World Jain Conference 1995 6th Conference

Author(s): Satish Jain
Publisher: Ahimsa International

Page 57

figures and activitsts in various fields were honoured.
I would like to mention that such World Jain Conferences and the Mini Conferences, known as Regional Conferences are creating much awareness among the Jains to understand their religion in right perspective and undertake activities which are not only useful for them but much more for the others.
While the First World Jain Conference was organised by Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji in 1981 in U.N. Plaza, the Jains of America and Canada had a few Jain Associations and Centres. Taking inspiration from the Conference and missionary work of Acharya Shri Ji several more Jain centres and associations were established. Establishment of the umbrella organisation "Federation of Jain Associations of North America "JAINA” also came into being to help create more organisations and promote Jairism in the wider world.
JAINA started by representing four local Jain Centres. Today, JAINA represents 54 Jain Centres and associations of USA and Canada which are affiliated to it. There are some others as well which are not yet affiliated to it. Today, JAINA and many active Jain centres, associations and institutions are doing wonderful work in organising various functions, construction of Jain temples, preparation of video films and cassettes, publication of Jain periodicals and introduction of Jain courses in universities and publication of suitable Jain literature.
Some Jain philanthropists are extending their charity to works of welfare to the needy persons of various countries. On the basis of my close and regular contact with the Jain enthusiasts of U.S.A., Canada, U.K, France, Kenya, Bangkok and Singapore I feel sure that having attained sound financial establishment in the countries, to which they mainly migrated in 1960s, excepting U.K. and African countries, where their migration was much earlier, they are utilising their wisdom, experience and financial resources to discharge their religious and social responsibilities. Good projects and programmes are being implemented by the Jain community there for better understanding of Jainism by the Jain house holders and people of other faiths. Personal contacts, exchange of communication and literature is proving useful in better understanding of Jainism. It is a pleasure to learn that they have projects for micro filming of Jain literature, computerisation of all possible useful Jain information for house-hoder, starting of Jainism as regular course in universities, to expand Jain electronic bulletin board and develop home-page on INTERNET.
The World Jain Conferences being organised by Ahimsa International, World Jain Congress and Federation of Jain Associations of America and Canada are proving very useful in developing brother-hood, exchange of ideas and taking up projects of common interest. The geographical distances have much reduced and the Jains of world are indeed coming together and sharing the religious and social responsibilites.
A new chapter will be opened while in May 1997 the 7th World Jain Conference will be held in Kenya (Africa). A large Jain community lives in African countries. The organisers feel sure of a larger participation not only from Africa but from other countries as well.
It is through organising such conferences that the Jains of many countries are keen to extend their co-operation to the people of other countries and indeed to make sincere efforts for globalisation of Jainism and better understanding of its philosophy and principles by the people of all faiths.
Satish Kumar Jain Secretary General