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ART OF CONVENTION 12h BIENNIAL JAINA CONVENTION
Temple. The Temple Rachna opening and Ashtapadji model, exhibition of photographs of Jain Temples by world renowned presented by New York Sangh, had so many devotees that the photographer Mahendra Visaria. An exhibit by JAIN SPIRIT pavilion proved to be hopelessly inadequate and many waited magazine and another one showing teaching materials and books patiently outside for their turn to go in for Darshan.
from Sudhir M. Shah on Anekantwad drew a lot of interest. Many During the afternoon there were lectures by invited JAINA committees had booths highlighting their role in JAINA. scholars such as Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanu, Sadhvi Shubhamji,
A booth from World Jain Confederation and other exhibitors from Dr. Hukamchand Bharil, Ms. Tarlaben Doshi. Dr. Niruben Amin. India-offering free books and information and a few commercial Shri Devendrakcerti Bhattrakji, Dr. John Cort, Justice T. U. booths filled out the large exhibit hall. Mehta, Manubhai Doshi, Ms. Dipti Shah, Dr. Kumarpal Desai, A must see event was the cultural program performed by Dr Yashwant K. Malaiya, Mr Chandrakant B. Mehta, Rajnibhai various Jain Centers on Saturday evening. The most anticipated Shah, Vastupal Parikh, Mr. Pravin K. Shah, Nautambhai Vakil, item was a play of Meghkumar from Jain Center of Washington. Muni Shri Amrendra Muniji, Samniji Shithpragyaji and There were many pleasant surprises too. To see so much talent Stuthpragyaji, Dr. Atul K. Shah and Mr. Hira Ratan Manek., and dedication in our youth so far away from our homeland is all Pandit Dhirajbhai Mehta, Pramodaben Chitrabhanu and many the proof we need that our culture, our religion and our tradition others. The scholars, many invited from India and some from US will survive in this all too powerful western environment. and Canada, spoke on many subjects under the theme of this
A new executive committee of JAINA was elected at the convention "Jainism- The Art of Living. There were many convention with Anop Vora as the President and Kirit Daftary as outstanding presentations but a seminar on the Art of Stress
First Vice President for the next two years. In his acceptance Management by Samnji Shithprgayaji and Shruthpragyaji was message Anopbhai stressed the need for JAINA to open up the most attended and appreciated seminar.
communications and make JAINA relevant to the needs of the On another floor, a dance drama of Shalibhadra was community. He also called upon the community to tell JAINA performed in colorful costumes by Shri Narendra Nandu and his how they can help. He promised to work hard for the next two group of musicians from Bombay to a large but overcrowded years to build a two way relationship between JAINA and the room that drew many praises. At nightfall, a musical treat - singer community. Manhar Udhas warmed many hearts as he sang old and new
The attendance at the convention was less than what it popular songs and bhajans.
could have been. General economic conditions have surely had There were separate programs for the youth all during the impact on our community also. A large metropolitan city with a day. Activities were carefully designed for 5 different age groups. big Jain Center could attract bigger attendance but by any other There were programs under the auspices of Jain Networking measure, this was the most successful convention. The meals Forum (matrimonial services), Jain Academic Bowl, served were excellent, convention center facility was superb; entertainment and magic show for children age 3 to 7, Yoga and convention hotels were nearby and connected to the convention Meditation, arts and crafts and a seminar on Anger management center with skyways, volunteers were courteous; planning and by L.A. Youth group for ages 18 & up. For the first time at any of the execution was meticulous; timelines were adhered to; and joy our conventions, Youth Service Project was carried out. 200 was everywhere. Youths signed up for opportunity to give three hours of their work The Jain Center of Cincinnati and Dayton and the JAINA at a food bank or at an orphanage or landscaping work as part of Convention Board did an excellent job of planning and hosting. Keep Cincinnati Beautiful program.
Prudent financial management has resulted in sizable surplus even The third day was a busy morning. There was CME though there was a shortfall of attendance. This should forever program, Siddhachakra Poojan, Bhakti Sangeet, and slide erase any doubts that hosting a JAINA Convention is a job for presentations. There were mini conventions re-unions of Rajasthan large center or it can be a financial drain for a small Jain center. and Madhyapradesh Jains, KOJAIN, Mahaveer Jain Vidyalya
Sunday morning, as everyone prepared to leave, there were alumni meeting, Halar Oswal group gathering, JAINA Yatris, U hugs and long good byes in the hallways of the convention center. Penn alumni etc. A new book authored by Manubhai Doshi of Our host did not just have brunch for every one-they had packed Chicago on ATMASIDDHISHASTRA was unveiled by Shri lunch for those who had to drive long distances to get home. All Kumarpal Desai.
the conventioneers had just one question: Where will the 2005 The exhibit hall had many attractions too. There was a convention be held?
6/JAIN DIGEST. Fall 2003 Jain Education Intemational
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