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Indo-American Jain Conference Siddhachalam, New Jersey State, USA
September 26-28, 1986
Several religions have found their place in different countries of the world. Jainism, however, remained confined to India. Thanks to the initiative and enterprise of the younger Jain generation, mostly in the sixties, that a large number of them established themselves in many countries of the world, particularly in UK, USA, Canada, Kenya, Tanzania, etc.
It is estimated that nearly 5 lakh Jains are now residing out of India in Asia, Africa, USA, Canada. South America, Australia and the Europe. Therefore, now it is the time for the Jain clergy and laity to become more active and to spread the teachings of Arihantas.
Jainism is the only religion where there is no system of conversion. Any Christian, Muslim, Hindu or Budddhist can be a Jain as long as he or she has total faith in non-violence and its other principles. This belief can be fitted into any culture or religion. It is a matter of change of heart to awaken mercy and feel oneness with all living beings.
Acharya Sushil Kumarji. who has a wide vision not only of today but also of the future thought it necessary to break the geographical barriers. As a bold saint to take the message of Arihantas across the seas, he took air journeys to America, Canada and a number of ther countries. To develop unity and brotherhood among Jains through better understanding, he organised the First International Jain Conference at UN Plaza, New York in October, 1981. It was followed by the Second International Jain Conference in London (UK) in October, 1983. The Third International Jain Conference was held at New Delhi in February 1985, organised by the Ahimsa International.
The World Jain Congress has been established with headquarters at New Delhi in February, 1985, pursuant to the Resolution adopted at the Third International Jain Conference in New Delhi. It has to hold, organise and sponser the World/Regional Jain Conferences.
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