World Jain Conference 1995 6th Conference

Author(s): Satish Jain
Publisher: Ahimsa International

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administrators of American government. Ahimsa International through its Secretary General Shri.Satish Kumar Jain and a delegation with him effectively participated in the Second World Jain Conference organised by Europe Jain Samaj in London in 1983 where the invitation to hold the Third World Jain Conference at New Delhi was extended.
Besides the World Jain Conferences various regional international Jain Conference have been organised by Ahimsa International and World Jain Congress. The Indo-American Jain Conference was organised at Siddhachalam Ashram, New Jersey State, USA on September 26-28,1986. The main objectives of the three day Conference were to strengthen unity and create mutual understanding amongst the Jains residing in U.S.A., Canada and other countries and to adopt measures to propagate the principles of Jainism and vegetarianism and to bring out suitable literature. The Indo-American Jain Conference was a big success with more than 1000 people attending. Delegates participated from Jain centres and IMJM centres throught the United States of America, Canada, England and India.
The Conference commenced under the guidance of his Holiness, Acharya Shri Sushil Kumar Ji, founder of Siddhachalam and International Mahavir Jain Mission. Guruji in his opening address stressed the need for unity among all Jains and called for an end to separatism and narrow mindedness. At the various Sessions of the Conference and at Sub.Committe meetings held under the Chairmanship of Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji, Shri Satish Kumar Jain, Secretary General of the World Jain Congress and Ahimsa International outlined the requirements of the Jains the world over in matters of propagation of principles of Jainism, vegetarianism, literature on religion and educating children. Seven panels were formed to process the different subjects. Jain leaders of U.S.A., Canada and India gave their informative addresses to facilitate discussion by the panels for processing of various work programmes. Notable speakers being Acharya Shri Sushil Kumar Ji, Dr.T.J.Salgia, Dr.K.C.Bhaiji, Dr. Jagat Prasad Jain, Dr. Vinay Jain all from U.S.A., Dr. Harish C Jain, Sh.Ramesh Jain, Sh.Prakash C. Baid from Canada, Sh.Dipeband S. Gandi (Bomboy), Shri Dal Chand Jain (Sagar) and Shri Satish Kumar Jain (New Delhi) from India. It was resolved that World Jain Congress as a world body and Ahimsa International, which has acquired recognition in the international community of Jains should strive for foestering brotherhood, unity and mutual understanding among all Jains of the world through Conferences, meetings, cultural programmes, community lunches, simple and small dramas involving children, holding of religious and children programmes on fixed days. Important Jain festivals like Mahavir Jayanti, Samvastsari, Deepawali be celebrated by all Jains zealously.
It was also resolved that there should be communiction in simple language and interaction with other known religious personalities. The persons to promote unity should be recognised publicly.
The Asian Jain Conference of the World Jain Congress assisted by Ahimsa International was held at Banglok (Thailand) in 1988 (March 18-20) with the keen interest taken by Jains of that country. It was a successful attempt made for the first time in an Asian country, outside India. Several University Professors of Thailand evinced keen interest in deeper studies in Jainism and for that purpose availability of Jain Texts. About 300 persons attended the three day deliberations daily including the 46 members delegation from India. As a result of this Conference and the keen interest taken by its main organiser Shri.Mahendra Singh Daga, an affluent jeweller of America and Bangkok, several Jain activities were initiated on permanent basis.