YJA Convention 2000 07 LA Fourth

Author(s): Young Jains of America (YJA)
Publisher: Young Jains of America YJA USA

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DR. HEMLATA POKHARNA is a scientist, educator and director of "Journeys of Life: A program to promote health, wholeness and disease prevention". She has been at the forefront of bringing spirituality and compassion into the medical curriculum at the University of Chicago. She is an international speaker, trainer, author and coach. In keynote speeches, training workshops and coaching, Hema demonstrates how language and thinking styles can foster compassionate team building, empower self and others, and transform conflicts into satisfying connections. Hema's approach ensures that the audience becomes an active participant in learning, rather than passive recipients of information. Employing anecdotal stories, role-plays, fun learning activities and audience participation to achieve maximum involvement, the skills Hema teaches can be immediately put into practice. Her engaging style and humorous approach are designed to stimulate thought, creativity and compassion.
Born and raised in India, she received much of her religious instruction from Jain monks and nuns who emphasized inner peace and self-discipline. She has been in the United States since 1985 and she received extensive training at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, the Center for Nonviolent Communication, and the Focusing Institute including training in Alternatives to Violence, Conflict resolution and Mediation.
Her mission is a statement of her journey of life as a Jain Indian woman and scientist which is to educate, inspire and empower people in the world to discover healthy and harmonious ways of being with themselves and being together. Her mission and the program include different ways to live, learn and share the principles of reverence and respect for life.
INGRID NEWKIRK is often seen as the matriarch of the current animal rights movement, and when Ingrid Newkirk speaks, people listen. They don't always agree, but they listen. Newkirk challenges listeners to not only respect all species but to become a vegetarian; to work for the abolition of the circus, rodeo, hunting and fishing, to opt for fur-free and leather-free clothing and shoes; to buy only those products or cosmetics made by companies that do not test on animals; to support alternatives to vivisection; and to adopt a dog or cat from an animal shelter, rather than 'purchase' one from a pet shop or breeder. While on numerous issues Newkirk's position is polarized from that of many pet lovers, she serves up plenty of compelling food for thought and recipes for reform in an energetic, passionate and powerful manner.
"When it comes to feelings, a rat is a pig is a dog is a boy." It is bold statements like this that have earned Ingrid, the founder and director of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the attention she receives from all angles. She is also knowledgeable on Jainism and has written about the religion for several publications including Jain Spirit magazine. Ingrid Newkirk will address our youth on what she feels is Jainism's Role in the Global Community. It will be a dynamic discussion to see how such a politicized figure feels about Jainism and its implementation in the modern world.
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