Convention will be held at San Francisco, CA. The convention's theme is "Extending Jain Heritage to the Next Generation."
A very well-organized Federation, JAINA has at present over sixty Jain centers and association as its members. Its present President, Dr. Sulekh C. Jain, is striving hard for generating many activities in the region, particularly literary for dissemination of knowledge on Jainism. JAINA has established a library for dissemination of knowledge on Jainism. JAINA has established a library in Lubbock, TX, USA, which opened in April 1990. Its Canada branch has been established in Toronto. Books on various aspects of Jainology will be collected from India for the purpose of placing them in these libraries and research centers.
Another important activity in which the federation is engaged is inviting the reputed scholars of Jainism from India and arranging their lectures and discussion at various Jain Centers.
JAINA brings out a quarterly journal, the "Jain Digest" which gives global information on Jain events and includes several interesting feature articles.
As an important religion of the east, Jainism is attracting the attention of the western organizers of conferences on world religions, ethics, etc.. During the past few years, several Jain scholars of repute have been invited by the Jain centers and conference organizers to deliver their lectures and for discussions. Notable names include Dr. J.C. Jain (Bombay), Pandit Dalsukh Malvania (Ahmdabad), Dr. Nathmal Tantia (Ladnun), Dr. A.V. Sangave (Kolhaour), Dr. Mahaveer Saran Jain (Jabalpur), Dr. Kumarpal Desai (Ahmdabad), Dr. Hukam Chand Bharill (Jaipur), Dr. Prem Suman Jain (Udaipur), Dr. Gokul Chandra Jain (Varanasi), Dr. V.P. Jain (Jabalpur), and
Dr. Bhagchandra Jain Bhaskar (Nagpur).
There are about 100 Jain centers and associations abroad, working for international links of Jainism.
The Duke of Edinburgh (U.K.) announced the establishment of the International Sacred Literature Trust for the translation and publication of holy books in English of various world religions.
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With the effort of so many Jain Societies in the world, Jainism has been included in the list and the first book selected for English translation is Tattwarth Sutra.
The International Literature Trust, headed by the Duke of Edinburgh, had the formal presentation of the Jain Declaration of Nature to H.R.H. Prince Philip in Buckingham Palace in London. The Prince had a round table discussion with several selected Jain delegates from various countries, with the theme "Do Not Exploit Nature for Selfish Ends."
Construction and consecration of Jain temples is gaining importance in the West, to provide suitable places for worship and developing community relations. A large and beautiful Jain temple has been built at the cost of about Rs.2 Crores in Leicester (U.K.) from hand-carved Rajasthan stone. Devotees from all parts of the world participated in the week-long Pratistha celebrations during July 14-20, 1988. The Leicester streets looked like any city street in India, decorated with Jain flags and festoons, and a moving chariot procession with the usual tableaus and color, accompanied by bands playing Indian and English tunes.
4 acres of land has been purchased by the Oshwal Jain Samaj in London for the construction of a large Jain temple with a high spire, guest house, a library, Pathshala for religious education and a farm. Construction has started.
A large Jain temple has been established in Siddhachalam, New Jersey, in the U.S.A. by Sushil Kumarji in the 108 acre Jain Ashram, that he also established. There are presently Jain temples in nine cities in the U.S.A., as well as several established in other countries,
☐ 6TH BIENNIAL JAINA CONVENTION JULY 1991 33
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