Jain Digest 1991 11

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

Page 21

governors, mayors, lawyers, etc.. Politics have been the base of our philosophy, the guiding light of our souls. The Federation of the Jain Associations in North America has flourished with a taste of success and has grown into an impending power. It has become the last piece to the puzzle which shall one day unite all Jains. Jainism, though opinionated, has become one of the purest and compassionate religions through preaching of non-violence. One may say that Jains are timid and shy, the truth is that Jains are full of kind hearts. Our Lord Mahavir has taught us the value of life which many tend to never understand.
Politics, that one word which humans will always involve themselves in. Throughout the United States one sees a candidate slander another just for a job and some recognition. Is this right? Are we just hungry wolves waiting to become famous? JAINA is a proud organization which is of great standing, yet, as always, some politics exist. One's efforts should come from the heart not through force or some other reason. Though I know JAINA will ensue to an apex, would simply and earnestly appeal to all to give from the heart. We must all give freely and try to eliminate the biases that exist. Steve Jain Athens, OH
Youth Column
Young Jains of America
Jain Digest
two coordinators for each region. These regions are MIDWEST: Chicago, Louisville (KY), Lansing, Detroit, Minnesota, St. Louis, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Central Ohio, Toledo, Milwaukee, and Pittsburgh (coordinators -Amar Salgia (217) 223-7735 and Rajeev Shah (314) 227-6144). NORTH ATLANTIC: Connecticut, Boston, Cherry Hill (NJ), Berlin (NJ), Essex Fells (NJ), Long Island (NY), Elmhurst (NY), Allentown (PA), Harrisburg (PA), Washington. (coordinators -Sarita Gandhi (617) 324-0393 and Raj Shah (201) 7312821). NORTHEAST: Albany, Buffalo, Grand Island (NY), Elmira (NY), Rochester, Syracuse, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal (coordinators - Sumeet Jain (716) 688-0104 and Kulin Mehta (416) 626-1227). SOUTH: Southern Louisiana, Tulsa, North Texas, Houston, Lubbock (TX) (coordinators - Ashish Vaidya (713) 498-8416 and Zubin Mehta (214) 490-7829). SOUTHEAST: Charlotte, Gamer (NC), Greenville (SC), Huntsville (AL), Atlanta, Daytona Beach, Fort Meyers, Orlando, Southern Florida, Germantown (TN). (coordinators - Nirav Shah (919) 933-2823 and Sanjay Parekh (404) 955-7337.
WEST: Phoenix, Southern California, San Diego, Northern California, Alberta, British Columbia, Los Angeles. (coordinators -Suketu Kandhar (714) 894-2930 and Tushar shah (408) 281-1688.
By Dr. Urmila Talsania
Young Jains of America is a sociocultural organization under the umbrella of the Federation of the JAINA to give young Jains the opportunity for leadership and responsibility, for the purpose of better communication and co-ordination. It is divided into six regions with
JAIN YOUTH EXCHANGE by Atul Shah, London UK
Young people are increasingly moving away from religion. In order to encourage them, a special youth exchange was organized for the first time, involving youths from the United Kingdom and the United States and Canada.
Last July, Jains in North America were the host to nineteen youths from the UK Jain community who visited New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington Buffalo, Toronto and of course the JAINA convention at Stanford University. At each city, the local youths collected them from the airports, took them to their homes, and went sightseeing with them. In addition, the UK youths had prepared a variety show comprising two plays, dances and slide show depicting Jains in the UK and the youth activities. This was presented at all the Jain centers. Furthermore, the youths also launched their first publication entitled "Experiments with Jainism", a set of techniques of putting ancient Jain principles into practice in the western world.
JUST SAY NO
by Nealesh Dhiraj Shah 135 Morningside Dr. Grand Island, NY 14072
Youth receiving Awards at Convention