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Jain
YJA Convention 2016
By Milan Jain and Satej Shah
Milan Jain is a junior at Solon High School, based near Cleveland, Ohio. He serves as an YJA Local Representative for the mid-west region and also was a part of the Social Subcommittee for the convention. Satej Shah is a junior at James B. Conant High School, Schaumburg, IL. He serves as an YJA Local Representative for the mid-west region.
Imagine being in one place with 650 young adults who you have absolutely nothing in common with. You are all alone; maybe you know a couple of people, but for the most part, you feel completely lost. Now imagine if you could connect with all of these people through one element. Young Jains of America (YJA) connected over 650 Young Jains across North America, showing how they all had one thing in common - their way of life, Jainism! Many Jain youth recently experienced a whimsical feeling this past 4th of July in sunny Los Angeles at the 12th biennial YJA Convention. The convention included various phenomenal activities, ranging from interactive religious sessions to memorable social events, including a traditional garba and an Indian-themed formal. All YJA attendees became the "Agents of Change” - the YJA theme this year - as they nourished their soul and made new friendships that will last them a lifetime.
If you were at the YJA convention this year, you'd understand what the word "agape” means. For those of you who could not attend, quite simply put, agape means selfless love. Who else was more appropriate to share this message than the keynote speaker Houston Kraft? Through a multitude of engaging anecdotes and act-outs, Kraft showed all YJA attendees what it truly means to have love for something. Kraft also gave reference to the essential concept of Ahimsa, a concept that is quite overstated yet underplayed in today's modern era. Through all of his efforts, all youth gained another perspective on what it means to be a true agent of change.
YJA kicked off on Friday with a remarkable M.E.L.A. The M.E.L.A was designed for attendees to “Meet Every Last Agent”. This process consisted of entertaining ice-breaker activities and carnival-style games, along with other social activities. The M.E.L.A was where most attendees had the opportunity to set their feet and show their unique character to others. M.E.L.A brought all ages of Young Jains together and although every attendee couldn't meet every agent of change, all Young Jains created an atmosphere to fabricate a special friendship with whosoever they met.
Bhangra! Fashionista! Dirty South! All of these words flashed through attendees' minds as they hungrily watched the talent show take place before them. Restless energy pulsed throughout the room as the participants expertly performed. At the end of every one, deafening shrieks brought life to the room as attendees threw
their hands together and applauded and cheered for their fellow Young Jains on stage. All in all, whether it be the “Dirty South” brilliantly coordinating their dance steps to the boys from “Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Bhangra" stomping their feet to a catchy dholak beat, it was very clear that the "Decades of Bollywood” Talent Show will forever remain a illustrious aspect to this successful convention.
