Jain Digest 2009 03 Vol 28 No 1

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

Page 46

YOUILD WINIS
All youth programs are tailored specifically for youth 14 years and up. All sessions, social programming activities and entertainment are being planned by youth, for youth. Speakers, workshop leaders and entertainers have been selected by the youth committee for their ability not only to inspire, motivate and teach, but also for their ability to connect with today's youth. Trailblazers in their own field, all of them practice what they preach. Planned events include:
JAIN 21: An event for the Jain Youth (21+) to meet, socialize and network with one another. Planned activities include: • Ice Breakers
• Speed Dating • Dance & Movie Nite • Cruise • Fun Fair
• Bollywood Aerobics
Entrepreneur Workshop: Seminars by experts (including Venture Capitalists), Career Guidance by both peers and professionals, Investment Advise, Seminar of Green Careers.
Jain Academic Bowl: The Jain Academic Bowl is an academic competition similar to the popular game show, "Jeopardy." It is based on the appreciation of knowledge of Jainism, the ability for quick response, and a friendly yet competitive spirit. The objective of this competition is to encourage an even greater interest in the study of Jainism.
Awards Ceremony: Recognizing and awarding qualified Jain Youth "Superstars" for outstanding achievements in various fields. Nominations can be submitted by individuals themselves or by friends and family.
Raas Garba, Dance presentations from various Jain Centres.
Jain Way of Living: Various seminars and workshops • Day in Life of a Jain Monk
Science of Forgiveness • Jain Dharma in Medical Science
Service Activities Ecology: Top level speakers and activists will conduct seminars on Ecology with emphasis on how Jains thorough time immemorial have preached and practiced Ecological principles. Various related exhibitions and booths will reinforce our ecological credentials.
Networking: Opportunity to network with Jains from India to explore volunteering opportunities with charitable organizations in various parts of India.
Youth Planning Committee which consists of young Jains (ages 15-35) from all over North America is looking for volunteers to help them put these events together. If you want to get more involved and make a difference in the Jain community, please call Rashmi Shah at 310-753-8990 or e-mail him at krushmi@aol.com
Siddh - Hem A Gujarati Play from Apurva Avsar Team
SIDDHA HEM
Siddh-Hem showcases dramatic episodes from the life of Acharya Shri Hemchandracharya (1089-1173 AD) - a renowned Jain Scholar and inspirational Guru of Raja Siddhraj and King Kumarpal who converted to Jainism and made Jainism the premier religion of Gujarat. Acharya Hemchandracharya is reverently and affectionately referred to as Kalikal Sarvagna - the one who knew everything in this kali kal. It was Siddharaj's request to create a Grammar of Gujarati language that resulted in . SIDDH HEM Shastra - the first authoritative grammar of Gujarati language. The king was so impressed by this scholarly work that he honored the Book with a procession on Elephant with the king, sadhus, musicians and public following the majestic procession. This historic procession has no eqaul in human history. Hemchandracharyaji went on to create the next encyclopedia of Gujarati language- Alankar Shastra and also Kavya Shastra. For these reasons, Hemchandracharyaji is referred to as the father of Gujarati language. His contribution to Jain literature includes Tristha Shalaka Purush Charitra, Parishistaparva, Yogshastra, Vitragstotra and Pramanmimansa.
Performance of this play at JAINA Convention will be the World Premiere of this play. The team that produced and performed highly acclaimed Apurva Avsar at JAINA Convention - 2007 will be performing this play.
Jain Digest Winter 2009