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2020. Our new, updated vision emphasizes the four goals that we share (four E's) embedded in Jain Way of Life practice of Non-Violence (Ahimsa), Non-Absolutism (Anekantvad), and Aparigraha (Non-Possessiveness): Evolve our practices, Expand our numbers, Educate our members and create awareness, and Energize our organizations and members. From this beginning, the conference began, ensuring that the important ideals of Jainism remain close in mind.
Jainism Vision 2020
Live and Promote a Jain Way of Life
EVOLVE
(our practices)
EDUCATE
(create awareness)
EXPAND
(our numbers)
ENERGIZE
(our organization)
Jain Education Inten
As part of the Leadership committee, Prem Jain and Cost Parveen Jain delivered a presentation on successful systems management, project planning and team management. With their decades of experience as senior vice presidents at Cisco and McAfee respectively, they provided insight on developing initiatives with a strong organizational infrastructure. Using the construction and planning process of the Jain Center of Northern California as case study, Prem bhai and Parveen bhai described the team structure and development plan for creating a successful temple amid numerous challenges. This case study provided a basis for understanding how each attendee would create a business plan for his own project and share it within a breakout group.
On Saturday afternoon, Sunit Jain presented the Jain Elevator speech noting that most Jains "fumble" when asked, "What is Jainism." To set the stage for project plan development, Prahar Shah gave an overview of Jain Demographics. This data offered insight into the growth of Jain population over time accounting for loss of youth, influx of new Jains from India and mix-marriage complexities. Also, it showed to the project leaders that the Jain community has ample income and assets and volunteer time. The missing ingredient is that the leaders are not approaching these educated, talented, and ready to server volunteers with a viable plan. All the participants were divided into one of four groups that described the general focus of their projects: Education, Communication, Infrastructure, and Universalization.
Dean Jain noted that the participation of emerging leaders, young and old, orthodox and modern practitioners, is vital to the success of the leadership group. Young leaders bring forth enthusiasm and innovation that are necessary for progress. Of the 45 participants at this year's conference, 10 were between the ages of 22 and 30. These strong demographics provided new insights and fresh ideas to the discussions and to the
Jain Digest Summer 2007
group dynamics.
Later in the afternoon, the teams emerged and each member gave a short overview of his project (a 2 minute pitch) and the rest of the attendees rated the plan based on the urgency and resources. Yogendra bhai emphasized the importance of keeping cost, scope, and schedule in mind when defining successful projects.
Scope
Project Plan
Schedule
After a break and relaxation time, the team gathered for dinner where Manish Kasliwal and Mitesh Bohra from Young Jains of India shared their wonderful progress over the past two years. After dinner many of the team members (Nirav Shah, Soha Shah, and Alok Lal) worked late into the night to collect attendee feedback on the project presentation and to place the projects on-line (www.jaina.pbwiki.com).
Conclusion
Dean Dipak Jain closed the conference on Sunday morning by outlining the challenges we currently face and our processes by which to overcome them. He noted that we have successfully created an organization around Jain Leadership and now demand momentum to drive its success. Momentum from the community at large and specifically leaders within the community is a must. Progress must be seen by our community and reported with tangible results. We are committed to increasing awareness about Jainism through the values that we live. Our leadership is a shared vision and a shared goal that JAINA, Jain Centers and each individual must embrace. Most importantly, we must keep our feet on the ground and remain in touch with reality.
For more information
Visit www.jainleadership.org for content and presentation
materials.
For Private Personal Use Only
Visit www.jaina.pbwiki.com for information on the various projects in execution.
www.jambi 35/
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