World Jain Conference 1995 6th Conference

Author(s): Satish Jain
Publisher: Ahimsa International

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women and youth in the society, exchange of scholars to preach the teachings of Jainism.
Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji organised grand Jain Temple consecretion ceremonies in Siddhachalam in August 1991. At this occasion it was considered appropriate to call the 5th World Jain Conference in Siddhachalam on August 9,10 & 11. Over 5000 participants attended the Conference. The largest participation was from U.S.A. and Canada, followed by the participants from Europe, India and other Asian countries. Several religious heads and American statesman and political leaders addressed the Conference. The overwhelming intluence of Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji was abundantly visible.
Acharya Shri had an important role in also organising the various Regional International Jain Conferences in Siddhachalam, Bangkok and Singapore. The Indo-American, Jain Conference was convened in 1986 (26-28 Sept.) in Siddhachalam U.S.A. About 1100 delegates including University Professors, Engineers, doctors, accounts officers, scientists and persons from industry and business attended, alongwith a group from India. With one voice the Jain principles were hailed and desire was expressed by all speakers to perform the religious rites regularly, to keep away from flesharian food and eggs and alcohilic drinks.
The Asian Jain Conference of the World Jain Congress was held at Bangkok (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. The efforts of Shri Mahendra Singh Daga, an affluent jeweller having vast business in Los Angeles and other cities of America and also in Bangkok, in organising the Conference were greately appreciated.
The 3 day Asian Jain Conference organised by the Jains at Singapore in March 1989 has been equally successful. It was addressed by leaders of Singapore and other countries and from leaders from all walks of life. It was attended by over 700 participants daily. Shri Nagindas J.Dosbi, a wealthy businessman of Singapore and President of Jain Sangh of Singapore, put his heart and soul for its success.
The stress in all these International Jain Conferences has been on promotion of brother-hood, understanding, peace, vegetarianism, involvement of women and youth in social work, exchange of scholars, pubhcation of literature and preparation of audio-visual material. At all these Conferences the younger generation participated with enthusiasm and gave evidence of their faith in the Jain religion through active participation in public addressing, singing of devotional songs and paying deserved respect to the message of Tirthankaras and the literature emerging from their real knowledge.