Jain Digest 1995 04

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

Page 11

three groups: children, under 13, young people and adults. The organizers planned activities where the 3 groups would meet separately and other activities where everyone meet together.
Samir Sanghani
Multiculturalism and Prejudice
There was a joint discussion on Multiculturism and Prejudice. Skits were presented on the Americanization of Indian youths, financial and status prejudice, racism and religious prejudice. Almost every young person at the convention, participated or helped with the plays in some way. Each skit showed how a typical Indian family dealt with a common situation involving some kind of prejudice. Each skit conveyed the same message - Jains can, and do display prejudice in some form every day in their lives. The skits were presented in a hilarious, but meaningful manner. Everyone enjoyed them. After the skits, the audience was divided into groups with different ages and from different cities. The moderators started the discussions and
let the participants open up and share their views on the different topics. Many interesting points were discussed: the karma theory and its relevance to prejudice, the role of women in society, the difference between maintaining one's culture and shunning others, communication between parents and their children about why they are prejudiced about some things. Solutions were brought up by everyone. The discussions were interesting and opened the eyes of many to a problem that many Indians fail to address.
Rajul Khemsara
Ethics in the Work Place
On Saturday we had our second joint discussion on Ethics in the Workplace. We had a panel consisting of one pre-med student, Sangeeta Shah; an engineer, Pradeep Shah; a presiding judge, Riddhi Desai and a senior high school student interested in becoming a doctor, Neela Gada. The discussion was moderated by Pavan, a University of Texas pre-med student. Many different points were brought up and the audience participated by questioning the panelists. The topics discussed ranged from the plague to working in a weapons company.
After the panel discussion the audi
March 1995
ence was divided into smaller groups. Each group discussed the different ethical controversy. Some people's views were formulated according to Jain principles, while others based their's upon their own moral standards. This discussion was especially interesting for those who did not have a definite opinion and wanted to hear both sides. The discussions touched upon very controversial subjects in a mature and enlightening manner. It certainly brought out multiple viewpoints.
Rajul Khemsara
Fun at Funplex
After a day of discussions the young people, kids, and some of the adults who were young-at-heart met at Funplex to enjoy themselves.
Some youths played mini-golf, play pool or discovered the "Laser Star experience". Some daring kids tried the "Human Globe", a huge spherical device in which you are straped in place and spun around in all directions. The best part of the entire evening was the unity among all young people. Everyone got to know each other. Most didn't have the heart to leave. It was an exciting and relaxing experience that will not be forgotten.
Shilpa Sheth
... the Grand Finale
The traditional Indian way of celebrating any great event is none other than the beautifully expressive Raas and Garba. It turned out to be a joyful way to mark the end of a great convention.
After two hectic days of activities of Yoga, group discussions, lectures and presentations, a game of dandia raas was just right.
The colors dancing to glorious rhythms and sounds of dhol and drums, coupled with the melodious garba songs was a wonderful sight. Words are inadequate to describe the "taan" and the vibrant mood that was present in the air, which makes Raas Garba so unique. It seemed everyone was bent upon getting the most out of it. The spirit of being one, the urge to share joy and the pride of being Jain was all there.
It felt as if there was one continuous never-ending session of dance and gaiety. And if Dandia was not enough, we went into a spontaneous dance of Bangra, expressing the joy we have had in experienc
JAIN DIGEST
ing this event and making so many new friends.
But then time has its own cruel way of setting limits. Everything good has to come to an end. The purpose was served, to go home with good feelings and memories. Rajesh Dharamshi
WEST
REGION
Chandrakant Parekh Regional Editor
Los Angeles, CA
Following the incorporation of the Jain Center, a new and expanded Board of Directors has been elected and includes Hasendra Shah, President; Virendra Shah, Vice President; Kishor Sanghvi, Secretary; Dinesh Shah, Treasurer; Nitin Shah, Public Relations; Ramesh Kothari, Pratibha Mehta, Tejas Mehta, Vinod Mehta, Navin Sanghvi, Hamendra Shah, Ila Shah, Kantilal Shah, Kantilal Shah, Madhuri Shah, and Sumati Shah, Directors.
The services of the outgoing directors were acknowledged and the new incoming directors were introduced at a general body meeting that was held in January. Chris Chapple, Professor of Theology at Loyola Marymount University was invited to the meeting to deliver a lecture on Jainism.
The gala exhibition entitled The Peaceful Liberators: Jain Art from India organized at the Los Angeles County Museum of Arts from November 6, 1994 to January 22, 1995 was a huge success. Over 55,000 visitors had an opportunity to enjoy to this unique exhibition of 150 aesthetically beautiful and historically significant works of art, lectures, films, dance-drama, stories and workshops related to Jainism. The local Jain community raised over $12,000.00 to help promote this event. The donations were used to publicize the exhibition, sponsor trips for school children, and distribute free tickets. The exhibition will now travel to Fort Worth, New Orleans and London, England.
Interest and attendance in the Jain study classes have grown tremendously. Nearly 110 adults and over 150 children
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