JAINA Convention 2007 07 Edison NJ

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

Page 29

Something in our upbringing prevents us from discussing Life for the survivor after the death of one spouse. There are no retirement communities for our elders who
have special diet, social and medical needs. There is a need to build. senior activity centers, day care centers and retirement homes for them in the same community where they had lived and worked for years.
The segment of the population that will demand urgent attention is the aging first generation that came here as students in the 1960's. That group of early immigrants has now reached a retirement age. They have overcome enormous odds and created in this adopted land social and religious institutions that mirrored what they grew up with back home in India. They persevered, prospered and provided excellent education opportunities to their children. They take well-deserved pride in the achievements of their children but are now experiencing "Empty Nest" syndrome. As a group, we have paid little attention to the needs of this aging population. As individuals they may have secured a financial future for themselves but they have not openly debated their social future. Something in our upbringing prevents us from discussing life for the survivor after the death of one spouse. There are no retirement communities for our elders who have special diet, social and medical needs. There is a need to build senior activity centers, day care centers and retirement homes for them in the same community where they had lived and worked for years. A pilot project in warmer climate like Florida could be a first step in that direction. Our community does not participate very much in state sponsored services even though states do offer incentives for senior citizen projects. The irony is - this is not largely a financial dilemma for our seniors. It is plain and simple lack of planning. JAINA can take a lead in this area and help plan such communities.
The thirty and forty years old "Second Generation" has different needs. Many are in a secure financial health as they pursue their chosen career paths. Two paycheck families with young children at home keep them fairly busy. They are not very religiously indoctrinated and have little participation in rituals. Many of them grew up without being exposed to Temples, religious discourses or pathshalas. None existed for them. But deep in their hearts they harbor respect for their culture and their religion. They occasionally visit Temples and enroll their kids in Pathshala or dance schools but do not regularly contribute their time or treasures for ritual dominated religious activities. Many can't read Indian languages and can't teach their youngsters reading or writing language of their ancestors. They reluctantly accept erosion of old customs. They welcome any opportunity available for religious or cultural exposures for their children and are pleased when their children return from Temples reciting stories from scriptures or show interest in traditional Indian dancing or singing in Indian languages. This vital section of our community can be served by designing programs that they can identify with or see value in. Adult pathshala in English, Yoga and meditation classes, community service projects and
interfaith seminars can make them regular participants and supporters in our centers. JAINA can design such programs and help centers to offer these programs.
YJA offers many programs to youth. Their Biennial conventions are a showcase of talents, idealism and the dedication of our young ones. But as their members enter colleges, many leave their hometowns and old connections behind. JAINA should offer programs on campuses to these kids in an effort to keep them in our folds. Scholarships, seminars and counseling can organize them and foster a relationship with local Jain centers. Area Jain centers can be encouraged to have outreach programs as students try to celebrate Jain festivals on campuses.
It is important to note that JAINA can undertake most of the above mentioned programs without spending a lot of resources and it can result in greater community participation.
14th Biennial JAINA Convention 2007
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PEACE THROUGH DIALOGUE