Jain Digest 2009 03 Vol 28 No 1

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

Page 30

Jain Diaspora
One of the important highlights of the JAINA convention held in New Jersey in July, 2007 was the convening of a special session devoted to a discussion of creating a distinct identity of the global Jain diaspora and promoting close interaction and coordination among leading Jain organizations functioning in different countries. It was felt that a lead taken by JAINA would be welcomed since JAINA represented by far the largest chunk of Jains living abroad.
The session got off to an auspicious start with the blessings of Acharyashri Chandanaji as well as Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji. Both applauded the idea since a unified overseas Jain community will promote world-wide dissemination of the fundamental tenets of Jainism which had acquired a contemporary relevance in view of widespread violence, terrorism, hate, hostility and exploitation. Environmental issues had also highlighted the relevance of Jain approach to ecology as well as all living beings in terms of Parasparopagraha Jeevanam.
The meeting was addressed by late Dr. L.M. Singhvi. Dr. N.P. Jain and Shri Kumarpal Desai. Dr. Singhvi had earlier successfully mooted the idea of global Indian diaspora and his proposals were endorsed by the Government of India resulting in dual citizenship for Indians resident abroad. Dr. Singhvi was now interested in mobilizing the collective strength of the global Jain diaspora by promoting close coordination and interaction among leading Jain organizations in different countries as well as with leading Jain organizations and institutions in India. Unfortunately Dr. Singhvi is no more with us. The best tribute we can pay him is by giving definitive shape to our initiative on global Jain diaspora.
The session endorsed Dr. Jain's suggestion to hold a special session on the theme at the 2009 JAINA Convention to be held at Los Angeles. The interregnum should be utilized to establish communication channels
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with Jain organizations and institutions abroad and in India in order to evolve a pragmatic approach to larger Jain unity which could contribute, interalia, world-wide pro-active Jain initiatives in the sphere of environment, compassionate activities for other living beings, participations in disaster relief programs, encouraging spirit of restraint and aparigraha.
Shri Dilip Shah, In-coming President of JAINA spelt out clearly that the idea was not to form yet another international organization of Jains. Instead JAINA would informally step-up contacts and coordination with Jains resident in other countries and bring them together on one platform.
Dr. Kumarpal Desai warmly welcomed the idea of promoting closer contacts among Jains in different countries, and working our pragmatic channels of cooperation. JAINA is eminently situated for taking this initiative. Organisations in different countries of the Jain community will continue to function independently, but they will come together periodically to exchange views on how Jains can improve their identity and respect in the international community. It was encouraging that the New Jersey session was also addressed by leading Jains resident in Europe, Africa and Asia. In particular Jain representatives from Germany, Kuwait and Kenya warmly applauded the idea.
JAINA proposes to continue with its efforts from now on to create worldwide awareness among Jains of the desirability of coming together under the umbrella of global Jain Diaspora. Now that JAINA has earned recognition as an NGO at the United Nations, a new and powerful platform for Jain voice on the world affairs is suddenly available to us. Some of the valuable initiatives of JAINA, for instance in the field of preparing text books on Jainism for school children could be extended to Jains abroad. This editorial is intended to set the ball rolling for exchange of ideas on this important topic with a view to moving forward in an imaginative way. I am looking forward to vigorous JAIN DIASPORA session at 2009 JAINA Convention.
Dr. Narendra P. Jain is India's Veteran career diplomat and renowned Jain Scholar. You may exchange your views on JAIN DIASPORA by writing to him at drnpjain@yahoo.co.in
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Jain Digest Winter 2009