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peace, non-violence, vegetarianism and the principles of Jainism throughout the world. The younger Jain generation too participated enthusiastically and gave convincing evidence of their deep faith in the religion of their ancestors through active participation in public addressing, singing of devotional songs and paying the deserved respect to the Tirithankara's message and the literature emerging from their real knowledge.
The Third International Jain Conference was held at New Delhi in February 1985. In my capacity as Secretary General of Ahimsa International, the organising institution of the Conference, I had a distinct indication that a very large number of Jains much desired periodical international meets, strengthening of unity and firm establishment of Jain faith in the hearts of younger generation through. organising religlous camps, publication and distribution of suitable literature, establishment of Jain centres and construction of Jain temples etc. Many Jain speakers from abroad gave detailed account of the work being done in these fields in their respective countries.
Pursuant to the Resolution adopted at the above Conference, the World Jain Congress came into existence with the responsibility of organising the future international Jain conferences, seminars, etc. As also the Secretary General of this new world body I had to visit USA, Canada and the European countries again in September-October 1986 to hold the regional "Indo-American Jain Conference" at Siddhachalam, Blairstown, in New Jersey State, USA. This large 108 acres premises has developed into a big Jain Centre of North America with the untiring. efforts of its founder, Jain saint, H.H. Acharya Sushil Kumarji Maharaj, who has devoted his life to propagate the ethics of Jain religion, peace, non-violence and vegetarianism on global basis and has been living in America for the most part of the year since 1976 with this objective. Because of his religious influence in America. and Canada, more than 1200 participants zealously took part in the three day Conference on September 26-28, 1986, With one voice, the Jain principles were hailed and desire was expressed by all speakers who were eminent professors, engineers, doctors and persons from various professions (of America and Canada) to perform the religious rites regularly, to keep away from flesharian food, eggs and alcoholic drinks. Great stress was laid on publication of suitable Jain literature in English, particularly to suit the needs of the children and the youth, to construct more Jain temple and places of worship and to pay due regard to the Jain saints. and scriptures. It was a scene of big gratification that the small children and young boys and girls were reciting Namokar Mantra and other Jain hymns. correctly.
During both of my extensive vsits to America, the opportunity to stay with a large number of Jain
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Canada and Europe, I had families who were the senior
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