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GLOBAL NEWS
THE LARGEST JAIN CONVENTION IN THE WESTERN WORLD
Prakash Mody
A report on the tenth biennial JAINA convention which attracted 8,000 delegates from all over the world, half of whom were under the age of 35.
This July, the tenth biennial three-day JAINA convention was a resounding success, attracting a crowd of more than 8,000 people of all ages from all over the world, with the majority coming from North America. JAINA is a federation of more than 55 Jain organizations of
The chief guest, America and Canada. Samarpan Jain Sangh of
Mr Frank Pallire, Philadelphia was the host and Jainism in the New
Congressman from Millennium' was the theme. The event was held during the July 4
New Jersey and holiday weekend at the massive Valley Forge Convention Center, in the suburbs
Mr Dhiraj Shah, of Philadelphia. Dr. Dhiraj Shah, President of JAINA and Devendra Peer, Convenor, were
Convenor of Jaina the leaders and, working in co-operation with volunteers, they ensured that the event was enjoyed by one and all. Dignitaries from religious and social fields of America, India, United Kingdom and other places graced the occasion by their presence. The Young Jains of the UK led a delegation of 20 young people who presented several seminars and networked with the young Jains from North America to build a Jain bridge across the Atlantic.
What was most evident at the convention was the tremendous activity in the learning and practice of Jainism in the Western world. There was a large exhibition area where stalls ranging from Jain cartoons to CD-roms, books and the new temple project of the Jain Center of Northern California in San Francisco. In their own way, there are many Jains who are trying their level best to reinvigorate their culture despite being far away from India.
Dr. Mahendra Pandya who lives in New York was elected the new President of JAINA for a two-year term. In his address, he spoke of the tremendous potential for Jain unity and the commitment to uphold Jain values in the Western world. He explained: "The Federation of JAINA is a unique institution and does not have many parallels in the Jain-world today.
During the past 20 years of its existence it has strived for A section of the crowd
and succeeded in uniting all Jains as Jains in spite of the at the convention
diversity in religious tradition, rituals, customs, language and regional origin." Despite the tremendous wisdom of Jainism, Dr. Pandya recognised that as Jains we do not always live up to its highest ideals. He requested everyone to "give time, talent and treasures". He gave a lot of importance to the youth, who are the torchbearers of this ancient culture, and must be encouraged to learn and promote Jain values.
This assembly had a variety of items like the grand
opening ceremony; more than 90 lectures-meetings
seminars-workshops-presentations in different languages and for different age groups and interests: magnificent real Chaumukhi (4-faced) Jain Temple built by Nipul Malde where Siddha-Chakra Puja was performed; exhibitions, slide-shows and displays of models, arts, paintings, books, etc.; booths of charitable and commercial interests; cultural items like raas-garba, dances, dramas, etc.; Gala banquet dinner; Sahitya Sammelan (Literary Session): awards presentation; matrimonial services; introduction visit to the Philadelphia Museum; seminars (Continuing Medical Education and others); fashion show; yoga & meditations: reunions of educational institutions and communities (like Kutchhi, Gurjars
4 Jain Spirit . October - December 1999
Jain Education International 2010_03
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