Jain Digest 1998 07 Vol 14 No 03

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

Page 17

"There is nothing more powerful than an idea. No weapon can destroy it, no power can conquer it, except the power of another idea."
YOUNG Minds
YOUNG JAINS OF AMERICA
725 North American Young Jains Meet in Houston for the Third Biennial Young Jains of America Convention
by Gaurav Kapadia & Samir Sanghani
Young Jains of America (YJA) and the Houston YJA Conven- tion Committee (HYJACC) are pleased to announce the successful completion of the largest ever youth only gathering of Jains in North America. The conference took place from July 2nd through 5th at the Del Lago Resort and Conference Center near Houston. The Third Biennial YJA Convention allowed the younger generation of Jains in North America to explore their religious and moral ideas, values, and beliefs. The conference also allowed the participants to share the unique experiences encountered while practicing a Jain lifestyle within the American culture. As an excellent opportunity to address the issues that face the current generation of youth, the YJA Convention allowed Jainism to continue and grow into the next century.
Under the theme, “Jainism - Back to Basics", the fundamental principles of the religion and contemporary issues were explored and expanded upon through a variety of exciting session formats, including lectures by experienced guest speakers, workshops, semi- nars, and small group discussions that allowed participation from
the attendees. The distinguished keynote speakers Shri Gurudev Chitrabhanuji, Balabhadraji (Bruce Costain), Dr. Dhiraj Shah, Sadhvi Shilapiji, Dr. Benjamin Zephaniah, Dr. Cromwell Crawford and Professor Janice Leoshko, together represent an incredible amount of Jain religious knowledge and philosophical insight. In addition, numerous other Jain speakers and educators from around the country conducted the convention workshops and moderate participant open discussions. This year's convention hosted 725 participants, the largest group of young Jains ever gathered.
In addition to educational seminars and discussions, there were many opportunities for social interaction at the convention.
social activity was planned for each night of the convention. On Thursday night, there were ice-breaker activities that were used to introduce the convention participants to one another. Then, on Friday night, there was a garba/raas, and on Saturday, there was a formal dinner and dance. These activities allowed the participants to relax after a full day of activities and gave them the opportunity to get to know individuals from all corners of the continent.
YJA Executive Board Elections Young Jains of America recently concluded its election process for positions on the executive board. Following the national convention in Houston, applications were received that included a personal résumé highlighting Jain activities and other leadership involvement. Applicants were also asked to submit an essay entitled, How I can Lead YJA into the Next Millenium. Board members also interviewed applicants to evaluate interest and commitment. All Regional Coordinator and General Coordinator positions were up for election.
The following youth were selected to serve on the 1998-1999 YJA Executive Board:
South
Mid-Atlantic Naishadh Shah Neha Vagadia
Timir Chheda
Southeast Ameet Shah Heerain Shah
West Neal Shah Mona Vadecha
We thank all the youth who applied and hope that those not selected will continue to work with their communities and are encouraged to reapply in the future. The new YJA board looks forward to continuing the successful tradition of the organization in promoting Jainism to youth in North America.
JAIN DIGEST FALL 1998/15
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