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PREFACE
The First World Jain Conference was held on October 3 & 4, 1981 in United Nations Plaza, New York, U.S.A. Acharya Sushil Kumar Ji, Gurudev Chitrabhanuji and residents of America had taken keen interest in the Conference with the objective of bringing unity and fostering brotherhood. It was attended by 500 persons from various parts of the world. It was a beginning in a very good direction for creating a World Jain Forum.
The Second World Jain Conference was held in London, U.K. on October 1 & 2, 1983. The Second day Session in Wembley Hall, Surrey was attended by about 2500 persons, most of whom were from U.K. 28 delegates had participated from India. Many papers were read and eloquent speeches were made by delegates. The discussions were free and frank and several important matters like promotion of Jain ideas and culture and bringing out suitable literature were discussed.
The Third World Jain Conference, the invitation for which was given at the London Conference, was held on February 8,9 & 10,1985. In all, about 2000 persons had attended the Conference including delegates from many countries. About 100 reputed scholars of India and abroad expressed their frank views on matters of common interest like stronger unity, brotherhood, need to publish suitable literature for the children and grown ups, propagation of vegetarianism, non-violence and prevention of cruelty to animals.Sh.K.C.Pant, Shri Abdul Ghaffoor, Smt. Mohsina Kidwai and Sh.V.N.Gadgil, the Central Ministers, addressed the Conference on each of the three days. There was great enthusiasm among the participants, the organisers and the speakers in the various sessions of the Conference.
The Resolutions adopted at the Conference were forwarded to the Secretary General of the United Nations and encouraging response was received from his office appreciating our efforts for promoting peace and non-violence.
Two large Press Conferences were held before the Conference to publicise the need of world peace, non-violence, vegetarianism and compassion towards animals and birds. The Conference was adequately covered by T.V., radio and newspapers on all the three days.
Discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere regarding needs of the Jains living world over. It was particularly emphasised that suitable literature should be published for children of school going age to bring them up according to the Jain traditions.
Pursuant to the Resolution adopted at the Third World Jain Conference, the World Jain Congress came into being in 1985 with Head-quarters at New Delhi. Its members have been made from various parts of the world.
The World Jain Congress organised Indo-American Jain Conference at Siddhachalam, Blairstown, New Jersey State, U.S.A. on September 26,27,28,1986 in the spacious 108 acres Ashram established by Acharaya Sushil Kumar Ji. It was organised with the dedicated efforts of Acharya Shri Ji. It was due to his influence in the Jain community of U.S.A. and Canada that about 1000 enlightened persons including professors, engineers, doctors, chartered accountants, business executives, industrialists and businessmen participated in the Conference from various parts of America and Canada including a delegation from India.
The 4th World Jain Conference was held at New Delhi in Vigyan Bhawan and Siri Fort
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