JAINA Convention 2021

A Grand Success for the First Ever Global Virtual JAINA Convention!

“Jainism: A Resilient Path to Peace”

The first ever Virtual and Global JAINA Convention 2021 has successfully completed! Nearly 15,000 attendees ages 3 to 93 from 23 countries gathered virtually for JAINA 2021. 70+ spiritual speakers and thought leaders delivered many inspiring discourses. In addition, 300+ hours of session programming were delivered over the six days including 400 high fidelity pre-recorded videos across 175 sessions.

The Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) celebrated its 21st Convention on the Fourth of July weekend — from July 1st to 6th, 2021. This virtual event was planned to be a global event. In face of all the turbulence throughout the world in the last year, it is paramount for us to be vigilant, compassionate, tolerant and to “keep faith”. With the Convention theme “Jainism: A Resilient Path to Peace”, the convention showcased JAINA’s firm foundation on spirituality to sustain our sense of self and purpose through beliefs, principles, values, and morals.

With Mangalik by Sadhvi Sanghmitraji MS, the Opening Ceremony kicked off on July 1st with a warm welcome from the JAINA president and the Convention Co-Convener, Mr. Mahesh Wadher, Convention Convener, Mr. Haresh Shah, and Convention Co-Convener, Mr. Bindesh Shah. During the ceremony, JAINA awarded JAINA Ratna Award to Mr. Prem Jain, one of the Pioneer Leader of JAINA, for numerous contributions to Jain Community worldwide.

Each evening started with mesmerizing Tirth Darshan Yatra followed by beautiful Aarti and Mangal Divo by sponsor families. Tirth Darshan of the 10 holiest Jain Tirths (Pilgrimage) in India, filmed with high-resolution 4K videos through drone, was Spellbinding and Emotional! Each evening was blessed by well-known, highly renowned, spiritual and religious leaders such as Keynote Speaker Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai, Saraswati Nandan Param Pujya Jinacharya Vijay Ratnasundersuri Maharaj Saheb, His Holliness Dalai Lama, His Holliness Mahant Swami Maharaj, Rashtra Sant Pujya Gurudev Shri Namramuniji, Dr. Gnanvatsal Swami, Brahma Kumari Sister Shivani, Shri Deepakbhai Desai, Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, Acharya Shri Roopchandraji, Acharya Shri Chandanaji (Founder of Veerayatan International, Rajgir, India), Acharya Dr. Lokeshmuniji (Founder of Ahimsa Vishwabharti, New Delhi, India), PP Swayamprakashdas Swami, Dr. Shri Kumarpal Desai, Rahul Kapoor Jain – Motivational Speaker, and many more religious, spiritual, and motivational speakers from all around the world.

In his keynote speech, emphasizing true meaning of Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai said “Feelings of attachment (परिग्रह or आसक्ति) is Himsa, and absence of such feeling is Ahimsa”. The convention was also graced by speeches from revered Jain acharyas who reside in India – namely, Gachchadipati Shri Vijay Nityanand Surishwarji, Acharya Shri Mahashramanji, Shri Jinchandra Vijayji, Muni Shri Praman Sagarji, Acharya Shri Udayvallabh Surishwarji, Ganivarya Shri Naypadma Sagarji, Acharya Shri Mahabodhi Surishwarji, Shri Dheeraj Muniji, Acharya Shri Chandrajit Surishwarji, Panyas Dr. Shri Arunvijay Maharaj, Acharya Shri Vijay Nandighosh Surishwarji, Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji, Sadhvi Shri Charitartha Prabhaji, Muni Shri Dhyan Sagarji, Sri Sideshwar Brahmrishi Gurudev, and Shri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji. We also received blessings and well wishes from political leaders around the world including the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijaybhai Rupani and Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL), Tim Ryan (OH) and Senior Adviser to the President Cedric Richmond.

Each day evening entertainment was highlighted unique programs. Starting with colorful Cultural Program on Day 1 and 2, featuring uniquely choreographed performances by members from 70+ Jain Centers across US & Canada as well as others to showcase their talent and vibrancy representing Festivities of the World.

On Day 3, Dayro & Bhakti by Osman Mir, Sairam Dave, Parth Oza, Geeta Rabari, and other prominent famous Dayro singers was very well received. The same evening, all attendees enjoyed Sunheri Yaadein - A Bollywood concert featuring 40 years of Bollywood melodies to celebrate 40 years of JAINA from a grand stage in Mumbai, India. On Day 4, people appreciated the beautiful message from high-caliber humorous Hindi Drama Rang De Sanskar acted and directed by Kamlesh Oza with other well-known actors like Siddharth Randeria, Rajeev Mehta, Kamlesh Oza. On Day 5, Mahavir Ek Alokik Katha - an epic dance ballet on the life of Mahavir Swami was truly mesmerizing.

Jains Got Talent competition was held for two days which showed some unique performances from talented individuals from around the world. Just amazing performances by our member Sanghs, we were tapping our feet all the way! Emotional and enlightening skits, religious and folk music, Bollywood, various dance forms, conveying of Jain principles through rap music - our Sangh members' creativity was yet again in a full form.

Every morning began with Yoga and Meditation, including for our very young, who participated in the "Fly in the Sky" yoga session as part of the Kids Club! Later in the morning, our youth engaged in "Seva and Social Impact" to learn about the role that seva/service plays in one’s personal, professional, and spiritual journey.

The 14th Jain Academic Bowl (JAB) was a huge success with countries representing United Kingdom, Canada, Kenya, India, the United States of America, 220 Pathshala students participants, 40 coaches, 12 moderators, and 68 played games over 105 game hours. Jain Connect kicked off their conference by meeting each other and later enjoyed a virtual Bollywood Dance Party with their YJP friends. Our youth had some fun in a virtual escape room in youth activities led by YJA.

On the 5th day, the Women's Conference brought together respected women speakers who spoke on a variety of topics. Brahma Kumari Sister Shivani as a keynote speaker kept large number of audience captive. Women from around North America and around the world joined together to collaborate and learn from others.

The Closing Ceremony started with “Thank you” remarks from JAINA President Mahesh Wadher. In 2021, JAINA has celebrated 40 glorious years of grand success and created 40 years of memories. A beautiful video highlighting these 40 years showcased all past JAINA Presidents with their year of services. JAINA Secretary Hemant Shah expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Executive Committee and shared an introductory video of each member of the JAINA EC highlighting their accomplishments. Finally, in their closing remarks, Convener Haresh Shah and Co-Convener Bindesh Shah expressed their heartfelt gratitude to each and every 300+ volunteer from 35 teams for their hard work, tenacity, passion and excitement to make this convention the most successful and most memorable one in the history of JAINA.

Jai Jinendra,
The JAINA Convention Committee