Jain Digest 2002 12 Vol 21 No 4

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

Page 25

JAINA AT A GLANCE
FOUNDING SPIRITUAL LEADERS
Gurudev Chitrabhanu Ji
Acharya Sushil kumar Ji
The Federation of JAINA is the umbrella organization of local Jain Associations (Sanghs) in U.S.A. and Canada. Other Jain organizations established for specific purpose are also affiliated member of JAINA. The purpose of the organization is to preserve, practice and promote Jainism.
ORIGIN: An Umbrella organization for all Jain organizations (not individuals) in North America was initiated at the first Jain Convention held in Los Angeles in 1981. At the second Jain Convention in New York in 1983, JAINA was established and formally constituted.
JAINA is the only organization representing all the JAINS living in U.S. and Canada without bias classification based on sect, language, or region. It has provided a forum to foster friendship and unity among various Jain communities of North America.
OBJECTIVES
1. To promote religious and educational activities related to Jain religion and to promote study and
understanding of Jain religion. 2. To assist existing Jain associations and promote the formation of new Jain associations throughout North
America. 3. To provide and promote academic and cultural interchanges and cooperation among Jains in North America,
India and other countries. 4. To assist and to promote charitable and humanitarian community service activities in North America, India,
and other countries. 5. To promote vegetarianism and non-violence. 6. To assist in the establishment of Jain Temples, Sthanaks, Pathshalas and other facilitiesfor carrying on Jain
activities. 7. To establish liaison with governmental and other agencies in pursuance of the above objectives.
ORGANIZATION
The JAINA organization functions through its many units. Over 300 volunteers are involved in efficiently running this organization. They include:
The Board of Directors Directors-at-Large The Executive Committee Committee Chair & Co-Chairpersons Jain Digest, Editorial and Managing Editor Board JAINA Charitable Trust Member Organization's Presidents 2003 Convention: Convention Board 2003 Convention: Activity & Advisory Board
13 or more A large number of volunteers serve as members of various committees
Jain Education Intemational