Jain Digest 1995 11

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

Page 37

Youth enthusiasm, attendance make convention a success
YJA: Past, Present, Future
a timeline of YJA's history,
projects, and goals
Current Goals: • Increase youth interaction at local, re
gional, and national levels. Educate youth to preserve Jain heritage Create a forum for exchanging ideas on Jain religion and philosophy
squared off in an intense, intellectual comMihir Shah, YJA Board (IL)
petition on Jain trivia. After the battles were
fought and dust settled, Pittsburgh prevailed During the Fourth of July weekend, the as first-place winner. "Some of these kids Federation of Jain Associations in North know more than my parents do," commented America (JAINA) held its Eighth Biennial one youth attendee. Convention at the Jain Center in Bartlett, Young Jains of America (YJA) also held Illinois, sponsored by the Jain Society of several activities, including a general YJA Metropolitan Chicago. The convention was information session and a promotional excoupled with the Chicago Jain Society's hibition, during which YJA presented its Pratishta Mahotsav (Auspicious Installation) North American Scrapbook and internet of murtis of all 24 Jain Tirthankaras (ford - World-Wide Web page. makers). According to local sources, the The 1995 JAINA Convention proved to week-long festivities were attended by a be a showcase of what Jain youths from all record 10,000 people. Youth attendance also over North America have accomplished on soared; one out of four attendees was under local and national levels. “Overall, I thought 25 years of age, according to youth leader the Convention was very successful," said Viken Shah
Manish Shah (IL). "A lot of people particiYouth Events
pated and this gave them a chance to meet At the 1991 convention, JAINA stressed and make new friends and share ideas." the importance of youth involvement with Commented Hiral Mehta (IL): "The semiits theme, "Extending Jain Heritage to the nars, the cultural program, and the exhibiNext Generation." Four years later, the lo- tion was all quite interesting." Other attendcal Chicago youth group followed suit, or- ees saw room for improvement. "I thought ganizing an array of activities addressing the more organization was needed," said Pooja needs of first- and second-generation North Kapadia (MO). "There were a lot of lectures American Jains. On the second day, several and seminars, which were good. But there "icebreakers" — to help youths become ac- was a need for small-group discussions quainted and comfortable with one another where people would have a chance to ex- set a casual tone for a day of forums and press and exchange ideas." Despite mixed panel discussions. Topics included "Influ- reactions, enthusiasm remained high. "I'm ence of the Media on Our Jain Beliefs" and looking forward to the next convention," “Racism Within and Outside of the Indian said Mehta. Community." The next day featured what VIA Executive Board turned into a controversial panel discussion on "Ahimsa" (non-violence), with panelists
e-mail: ya@uts.cc.utexas.edu including former Indian Environment Min
Chairpersons: ister Maneka Gandhi. "The lecture was in
Liza Baid (Can.) [Northeast]
(514) 466-4057 bsg2@musicb.mcgill.ca sightful -- it opened my eyes a little wider
Amit Shah (MN) (Midwest] to some interesting facts," commented
(612) 425-0016 ashah@biosci.cbs.umn.edu Mehul Shah (IL). Others were more skepti- General Coordinator: cal. "Although Ms. Gandhi is a powerful Mayur Mehta (TN) (Southeast] speaker, I don't appreciate her belittling and General Members: dogmatizing us for a lifestyle which she her- Ruturaaj Kalamkar (TX) (South) self never experienced," said Mintu Turakhia Mihir Shah (IL) [Midwest) (CA). “Her condescending attitude was dis
Nikhil Shah (NJ) [Mid-Atlantic] couraging -- not motivating.”
Neelesh Tatia (GA) (Southeast]
Events: Bijal Ajmera (OK) (South] A popular convention program was the
Finance: Darshan Shah (CO) [West] Jain Academic Bowl. Teams of Jain youths
Fundraising: Mona Bhuta (AL) (Southeast from Boston, Raleigh, Charlotte, Washing
Membership: Shalin Mehta (MD) (Mid-Ati.) ton, Lubbock, Chicago, and Pittsburgh Public Relations: Mintu Turakhia (CA) (West)
Current Projects: • Establish contact with youth and adult
leaders at local levels. Expand financial resources through promotion and fund-raising campaigns. Organize 1996 YJA Convention: 4th of July weekend, San Francisco, CA Create and promote informational resources: Young Minds newsletter; Jain lecture circuit list (list of Jain scholars and available educational resources); YJA internet home page Distribute membership directories
TIME ACCOMPLISHMENTS/GOALS 1991 Inception of YJA. Divided North
American into six regions; ap
pointed 12 regional coordinators 1993 YJA Youth Leadership Confer
ence in Chicago. Formalized YJA, established mission and
goals 1994 Successful First Biennial YJA
Convention in Chicago, with over
300 attending. 1995 Spring/Summer: Adopt-A-Cen
ter Program, Foster Focus Programs: North American Youth Scrapbook, Membership Directory, Temple magnet fund-raiser. New Board members selected at 8th Biennial JAINA Convention. YJA Executive Board meeting in August. Created short- and longterm strategies to increase youth outreach and achieve YJA's goals (see above).
JAIN DIGEST
Sept./Dec. 1995 Jain Education Intemational
35 www.jainelibrary.org