________________
— Jain Digest
Vantage Point
What a great
summer
Sulekh C. Jain
Sulekh C. Jain President of JAINA Federation
Summer of 1991 will be a memorable one for the Jain community as well as in the history of evolution of Jainism in North America. Many significant events took place during the past few months that reinforce the sense of unity, dynamism, progress and of being a Jain. In retrospect, Jains in North America are not only establishing their roots and identity but are also taking positive steps, not only, to maintain but also to enhance their cultural and religious heritage.
I name just a few of the events and significant achievements. These include:
1. Celebration of Sixth JAINA Conventions in San Francisco
2. Inauguration and Pratishtha of Teerth Siddhachalam
3. Pratishta of Jain deities at Kansas City, KS and Augusta, GA
4. Significant progress in the building of new temples at Chicago and Detroit
5. Visit of a contingent of Jain youths from U.K. for the first time as part of our youth exchange program
6. Visit to North American Jain Centers by a large number of Sadhus, Sadhavis,
Bhattaraks, Samanis, Scholars, Pandits, Ambassadors, Singers, Jain leaders from several parts of the world including India, U.K. Singapore and East Africa
7. Premier release of a video movie on Bhagwan Mahavir by
Institute of Jainology (U.K.)
8. Release of several excellent books, videos and audio cassettes on Jainism
9. Significant progress in the preparation of comprehensive directory of Jains in North America by Jain Center of Greater Boston
10. Celebration of Paryushan and Daslakshan in a grand scale with lots of Tapasyas, Poojas, and religious discourses throughout U.S.A. and Canada
11. Tenth Anniversary celebration of the establishment of Jain Temple in Boston
12. A 3 day workshop at Harvard University on pluralism and minority religions in U.S.A. Federation of JAINA was invited to participate in this workshop
Specifically, the two events, the sixth JAINA convention in July and Praishtha Mohotsav in Siddachalam in August were eye openers. This is when the Jain community came together not only in large numbers but with unity, vision, dedication and commitment. At both places, the attendance was in several thousand. Jains came not only from the Jain Centers and states in North America but overseas too. At both places, members of the Chaturvidh Sangh shared ideas and discussed issues facing the community. The Jain Center of Northern California did a super job in organizing and holding a super convention in a super setting and climate with a great theme: "Extending Jain Heritage to the Next Generation".
The Indian community and press from San Francisco Bay area commented that JAINA convention was one of the best and well organized conventions.
Those who attended noticed and appreciated that the convention was planned and organized by the youths. It was by far the largest assembly of our Jain youths in North America. Many hundred youths participated. Most of the programs were by and for youths. Their presence and active participation was most visible. There were open and free
debates and discussions, exhibition of Jain books and painting, booths by various Jain Centers and plenty of very nice religious cultural programs. For the first time JAINA recognized several progressive Jain youth leaders for promoting Jainism in North America. Many people rightly called this convention a youth convention.
Jain Center of Northern California deserves our appreciation and applause for making this happen. Thank you California and San Francisco.
The nine day Pratishtha Ceremony of Teerth Siddachalam was another significant milestone in our short but colorful history. We saw the largest gathering of Jains outside India. It was a sight to be seen, to remember and to enjoy. Finally, our dream became a reality. Let us all visit this Teerth for prayers and spiritual uplifting.
The next seventh JAINA convention will be hosted by the Hindu-Jain Temple Sangh in Pittsburgh, PA in July 1993. JAINA and Jain Community will also be participating in first century celebration of First World Parliament of Religions in Chicago. In 1893 first Jain Shree Virchand Raghavji Gandhi came to U.S.A. to attend and address this parliament.
As you can see much is happening in the Jain World in North America. We all should be rightly proud of these achievements. I feel, our march has just begun. Let us participate and keep marching. Participa
Al this Sixth JAINA Convention, a new executive committee was elected. You have again placed your faith and trust in me to serve you for two more years. I and the new executive committee ask for your support, help, guidance, understanding and tolerance. I also take this opportunity to convey my sincere thanks to the members and chairpersons of several committees, individuals and others who served and shared in this evolution of Jainism in North America.
JAIJINENDRA
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