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HIGHLIGHTS OF CONVENTION 2001
spoke at a session on Compassionate Living, was also present as a resource person at the booth. Elsewhere in the exhibit hall, Jains were able to sample soap that did not contain animal fat. They could also view pictures of a panjra-pol called Girivihar near Palitana, and get more information on supporting those efforts.
Thus even within the small area of the exhibit hall, North American Jains were offered a variety of ways to apply non-violence to their lives.
The Young Jains of America, Young Jain Professionals, and Jain Spirit booths highlighted the innovative resources and activities developed and supported by the young Jains of the 21st century. Many people stopped by the Young Jains of America and Young Jain Professionals booths to become a part of these dynamic organizations. The Jain Center of Connecticut offered a unique transcription of Jain songs into
Western musical notation. Booth that drew the most attention was from "WORLD JAIN CONFEDERATION" a newly launched organization in India whose charter was inaugurated in April at the 2600th anniversary of Lord Mahavir by the Prime Minister Shri Vajpayee. Hundreds of attendees signed up to support their goal of Jain unity.
Father Valles delivered the keynote speech on Saturday. His 90 minute speech was tour de force and was listened to by the hushed crowd that was interrupted by numerous bursts of laughter as he described the unique and most important Jain concept "14 Gunsthanaks" - fourteen steps to attain higher state of being. He also spoke separately to the youth and he is undoubtedly becoming the most eagerly awaited speaker by both the young and the adults at the JAINA Conventions.
Breakout sessions organized for the scholars were a big hit! Most of the sessions were jam packed. Many attendees had to sit on the floor or stand along the walls. JAINA intends to keep this growing community need, this hunger for the knowledge in mind while organizing the next convention. Scholars like Jin Chandraji, Shekhar Chand Jain, Manek Muni, Amrendra Muni, Babubhai Kadiwala, Dr. Bharil, Dr. Sneh Rani Jain, Prakash Jain, Prof. Yashvant Malyia, Herrman Kuhn, Bob Arnet, Kiranbhai Parekh, Chandrakant Mehta, Rajni Shah, Dulichand Jain,. John Robbins, Dr. Neal Barnard, and Satish Kumar, Dr. Kokila Doshi gave speeches and interacted with the audience in a manner that made the convention what it is supposed to be, a joyous, learning and
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growing event for the Jains in this adopted land to come together, celebrate their faith and pass on their beliefs and cultural heritage to the next generation.
The seasoned team of volunteers from Chicago did an excellent job of putting the convention together; running the entire operation smoothly, every last detail was carefully looked after. Online registration was very successful and we will see more of that in the future. The team of Convention Convener Dr. Bipin Parikh and Co-conveners Kishore Shah and Prabodh Vaidya all of Chicago Jain Sangh orchestrated flawless and they deserve countless kudos. The convention center was an excellent choice of venue because it was large enough facility but everything was so close by no long walks and no
rushed participants. Also Hyatt Hotel where most of the out of town guests stayed was within 5 minutes of walking distance. The food - arrangements could not be better. Serving three meals a day for 6,000 without any complications. There were no long lines, special food for children and some for vegans- were available. Scholars were served separately. And food was delicious!
After 20 years of existence, this was the first convention that was actually developed and managed by JAINA. The timing of this convention, very auspicious days as it turned out, conflicted with many weddings in our community resulting in shortfall of attendance. The economic conditions, depressed stock market, Gujarat earthquake fund raisings effected donations to the convention. In spite of all this, JAINA will have no financial liability resulting from Convention. The new format of organizing JAINA convention wherein the sitting Vice President is the convener of the convention, the convention Board is made-up of equal number of members from the host Sangh and seasoned JAINA volunteers named by JAINA Executive Committee. JAINA is on the path of making the conventions self-sufficient and a day may come when professionals in a vacation city may organize the future conventions with guidelines from JAINA.
11th Bienniel JAINA convention photo album $25 for 20 pictures. and $20 for edited 30-35 minute Video. It contains opening presentation video and edited cultural program. Send you cheque to JAINA HQ, PO Box 700, Getzville, NY 14068-0700 or at jainahq@aol.com
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