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leaders get together at the Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) at Los Angeles. They agreed to create a non-sectarian Jain umbrella organization known as JAINA (Jain Associations in North America). Both the leaders convinced various Jain community leaders of different sects to be part of this newly created JAINA organization. Hence all Jains are united in America. Guruji was:
• Honorary president of the World Conference of Religions for Peace
Director of the Temple of Understanding Founding member of the Global Forum of Spiritual and Parliamentary Leaders on Human Survival
President of the Punjab Peace and Unity Committee • President of the Ram Janmabhumi Babri Masjid Solution Committee
Founding member of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad These conferences have adopted many declarations advocating world peace, universal brotherhood, animal and environmental protection, and above all nonviolence. Many of these conferences were attended by highly esteemed individuals, including various Presidents and Prime Ministers of India. Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. Rädhäkrishnan, Dr. Zakir Hussein, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, Zail Singh, Rajiv Gandhi, and Indira Gandhi were amongst them. Guruji has founded many spiritual organizations which include:
• World Fellowship of Religions (1950) - Objective - unity among world religions
Vishwa Ahimsa Sangh (1957) Kundalini Science Center - Objective - scientifically research the mental and physical effects of the energy awakened through yogic practice International Mahavir Jain Mission (1978) - Objective - to spread the teachings of the Arihantas
Arhat Sangh (1979) • World Jain Congress (1981)
• World Center of Nonviolence Guruji has founded many ashrams and centers in the East and West under the International Mahavir Jain Mission. His main ashram is Siddhachalam, located in Blairstown, New Jersey. Siddhachalam is the first Jain pilgrimage place (Tirtha) outside of India, which was established in 1983. It consists of over 108 acres, a campground, cabins, dining facilities, temples, and much more. It is a true retreat place. The pilgrims from around the world continue to be drawn to this magnificent and distinguished spiritual center in ever increasing numbers. Siddhachalam is a resident community for monks and nuns, laymen and laywomen. It is headquarters for the International Jain Mission, the World Fellowship of Religions, and the World Jain Congress. It actively promotes Ahimsa for world peace, vegetarianism, and nonviolence to animals. The ashram is a wildlife sanctuary. In 1982, Guruji inspired the leaders of eight nations to submit a memorandum demanding peace through nonviolence to the Secretary General of the United Nations. He explained that peace through nonviolence could not be compromised or exploited and would ensure the sanctity of
