JAINA Convention 1999 07 Philadelphia

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

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10th Biennial JAINA Convention
The Theme of the Convention is "Jainism in the New Millennium" We hope this Convention will become a Forum for discussions that help generate energy from our ancient traditions to face new challenges of the modern world. Young Jains living in North America want to learn how to develop their personality and mingle with this western world as Jains. They are growing up in a Judeo-Christian Culture that is tolerant. They are attracted to the idea of love and brotherhood. Does our emphasis on Karma carry with it compassion for the suffering man? Is there hope for him? Western culture serenades life. It is perhaps natural to be puzzled by ascetic ideas that appear to negate life, or rituals that do not appear to connect one to personal growth. We should all like to learn how "Anuvrat” could become a "freedom" rather than a "restriction".
JAINA holds such conventions so that the collective wisdom of the entire community can be brought to bear on these evolving issues and we can develop a road map for the Journey into the next century, which is beginning the new millennium.
Under the leadership of a string of able Presidents JAINA has made steady progress towards its goals and is becoming a voice for all Jains of North America. These conventions are helping it to grow as an organization. We are grateful to the Executive Committee of JAINA for their support in helping our Sangh in hosting this Convention.
We hope you will enjoy this Convention which has presented wide-ranging array of programs. The Philadelphia Museum of Art in cooperation with us is staging an exhibit of Jain arts to coincide with our Convention. For the first time in a Convention we have a Siddha Chakra Mahape ojan, a Continuing Medical Education Seminar and a Sahitya Sammelan. Gujarati Langua 'e originated from Jain scriptures. The presence of Mahatmas like Father Valles and Poet Makranc hai Dave in our midst is a rare honor and an occasion for rejoicing for all of us.
We are grateful to all the committee chairs, committee members and volunteers for the countless hours of labor of love they poured into this Convention. The Jain Centers of Northeast Corridor gave our little Sangh great help in planning this Convention. It has given us all a joy of our hearts to host this Convention. Each of us was tested. We built strong friendships. We all learnt a lot doing this and saw ourselves grow as a result.
We are thankful to all the dignitaries, keynote speakers, speakers, Jain centers, advertisers, sponsors and delegates for attending and supporting this Convention. We hope that you will carry with you sweet memories of our city.
Jai Jinendra!
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Peer
Meeta D. Peer
levenc ra Jeer Devendra T. Peer Convenor of the Convention & President, Samarpan Jain Sangh.
Meeta D. Peer, MD Co-Convenor of the Convention
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