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JAINISM & SCIENCE
Convener's Message
It is my privilege to welcome you to the 19th Biennial JAINA Convention at NJ Expo Center. Theme of this year's convention is Jainism and Science. It is often said that Jainism is the most scientific of religions. Our sadhus, sadhvis and scholars in this Convention will expand on that assertion.
In addition to our traditional offerings like religious discourses, Youth programs, Jain Milan, entrepreneur session, there are many new initiatives in this convention, as listed below:
• Four different plays, all based on core Jain principle of Ahimsa will be performed over four days in Hindi, Gujarati and English.
• The Jewel of JAINA -Our Pathshalas - will be presented on the main stage as the final round of Jain Academic Bowl (JAB) competition where our pathshala children will demonstrate their knowledge of fundamental Jain principles in a game show format.
• Famous musicologist and singer Kummar Chatterjee from India will demonstrate the healing powers of Mantras - Navkar Mantra and Uvsagaharam Stotra -- in his unique style.
• For the very first time, a half a day session on Women's issues will take place.
• eBook on the life of Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji will be unveiled.
• A session on achievements of JAINA Academic Liaison Committee in persuading American colleges and universities to offer Jainism courses and the creation of Jain Chairs.
• Two young motivational speakers from India - Sajan Shah and Rahul Kapoor Jain -- are coming to be guest presenters at our JAINA convention.
I thank my Convention Committee members, Volunteers and Donors for their selfless dedication and support in staging the convention. To see hundreds of energetic volunteers of all ages from all over the globe working towards a single goal for all Jains is a powerful testimony to our Jain heritage and a reassuring story for our future generation.
Sincerely Gunvant Shah Convener, 2017 JAINA Convention
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