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Digest
“A now, close your eyes and imagine you're stranded alone on a desert," a smooth voice articulates. You, as well as a group of 40 other young adults, reluctantly yet compliantly close your eyes. This is an accurate depiction of one of the nearly 120 sessions that took place at the YJA convention. A variety of speakers were brought in from all over the world, speakers who covered topics including what Jainism means to them, how they've invoked their inner spirituality, and even how they managed to abide by Jain ideals while studying in college. Through interactive activities and role playing, youth experienced a first-hand account of what it truly means to be a Jain.
We would like to acknowledge all the speakers, who did a phenomenal job sharing their experiences and their journeys of life. Wed especially like to acknowledge the blessings we received from Swamiji, which were inspi
rational to all attendees. His modern yoga and meditation practices combined with Jain Principles were enlightening. Swamiji has always been a motivational guru for youth across North America. Swamiji and Samnijis were precise in conveying their messages in a simple and clear way.
Jain Academic Bowl: Who is the best when it comes to knowledge of Jainism? Young Jains had the opportunity to show off their incredible knowledge in the Jain Academic Bowl. Usually JAB consists of the three basic question-answer rounds, but previous JAB competitors and future Jain leaders became Agents of Change to alter and modify the competition this year. JAB at YJA included Question Answer, Jeopardy, identify the picture, and speed rounds. With these innovative rounds, the JAB participants were able to show how well they knew Jainism while involving the crowd. YJA also introduced Jains in Action during this convention. Young Jains were put in different groups and created a small company. All groups pitched their ideas in front of a panel of judges and the winning team, “Hungri.ly," received a grant to set their business idea in motion.
We would also like to thank the JCSC for hosting the convention, and the leadership support from JAINA was greatly appreciated in making this convention a success. We all remember Gurudev Chitrabhanuji, who is one of the pioneers in bringing Jainism to North America. We are truly blessed to follow one of his key principles of veganism throughout the convention. Guruji's most loving stavan “Maitri Bhavanu” inspired us to be friends with all living beings throughout the convention and in our daily lives.
YJA did an excellent job connecting with Jainism spiritually and religiously, but the board and convention committee stressed on connecting with the Indian culture through a traditional Garba and Raas event, Straight Outta Gujarat. With classic Indian decoration and a live musical group, all 650 attendees went in numerous circles releasing their unmatchable energy in beats of two and three. To finish the night, long lines of Raas showed who became agents of change and added their own modern dance moves to the basic hit-hit move raas step. Yes, the dab was featured.
Straight Outta Gujarat showed no matter how westernized the young Jains become Indian culture will always be embedded within them and every Jain will embrace it.
Lavish tapestries to the left. Elegant decorations to the right. Music blaring all around. Welcome to “Maharaja's
