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Chapter 28. Activities in Rest of the World
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Oshwals in the USA maintain our traditions and cultures and participate fully in Jain activities. There are about 80,000 Jains in the USA and there are Jain temples in almost all major towns and cities of the USA. The Jain societies in the USA and Canada are unique in the sense that all three major branches of the Jain religion (Svetambers, Digambers and Sthanakvasis) are united and use one temple for religious ceremonies. The umbrella organization is The Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA). Oshwals are active members of Jain societies. Their children attend Jain and Gujarati classes.
Every two-years, JAINA holds a convention and this is attended by a large number of Oshwals. Oshwals use this opportunity to arrange its own gathering. In addition, many State representatives hold gatherings (picnics, dinners) for Oshwals living in their State. Also Oshwals living in the Eastern States of the USA meet once a year in November. This tradition was started in 1986 A.D. and has been continued. A first joint gathering of USA and Canada Oshwals was held in year the 2002 A.D. It was decided to have such gatherings every two years. This is one way to continue interaction and relations among Oshwals. Oshwals in the USA are proud of their traditions and customs and continue to follow them. The second generation, children of Oshwals who immigrated in nineteen-sixties and later, have excelled in their education.
Oshwals in the USA have been successful in their professional fields. Some have been, or are, working for several international organizations and U.S. government departments in senior positions. Some have been also successful in private businesses. Veni Sumaria heads one of the leading software engineering firms, Rajesh Ramji Raishi Shah of Shah Safari is one of the leading suppliers of garments to large department stores.
Oshwals in the USA have not forgotten their homeland. They have contributed generously to Oshwal and other
