World Jain Conference 1995 6th Conference

Author(s): Satish Jain
Publisher: Ahimsa International

Page 50

PROCEEDINGS OF SIXTH WORLD JAIN CONFERENCE
HELD ON 24.25.26. DECEMBER. 1995 - NEW DELHI.
World Jain Conferences in various parts of the world have been greatly instrumental in recognition of Jainism in the wider world, promotion of mutual understanding and brotherhood, creation of suitable literature and initiation of work under various useful time needed programmes.
The First World Jain Conference-was held in U.N. Plaza in New York (USA) in 1981, Second in Londodn (U.K.) in 1983, the Third and Fourth in New Delhi (India) in 1985 & 1987 and the Fifth in Siddhachalam, New Jersey State (USA) in 1991. Three Regional Conferences in Siddhachalam (USA) in 1986, Bangkok (Thailand) in 1988 and Singapore in 1989 have been held with equal success. These bave been attended by scholars and world leaders of the Jain community.
Late Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji had unique creative mind and far sighted vision. He came to U.S.A. in 1975 with a few Jain monks to acquaint and preach to the wider world the philosophy and principles of Jainism. He first established an ashram in Berlington, later in Staten Island in New York and finally a huge Asbram in 108 acres (now 120 acres) named Siddhachalam in Blairstown in New Jersey State in U.S.A. He convened the Ist World Jain Conference in U.N. Plaza, New York in 1981. Every succeeding World Jain Conference has been largely attended under the guidance of Acharya Shriji.
The 6th World Jain Conference sponsored by World Jain Congress and organised by Ahimsa International was held in FICCI Auditorium, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi on December 24, 25 & 26, 1995. Both of these organisations have attained an international recognition among the Jains of the world.
The Conference was inaugurated in the morning of 24th December by Shri Dipchand S. Gardi, Bombay, a known social figure and philanthropist. Sahu Ashok Kumar Jain, an eminent social figure and Chairman of Times of India Group of Publications, was the President of the inaugural session. Besides India, delegates from U.S.A., U.K., Canada, Germany and Nepal, prominent scholars of Jainology, and activists in the field of animal welfare and protection and vegetarianism participated in the Conference.
Main theme of the Conference was "THE JAINS IN THE 21ST CENTURY”. Other subjects discussed were Role of Jainism in the World of Tomorrow, Peace, Religion, Ahimsa, Human Nutrition, Health and Diet, Animal Rights, Role of Women in Family, Society and Nation, Publication of Literature and service of the disabled.
At all the Sessions of the Conference the participants spoke with heart and open mind. The sessions were, therefore, lively and interesting.
The inaugural session was blessed by Jain saints Upadhayaya Shri Guptisagarji, Munishri Roshanlal Ji, MuniShri Amrendra Kumar Ji, MuniShri Kasturchand Ji, Sadhvi Shri Puneet Jyoti Ji and Swami Chidanand Ji Saraswati.
Shri Guptisagarji expressed concern over the deteriorating social, political and religious scenerio in the country. He appealed to the people to muster their energies to play their effective role in the 21st Century for moral and constructive activities.