JAINA Convention 1993 07 Pittusburgh

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 11

Welcome to the JAINA Convention
Vinod Doshi & Surendra Sethi
Convenors
It is our distinct and delightful honor and privilege to welcome you all to the 7th Biennial JAINA Convention in the picturesque city of Pittsburgh.
This is an exciting and historic occasion. Jains from North America and all over the world have gathered here to share their views, get to know each other better and to advance the cause of Jain ideology of non-violence, vegetarianism, anekankvad, ecological harmony, compassion and spiritual purity. Under the convention theme of “Jainism: Past-Present-Future", our reverend and respected monks/nuns, distinguished professors, scholars and guests will focus on Jainism's rich heritage, its status today and its direction and prospects for the future.
The convention will emphasize youth education, leadership and participation. Jain youth movement is right on the track from where it left in San Francisco. Their inquisitiveness and desire to learn more about Jainism, and at the same time their endless enthusiasm, perseverance, and hard work in coordinating and putting this excellent and well balanced youth program together is a glowing testimony to that. Rather than blindly following us, youth are rightfully questioning some of our value standards, are ready to face challenges ahead, and are determined to find the right solutions to pave the way for the future. They are inspiring and earning our total respect as the future torch bearers for Jainism. Give a big smile and shake the hands of every proud youth at the convention
We are very fortunate to be living in the best of both worlds- of rich spiritual and cultural heritage of Jainism and the abundance of scientific, technological and material comforts of the West. Where do we (specially us in North America) go from here? Well! That is what this convention is all about. This is your convention. We are merely providing a forum and want to be a catalyst for not only participating and learning, but also for your thoughts, requirements and constructive suggestions. JAINA committee members will be listening to see how they can translate your ideas into directions, goals and plans of action for future to benefit us all. Your convention is history in the making. Participate. Be a part of history.
This is not a convention of wall to wall discourses. Lectures and messages yes, but that is only a small part of the convention. We have a magnificent exhibition on Jain art and architecture, a "Jain Darshan" exhibition from Boston Jain Center, an exciting and entertaining two nights of cultural programs, seminars, workshops, slide and video presentations, youth dances and ras garba and much much more. Enjoy your convention!
The Hindu-Jain Temple of Pittsburgh - a temple all of us are very proud of - is a monument of harmony and unity in diversity, where the Jain faiths and the Hindu faiths worship, grow and flourish under one roof. We have been fortunate in receiving blessings from great saints of all faiths. With its Pratishtha in 1984, this temple is the first of its kind in the United States and probably elsewhere in the world - a tribute to the foresight of the founding fathers. Members of the convention committee with Jain and Hindu community have worked very hard to make this convention a historic event. Our hearty thanks to many many volunteers who have worked very hard to make this a successful event. It has been a total community effort.
Our special thanks to:
JAINA for providing us this opportunity to host the convention and to extend our hospitality. All of our revered saints, professors, scholars, distinguished dignitaries and guests, delegates,
participants for gracing the convention, and • All the volunteers, supporters and generous donors for helping us achieve our lofty mission.
Welcome, once again. Enjoy the convention and have a great time. Jai Jinendra!
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7TH BIENNIAL JAINA CONVENTION - JULY 1993