________________
7.
To foster cordial relationships with interfaith or multi-faith organisations.
JAINA is recognized by USAID as well as the Ministry of Welfare and the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India. Its objective is to promote Jain culture and religious values including vegetarianism. Besides holding conventions every two years, the Federation also brings out a journal called Jain Digest which is mailed to 7,500 families free of charge (Times of India, o7th January 1998). JAINA's activities in the US also include promoting and protecting the rights of the members and maintaining their identity. In order to keep Jain cultural and religious heritage alive in the younger generation, Jain Youth Camps are held at regular intervals which also provide them with a forum for exchanging ideas on issues like premarital sex, cross religious marriages, drug abuse and so on. It also provides matrimonial services and sends youths to India on pilgrimage. Jaina Education Committee also organises workshops from time to time on themes that are relevant for the youth living in western countries. In 2010, for example, a workshop was organised on the theme "Striking a Balance: Examining Social, Cultural, and Spiritual Environment". This kind of problem is generally faced by the Jain youth while growing up in North America.
JAINA has also instituted its highest award, the Jaina Ratna, which is presented to an individual for exceptional dedication and contribution towards promotion of Jainism in North America. The Federation among other things has proposed to institute a peace prize worth U.S. $100,000. The Jain community in the US has been sending relief and medical supplies not only to India but also to other countries affected by natural calamities. The Federation had won acclaim for assistance rendered to Rwanda refugees during the disturbances there. Teams of doctors have been visiting India to hold medical camps in various parts of the country at the instance of the Federation.
Jain International Trade Organisation Earlier known as Shree Jain Vyapar Udyog Seva Sansthan, Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO) was established in 2007 which is a Mumbai-based global association of Jain businessmen,
104 | Jains in India and Abroad
