Dear Sadharmiks,
Jai Jinendra!

As my term as President of the Jain Association in North America (JAINA) draws to a close at the end of 2023, I am filled with immense gratitude and a profound sense of fulfillment. Serving this esteemed organization has been a privilege, an honor, and an incredibly rewarding experience.

First, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every member of JAINA. Your unwavering support, dedication, and active participation have been the cornerstone of our success. Your commitment to the values and principles of Jainism has been an inspiration, driving our collective efforts toward unity, progress, and service to humanity.

I extend my deepest appreciation to the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, committee chairs and its members, all JAINA Past-Presidents, and all volunteers who have worked tirelessly alongside me. Your passion, expertise, and selfless contributions have been instrumental in steering JAINA toward its goals and realizing our shared vision.

I am indebted to the numerous individuals and organizations that collaborated with us, fostering partnerships, and enabling us to broaden our reach and impact. Your collaboration has been invaluable in advancing our mission of promoting Jain values, culture, education, veganism and community welfare; all in line with the core principle of non-violence and compassionate living.

A special thanks to our sponsors and donors whose generous support has enabled us to initiate and sustain numerous programs and initiatives for the betterment of our community and beyond.

I am immensely grateful to the outgoing and incoming leadership teams. Your willingness to take on responsibilities and lead with dedication ensures the continuity of our efforts and the growth of our organization. I have full confidence that under the new leadership, JAINA will continue to thrive and reach greater heights.

As my term concludes, I am deeply blessed and indebted to the profound wisdom and guidance bestowed upon us by the revered Guru Bhagwants. Their names resonate as beacons of spiritual enlightenment and wisdom within our community—Acharya Shree Ratnasundar Surishwarji MS, Acharya Shree Chandnaji and Sadhvigan, Muni Shree Jinchandra Vijayji, Kirti Chandra Vijayji (Bandhu Triputi), Acharya Shree Vidhya Sagarji, Muni Shree Praman Sagarji, Acharya Shree MahasramanJi, Acharya Shree Mahabodhi MS, Acharya Uday Vallabh suri swarji, Namramuni MS, Dhiraj Muni MS , Acharya Lokesh Muni, Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji Jhaveri and many other Guru Bhagawants. Their teachings have illuminated our paths, nurturing our spirits and guiding us toward greater understanding and compassion. Their blessings and wisdom have been the cornerstone of our endeavors, infusing our community with grace, harmony, and spiritual growth. With heartfelt gratitude, I offer my sincerest thanks for their unwavering blessings and support, which have been instrumental in our collective journey.

Lastly, I express my deepest gratitude to my family for their unwavering support, understanding, and encouragement throughout my tenure. Their sacrifice and encouragement have been the pillar of my strength in fulfilling my responsibilities as President.

As I step down from this esteemed position, I am filled with pride in our collective achievements and the enduring spirit of unity within our community. I am confident that JAINA will continue to flourish, guided by the principles of Jainism and the collective efforts of its members.

Thank you once again for entrusting me with this responsibility. It has been an incredible journey, and I am humbled, honored, and privileged to have served as your President.

Sincerely & respectfully,

Haresh Shah,
JAINA President

SPECIAL MOMENTS

JAINA Convention @ Lakeland, Florida

A highlight of our term has been the much-awaited JAINA Convention, a momentous gathering that reunited the vibrant Jain community of North America after a four-year hiatus. This incredible event was a testament to our collective spirit and dedication to our heritage. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the convener of the convention, Shree Bindesh Shah, and the entire organizing team, whose tireless efforts and meticulous planning made this gathering a resounding success. Your commitment to highlighting Jain values, fostering unity, and providing a platform for learning and celebration has left an indelible mark on our community's collective memory. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and passion in making the JAINA Convention an unforgettable experience for us all.

Winter Programs in India

A defining milestone during our tenure has been the initiation of a closer association with our ancestral homeland through collaborative efforts. We proudly commenced co-hosting a networking conference in Mumbai under the banner of JAINA India Foundation and another under the auspices of Shrutratnakar in Ahmedabad; and participated in 8 Winter Programs in India during January 2023, where JAINA Delegation represented JAINA at various events and networked with other organizations. These significant initiatives signify our commitment to fostering stronger bonds with our roots, facilitating meaningful connections, and nurturing a bridge between the Jain communities in North America and India. This step not only strengthens cultural ties but also opens avenues for shared learning, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of our heritage. We are immensely grateful for the enthusiastic support and participation that have made these events a symbol of unity and harmony across borders.

JAINA Senior Housing Project

A momentous achievement that stands as a testament to our perseverance and dedication is the realization of our long-envisioned Senior Housing Project. Overcoming numerous hurdles, we meticulously pursued this vision, visiting shortlisted sites in Florida multiple times, engaging in extensive discussions with real estate developers, and conducting thorough due diligence. This endeavor, fueled by our commitment to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for our seniors, has now gained significant momentum. Looking ahead, I'm thrilled to announce the establishment of stronger leadership with the involvement of Maheshbhai Wadher, a former JAINA president. His experience and dedication will undoubtedly propel this project forward, ensuring its successful fruition and serving as a beacon of care and comfort for our cherished elders within our community.

New Initiatives

Student Guidance Committee

One remarkable stride in our community's support system has been the establishment of a Student Guidance Committee dedicated to aiding students arriving in North America. This committee stands as a beacon of support, offering guidance and assistance to newcomers as they navigate the transition to a new place, providing invaluable advice, resources, and a welcoming environment for their settlement. The committee's commitment to nurturing and aiding young minds not only fosters a smoother integration process but also builds a durable foundation for these students to thrive in their academic pursuits and beyond.

I am proud to inform you that during the very short time, this committee could enroll 500+ host families from our community and provide help to almost 1200 incoming students in North America through them.

Telehealth Committee

Additionally, we're proud to announce the formation of a Telehealth Committee, a testament to our commitment to community well-being. Leveraging the expertise within our network of specialist doctors, this committee offers free health services via telemedicine, ensuring accessible healthcare to those within our community. This initiative not only displays the collective dedication of our medical professionals but also serves as a testament to our community's ethos of caring for one another's well-being, transcending physical boundaries to provide essential healthcare services and support.

I am proud to inform you that this committee has been able to team up with 50+ specialist doctors for this noble service-oriented project.

YJA Convention

An inspiring highlight of our term was the opportunity to engage directly with the vibrant youth leadership at the YJA convention. It was an honor to address our future leaders, sharing insights, encouragement, and the importance of upholding our cherished values while navigating the complexities of modern life. Interacting with the enthusiastic and motivated youth reaffirmed our belief in the potential of the next generation and the significance of empowering them to carry forth the legacy of our community with pride, integrity, and innovation.

I'm thrilled to share that the YJA Convention proudly featured an entirely vegan menu, aligning with the core principles of non-violence and compassionate living.

99 Yatra of Shree Shatrunjay Mahatirth

A significant milestone during our term was the revival of the revered 99 Yatra of Shatrunjay Mahatirth, alongside the yatras of Girnar & Samet Shikhar, after a gap of six years. Witnessing the participation of 69 devoted yatris from North America was truly heartening. This success was made possible by the remarkable dedication and leadership of Arvind Shah, the Chairman of the 99 Yatra Committee. His meticulous planning, organizational prowess, and tireless service to the community were instrumental in orchestrating this spiritually enriching pilgrimage, fostering deep connections with our heritage and strengthening the bonds of our community. Our sincere gratitude goes out to Arvind Shah for his unwavering commitment and exceptional service.

Serving to the Cause of Jeevdaya

A momentous occasion within our community has been the celebration of Gurudev Chitrabhanuji's 100th birth anniversary, marked by a significant endeavor by the JAINA Jivdaya Committee. To honor his legacy of compassion, the committee has conceptualized and erected the Gurudev Chitrabhanu Memorial Panjarapole along the Shankheshwar-Ahmedabad Highway in Panchasar. This visionary project stands as a testament to Gurudev Chitrabhanuji's teachings on compassion and care for all living beings. With six sheds capable of accommodating 700-750 animals and a dedicated storage facility for fodder, this memorial Panjarapole is not only a tribute but a practical initiative ensuring the well-being of numerous animals.