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JAINA Convention 2005 Program Introduction...
Dear JAINA Convention 2005 Attendees: Jai Jinendra!
On behalf of JAINA Convention 2005 Programming Committee it's my distinct pleasure to welcome you to the thirteenth convention. This Program Guide and accompanying pocket size insert provides you detailed information so you can select the sessions you would like to attend.
This year we have a new program format. The entire program is structured around the core Convention Theme which is Extending Jain Heritage in Western Environment, and all the sessions are planned in support of this theme. The Convention program has approximately 250 sessions over the convention duration and a number of special sessions like the Opening Ceremony and evening cultural and entertainment programs. The program is configured in two broad categories, one for the young and "next generation" Jains, and the other for all others with some overlap in-between. With the objective of providing suitable program content for all age groups and varying interests, the program is split into 21 different tracks plus youth program sessions. Each track is on a broad subject that is related to or it supports the Convention Theme. Each of the tracks has any where between 4 and 11 sessions over the convention period.
Every session in the Convention Program uniquely addresses what we face and need in our day-to-day life, and collectively they help us to understand how we can be successful at home and at work. Some highlights of the program are:
For those interested in religious uplifting and re-education, the program includes approximately 130 sessions on religious topics consisting of a condensed course on fundamentals of Jainism, advanced religious topics, focused multi-session lectures on Tattvartha Sutra and Jain Way of Life as Explained by Srimad Rajchandra Ji, and lectures and discourses on many more topics. Three outstanding entertainment programs (1) Raas-Garba on July 1st evening with Satellite group from India, (2) Jain Center cultural competition on July 2 evening, and (3) an evening with Anuradha Paudwal and Manhar Udhas on July 3rd. Some outstanding speakers in the Opening Ceremony and a special session on Unity in Diversity. The later includes talks by leading Jain Acharyas from India especially recorded for this occasion. A symposium on "Ahimsa and Aparigraha in Contemporary Contexts" on July 3d. The symposium organized by Ahimsa Center at Cal Poly Pomona and sponsored by JAINA features many of the leading Jain academicians, researchers and business leaders. Jain Cooking with Tarla Dalal sessions and a special Iron Chef styled cooking competition for the food lovers who want to enhance their culinary skills. Over 10 sessions on topics covering health, women's perspectives, senior citizen perspectives, child raising, and medical education for the attendees interested in social issues. A muti-faceted youth program includes lectures, workshops, and field trips focusing on the theme "Communications, Charity and Compassion in Action through Service". The youth program caters to diverse interests and age groups and in addition to lectures and field trips, it includes Jain Academic Bowl, a cruise, a trip to Great America Theme Park, Bollywood Aerobics and several sessions with opportunities for social interactions and networking.
A number of re-unions of regional groups for the attendees seeking to catch-up with friends. 3o Eleven parallel sessions every early morning to help attendees invigorate mind, body and soul including chanting,
sutra recital, yoga, Prekshaddhyan, Pratikraman, Bhangra Aerobics and Sun Gazing. $0 An Art Exhibition featuring some of the established and some emerging Jain artists.
We, in the Programming Committee, have crafted the program very diligently and we have invited some of the most renowned Jain philosophers, religious leaders and business leaders from around the world and we encourage all of you to fully take advantage of their presence. The convention offers once in a lifetime opportunity to learn how to live a better and healthy Jain life at home and at work, the key in Extending Jain Heritage in Western Environment.
The entire Convention Team comprising of hundreds of volunteers has spent countless hours in trying to offer you the best ever convention. Whereas we have attempted to pay attention to all minute details, we ask for your forgiveness for our shortcomings. Mitchhammi Dukkaddam!!!
Dr. Parveen K. Jain Programming Committee
Jain Education International
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