Jain Digest 2002 12 Vol 21 No 4

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

Page 33

YOUNG JAINS OF AMERICA (YJA):
Chairpersons: Mr. Ronak Shah (918) 269-7665. Started in 1989, YJA is growing fast in its membership. YJA seminars are a regular feature of JAINA Conventions. The first YJA Convention was held in Chicago in 1994.
Our mission is to be recognized nationally and internationally as an umbrella Jain Youth organization for establishing a network to share heritage and religion through youth. To raise awareness about Jain ideals and principals in North America and in the world. To create a forum for sharing religion. To instill a sense of pride among Jain youth about their heritage. To address the problems, difficulties and concerns facing Jain youth. To assist and promote charitable community activities.
To prepare Jain youth to become successful Jain Leaders of tomorrow • To develop friendship among Jain youth
To foster and strengthen local Jain youth groups. Accomplishments:
Project Ahimsa (Gujarat Relief): Help JAINA for Earthquake victims in Gujarat. Project Adinath (Website update): Created online Pathshala classes. Created network so Jains can communicate easily with each other. Successful biennial convention on 4th of July weekend, 2002 in New Jersey.
JAINS PROFESSIONALS (YJP):
Chairperson: Sanjay Mehta (718) 347-3083 This association is an affiliate member of JAINA. It is a forum for young Jain professionals to network and to meet other successful role models in our community.
• To raise awareness of Jain principals through educational ad interactive discussion • To promote application of Jainism in Professional & social aspects of our lives.
To facilitate peer networking. • To arrange community service.
To provide mentorship to younger youth.
To collaborate with YJA, JAINA & other Jain organizations. Accomplishments:
• Four (4) Conventions • Seminars in Jain Ethics in science, art, business and medicine.
Social responsible investing Living exploration of inner self: Effect of ego, anger, greed & deceit. Dual Culture & Renegotiating identity. Living exploration inner self: Impact of FIVE VOWS: non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity & non
possessiveness. Future Plans:
• More conventions, Seminars and Interaction
MARRIAGE INFORMATION SERVICE - Jain Digest:
Chairperson: Mr. Hasmukh Shah (727) 934-6141 • To promote Jainism to marry among Jains and participate the principals of Jainism in day-to-day life.
To help Jain youths to gradually involve themselves in Jain organizations to advance the rational philosophy of Jainism between the parent and following generations, particularly born and raised in North America. Institutions of marriage and family to continue to be the foundation of cultural values of the society in formation and
taking roots outside of India, particularly in the West. • Creating awareness about the selection process in marriage among the Jain community through scientific techniques
of communication and counseling based on information.
To promote better communications and counseling for our youth. Accomplishments:
A number of Jain young male and female members have participated in our Marriage Information Service (MIS) registry program and have used this valuable service successfully.
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Jain Education Intemational