Latest News https://www.jaina.org/news/default.asp Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:59:31 GMT Thu, 4 Jun 2020 14:51:15 GMT Copyright © 2020 JAINA-JainLink SURVEY FOR COVID-19 IN US JAIN POPULATION https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=511020 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=511020
SURVEY FOR COVID-19 IN US JAIN POPULATION
JAINA has developed a brief survey to find out the incidence of COVID-19 in Jains. This survey will help us understand if Jains are affected less than the people who are non-vegetarians or not.

Please take COVID-19 in US Jain Population Survey (here) and answer some simple questions which will just take a few minutes of your time.

We have not asked any personal questions and will not be able to identify anyone from the survey. Strict confidentiality will be maintained. Also at any time if you feel that you do not want to continue you can abandon and not complete the survey.

If you have any questions please reach out to Dr. Nitin Shah at 562 244 9035 or email him at nitinshahmd@gmail.com. ]]> Thu, 4 Jun 2020 15:51:15 GMT CHROME BOOKS PROJECT https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=510989 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=510989
CHROME BOOKS PROJECT
The Anekant Community Center of Los Angeles and The Sarva Mangal Family trust had a very successful Chromebooks project of providing 500 Chromebooks to the students of 4 neighborhood schools. As the saying goes “reward of good work is more good work”

JAINA with the help of the Anekant Community Center and Sarva Mangal Family Trust has decided to take this project on a national level through the member Jain Centers - supporting their respective local communities by donating Chromebooks to the poor neighborhood schools for underprivileged students to attend virtual classes.

JAINA presented and explained this project to many Jain Center Presidents who were convinced to support this initiative. We already have more than 12 Jain Centers who have committed to participate in this once in a lifetime opportunity and the rest are working with their committees to get approval.

Here how the project will work:
  • Each Jain Center has to commit to finding a School &/or school District to give a minimum of 50 Refurbished Chromebooks.
  • Each Jain Center has to raise funds for 30 Chromebooks ($ 125 X 30 = $ 3750).
  • Sarva Manga Family Trust will match 15 Chromebooks and ACC will match 5 Chromebooks.
All the orders will be drop-shipped directly to the Schools or the School district based on the orders received from the Jain Centers. ]]> Thu, 4 Jun 2020 14:28:55 GMT SWETAMBAR AGAMS ON JAINA E-LIBRARY https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=508396 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=508396
SWETAMBAR AGAMS ON JAINA E-LIBRARY
Jain muni, Pujya Shri Agam Divakar Dr. Deepratna-sagarji has dedicated his entire life to the service of Jain Literature. He has compiled 537 Agam related literature & 85 books of Non-Aagam literature, in printed as well as soft copy. JAINA Education committee is very thankful to Muni Shri Agam Divakar Dr. Deepratna-sagarji for his total support to make all his literature available on www.jainelibrary.org. Know more about this Know more about this list of Aagams, dictionary and other work here. ]]> Wed, 20 May 2020 15:14:42 GMT ONLINE JAINA UNIVERSITY https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=508390 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=508390
ONLINE JAINA UNIVERSITY
JAINA resolution to create online courses on Jainism was unanimously adopted. The actual planning for this initiative began in October of 2019, long before coronavirus pandemic. The original idea to offer online courses was proposed by Dr. Jagdish Sheth at the 2015 JAINA Convention.

Preparations are underway to prepare the following courses:
  1. A set of 25 lectures on the Prakrit language course by Dr. Jagat Ram Bhattacharya of Jain Viswa Bharti, Shanti Niketan.
  2. A Set of 6 introductory lectures in English on various Jain subjects by Dr. Bipin Doshi and others that teach Diploma courses on Jainism at Mumbai University.
  3. A 25-lecture course on Tatvarth Sutra by Dr. Jitendra B Shah of Shrutratnakar Trust of Ahmedabad.
JAINA Online courses will be on a new separate JAINA educational portal. All the courses will be offered free of charge and without any commercial interruptions to anyone in the world who wishes to learn Jainism.

JAINA EC has allocated $4,800 towards the creation of the first six courses and additionally, three individuals have pledged to sponsor one lecture each. Many more sponsorship opportunities are available to JAINA members by sponsoring other individual lectures or the entire 25 lecture courses at $800.00 per lecture. JAINA will announce the names of the individual sponsors in the weekly newsletters until all the remaining 50 lectures are sponsored. Credit to the sponsor will appear at the beginning of each video lecture.

JAINA’s past President Dilip V. Shah of Philadelphia has been assigned the responsibility for creating a video recording of these courses.

JAINA Technology Committee will be in charge of creating the new platform for offering these courses. For sponsorship or volunteering opportunities, please write to jainauniversity@jaina.org. ]]> Wed, 20 May 2020 15:01:45 GMT JAINA Cultural Show For Humanity https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=508382 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=508382

JAINA

Presents

Back By Popular Demand

"One World One Rhythm"

JAINA Cultural Show
Wednesday, May 20 - Thursday, May 21, 2020

8:00 PM EST | 7:00 PM CST | 5:00 PM PST | 5:30 AM IST


Invite Your Family and Friends from any part of the world.



We had a very successful event of the JAINA Cultural Program for Humanity on May 16, 2020, which was attended by close to 350,000 TV Viewers and around 1,500 viewers on the JAINA website. After the event, we got many calls requesting to repeat this event once again.



Due to Popular Demand

We will go ahead and show this same program on JAINA website Jaina.org



Please do not miss this opportunity to watch all the mesmerizing performances by our members in the USA.



During this event, we raised approximately $200,000 for the humanitarian services in North America and India.



The donation funds will be used to provide hunger relief, medical aid, supplies of personal protective equipment, and educational technology devices to people affected in North America, and India from Coronavirus Pandemic per donor's wishes.



Support JAINA Humanitarian Pandemic Projects with Compassion and generosity. Donor names with $251 and above will be displayed in the footage of the website during the event and these names will also be published in our next JAINA newsletter.





For sponsorship and further info, contact :


Mahesh Wadher

(909) 376-4027

|

Hemant Shah

(847) 977-5462

|

Prakash Mehta

(571) 331-1851

Dr Nitin Shah

(562) 244-9035

|

Ashok Savla

(626) 372-4246

|

Haresh Shah

(302) 740-9232

 



Jaina


OR

Mail your Donations in favor of JAINA

(in memo please mention "JAINA CULTURAL SHOW FOR HUMANITY") to

Ashok Savla (JAINA Treasurer),
8843 1/2 Longden Avenue, Temple City, CA 91780



Email support@jaina.org



Your sponsorship is tax-deductible in the USA. The Federation of Jain Associations in North America, a non-profit tax-exempt organization (IRS Code Section 501 (c)(3) EI # 54-1280028

]]> Wed, 20 May 2020 14:50:17 GMT TAPOVAN STUDENT PERFORMED FOR US PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP AT JAIN CAPITAL OF THE WORLD - AHMEDABAD https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=493934 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=493934
TAPOVAN STUDENT PERFORMED FOR US PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP AT JAIN CAPITAL OF THE WORLD - AHMEDABAD

Jain Capital of the World, Ahmedabad - Rajnagar gave a wonderful welcome to the Guest of Honor, President of the United States, Donald Trump, on 24 February 2020.

Tapovani Champions - students of Tapovan Sanskar Peeth - worked hard on the preparation for welcoming World Leaders. They performed various Cultural dances, Malkhams, Deepak Yoga, Indian Skills & Kartbas, Musical Harmony which was recognized and appreciated by all National and International news channels. The purpose of participating in the welcome ceremony and roadshow was to communicate and spread fundamental values of Indian Culture and Jainism like Non-Violence, Compassion, Vegetarianism, Live and Let Live, Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam, etc. Tapovan students gave an excellent performance on "Rashtra Raksha", Dharm Raksha" & "Sanskruti Raksha".

JAINA along with other organizations like Namo Namah Parivar, Jain Maha Sangh, Gurukulam had attended the event and gave the best message regarding our Heritage and Culture. ]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2020 08:27:30 GMT INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP WORKSHOP BY JITO USA https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=489976 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=489976
INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP WORKSHOP BY JITO USA
The Jain International Trade Organization (JITO) USA is delighted to invite you to the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Workshop.

The workshop gives an opportunity to network with highly successful Jain professionals, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and ambitious college students across the NY/NJ/CT Tristate area to connect under one common goal: The Success and Empowerment of Jain's across the USA. JITO USA aspires to learn from and replicate the success of the Jewish Community in America by networking, connecting, and supporting our Jain community in business, trade, education, and philanthropy.

Please join JITO for this event to bring an impactful change to our community and the future generations as well as the opportunity to Network and Learn from our highly accomplished Line-up of Speakers.

Date: Saturday, March 21, 2020
Time: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Venue: Jain Center of New Jersey, Franklin Township, NJ

Kindly register along with your spouse. Please note the workshop has limited space. Registration closes on February 25, 2020, and is open to only 18 years and older. For more details visit www.jitousa.org.

JITO is a global organization that brings together a network of Jain professionals, business leaders, industrialists, and college students to achieve higher economic prosperity, enrich humanity, and cultivate social empowerment for the Jain community. ]]> Thu, 20 Feb 2020 11:58:33 GMT JAINA DELEGATION VISITS BIDADA MEDICAL CAMP https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=487549 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=487549
JAINA DELEGATION VISITS BIDADA MEDICAL CAMP
Shree Bidada Sarvodaya Trust is a nonprofit charitable organization established in 1974 with the mission to provide medical aid to the people of rural Kutch, a coastal region in the northern Indian state of Gujarat. JAINA delegation led by President Maheshbhai Wadher and first V. P. Hareshbahi Shah attending the opening of the 46th Medical camp on January 14.


Bidada Sarvodaya Trust is really thankful to JAINA’s President Mr. Mahesh Wadher & Vice-President Mr. Haresh Shah for their visit to Bidada Hospital during the Camp and their participation in Eye camp. JAINA has been very supportive of Bidada Sarvodaya Trust for the last many years and JAINA’s presidents have been kind enough to visit Bidada medical camps. Bidada Sarvodaya Trust heartily thanks to all the members of JAINA for their support and co-operation and we wish the same continues support for future years.

Maheshbhai complemented the volunteers and the staff at the camp for their selfless service and promised future continued support to Bidada Trust and announced Rupees 500,000 donation from his family trust and also announced a donation of $2,000 from JAINA. ]]> Sat, 1 Feb 2020 06:48:38 GMT JOIN US ENDORSING THE AHIMSAK ECO-VEGAN COMMITTEE'S JAIN DECLARATION ON THE CLIMATE CRISIS https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=486136 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=486136
JOIN US ENDORSING THE AHIMSAK ECO-VEGAN COMMITTEE'S JAIN DECLARATION ON THE CLIMATE CRISIS
We Jains, staunch believers in ahimsa, are watching as weather-related disasters after disaster affects our fellow humans, animals, and all jivas on our planet. As a recent example, over a billion animals have died due to wildfires in Australia. Now more than ever Jains need to work to avert even worse hinsa due to Climate Change.

You may have heard that JAINA's Ahimsak Eco-Vegan Committee drafted a new ‘Jain Declaration on the Climate Crisis’ which was endorsed by the JAINA Executive Committee last November. Please review the declaration which is on the JAINA website.

Join JAINA to register your endorsement by filling this Jain Declaration Comment Form. It also gives you options of whether to list your comments publicly or not; please do respond. We hope to get significant show support from our community.

For more information, write to Dr. Jina Shah at jina.shah@gmail.com and Mr. Sudhanshu Jain at suds@sudsjain.com. ]]> Thu, 23 Jan 2020 12:59:14 GMT JAB EVENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=484330 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=484330
JAB EVENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI

JAINA in association with Jain Academy Education Research (Mumbai) has carried out the first JAB competition in India today on January 11, 2020.

JAINA President Shri Mahesh Wadher, First Vice President Haresh Shah and JAINA Past president Dilip V. Shah along with JAB coordinators Sunil Vakharia, Raj Salecha, YJA Co-Chair Parshwa Vakharia were present at the event. More than 450 Mumbai residents filled the auditorium and cheered the contestants on as they witnessed 5 very energetic and enthusiastic teams from various geographical communities of Mumbai compete. Prizes were awarded to meritorious students of Jainism at the University of Mumbai.JAINA has invited one Mumbai University team to come to the 2021 JAINA Convention to participate in the JAB competition. ]]> Mon, 13 Jan 2020 09:43:00 GMT JAINA CONVENTION 2019 HIGHLIGHTS ON TV ASIA https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=483516 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=483516
JAINA CONVENTION 2019 HIGHLIGHTS ON TV ASIA
We have an opportunity to watch the highlights of the JAINA Convention 2019 and refresh our sweet memories.

A brief highlights of the JAINA Convention 2019 will be airing on TV Asia on Community Roundup Year in Review program on January 6th at 6:30pm (EST).

You can use the below network to see this roundup review.
  1. Dish Network: Channel #700
  2. Cablevision: Channel #1167
  3. Time Warner Cable: Channel #1542
  4. Xfinity Comcast: Channel #695 or #665
  5. Charter: Channel #844
  6. Verizon FIOS: Channel #1752
  7. AT & TU verse: Channel #1752
  8. Bell Canada: Channel #807
  9. Rogers Cable: Channel #846
Disclaimer: In the event of a breaking and urgent story,TV Asia may preempt and replace the current story, which however, shall always be rescheduled the next day at the same time ]]> Mon, 6 Jan 2020 11:16:38 GMT 99 YATRA TO SHREE SHATRUNJAY MAHATIRTH 2020-2021 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=483214 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=483214
99 YATRA TO SHREE SHATRUNJAY MAHATIRTH 2020-2021
With the blessing of Shree Adinath’s and Acharya Bhagwants, approximately 78 people in the year 2016 completed an auspicious event – 99 Yatras of Shatrunjay Mahatirtha. After the unforgettable 99 Yatras of 2011 and 2016, many Jains felt they missed out on a wonderful opportunity. But with the support of JAINA, 99 Yatra Committee is planning another 99 Yatra at Shree Shatrunjay Mahatirth, 12 Gau Chhari Palit Yatra, Shree Sammet Shrikarji Tirth. This will take place from November 30th, 2020 through January 29th, 2021 (Tentative Dates). We are sending herewith information regarding this Shree Shatrunjay Mahatirth 99 Yatra in 2020/2021.

]]> Wed, 1 Jan 2020 07:24:48 GMT MIT INDIAN AMERICAN PROFESSOR NAMED AMONG PACKARD FELLOW FOR SCIENCE, ENGINEERING https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=483086 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=483086
MIT INDIAN AMERICAN PROFESSOR NAMED AMONG PACKARD FELLOW FOR SCIENCE, ENGINEERING
Ankur Jain, an Assistant Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was among the 2019 cohort of David and Lucile Packard Foundation Fellows for Science and Engineering.

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation recently announced its 2019 class of Packard Fellows for Science and Engineering, which included one Indian American honoree. This year’s class features 22 early-career scientists and engineers, who will each receive $875,000 over five years to pursue their research. Among the fellows named was Ankur Jain, Assistant Professor in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s biology department.

“A single human cell contains several billion macromolecular building blocks. We investigate the design principles that cells use to organize their contents, and how defects in the cellular organization can contribute to human disease,” Jain said in his Fellow bio.

]]> Mon, 30 Dec 2019 13:15:30 GMT JAB EVENT IN MUMBAI https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=483085 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=483085
JAB EVENT IN MUMBAI
Just 15 days are remaining to for the first JAB (Jain Academic Bowl) competition in India which is organized by JAINA and Jain Academy Education Research, on January 11, 2020.

More than 6000 students have studied Jainology courses at the University of Mumbai over the last few years who are invited for this Quiz contest. There will be 5 teams each consisting of 5 members. More than 300 questions prepared by JAINA Education Committee are identified for the quiz. Around 300 students are expected to participate.

JAINA dignitaries, President Shri Mahesh Wadher, First Vice President Haresh Shah and Past JAINA president Dilip V. Shah will be present. JAB coordinator from JAINA Education Committee – Sunil Vakharia and Raj Salecha have consented to help in this program. JAINA officers will Honor the meritorious students of Jainism studying at the University of Mumbai.

It will be a great opportunity for JAINA to showcase its activities. We are also expecting a few dignitaries from Mumbai to attend this function. The program is open to the public.

There will be a special lecture by Dr. Shubhada Joshi of the Philosophy Department of Mumbai University on Jainism. Dr. Bipin Doshi, Shilpa Chheda and Kavita Shah are the main organizers of the event.

Venue: Bhasha Bhavan, University of Mumbai, Kalina, Santacruz (East).
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM ]]> Mon, 30 Dec 2019 10:38:16 GMT AN INSPIRING DONATION TO JAINA JIVDAYA https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=482949 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=482949
AN INSPIRING DONATION TO JAINA JIVDAYA
Recently, JAINA received a letter from Kunjal and Rajesh Chheda from Pennsylvania about their Daughter Keshvi Chheda saying...

Keshvi completed a major milestone in Bharatanatyam journey by successfully completing her Arangetram on Aug 3rd, 2019. She began her Bharatanatyam training at the young age of 5, and her love for the dance has only grown since. Under the instruction of Smt. Sangeetha Balachandar, she has performed in numerous events and has been learning Bharatanatyam at Natyaswara for the past ten years.

To celebrate this achievement, Keshvi decided to donate every dollar of gifts she received to 3 charitable causes. Being a proud Jain, Keshvi has chosen JAINA Jivdaya as one of the organizations. They included a check of $1111 towards the noble cause saying Keshvi is looking forward to supporting JAINA in the future.

JAINA appreciates such inspiring thought to help other living beings and give Anumodna to Keshvi and people like her.

Read more about her charitable cause here.

More information about Keshvi's Bharatnatyam Journey. ]]> Thu, 26 Dec 2019 13:14:08 GMT DHARMA IN AMERICA: A SHORT HISTORY OF HINDU BY MR. PANKAJ JAIN https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=482228 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=482228
DHARMA IN AMERICA: A SHORT HISTORY OF HINDU BY MR. PANKAJ JAIN
A book, Dharma in America: A short history of Hindu - Jain Diaspora, by Mr. Pankaj Jain, an Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religion at the University of North Texas, USA has been published.

The book includes one full chapter on the history of Jains in America, including a detailed section on Jains in the diamond industry, special thanks to Dr. Anant Jain and Dr. Sulekh Jain for contributing to Jains in the Dallas area and Jain in the American Universities.

Here’s some description of the book: America now is home to approximately five million Hindus and Jains. Their contribution to the economic and intellectual growth of the country is unquestionable. Dharma in America aims to explore the role of Hindu and Jain Americans in diverse fields such as:
  • education and civic engagement
  • medicine and healthcare
  • music
Providing a concise history of Hindus and Jains in the Americas over the last two centuries, Dharma in America also gives some insights into the ongoing issues and challenges, these important ethnic and religious groups face in America today. Please find the book here. ]]> Wed, 18 Dec 2019 06:42:15 GMT DONATE TO MERCY FOR ANIMALS https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=481155 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=481155
DONATE TO MERCY FOR ANIMALS

A “generous Mercy For Animals” benefactor has agreed to match all donations received by December 31, dollar for dollar - up to $750,000 - to raise a total of $ 1.5 million. This will fuel our work to spare animals from horrifying factory farm abuse. With this deadline rapidly approaching, I urge you to rush your most generous donation possible. Read the letter from Mercy For Animals here.

JAINA Jiv Daya committee requests you to kindly make your tax-deductible donation to raise the matching fund for this cause this the purposes of Jivdaya.

 

]]> Tue, 10 Dec 2019 10:44:46 GMT CELEBRATION OF SHRIMAD RAJCHANDRA ENDOWED CHAIR IN JAIN STUDIES AT UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=476875 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=476875
CELEBRATION OF SHRIMAD RAJCHANDRA ENDOWED CHAIR IN JAIN STUDIES AT UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE
Jain Chair at UC Riverside is the fastest Chair that Jain Community has orchestrated in Southern California from thought to actual hiring of the Chair!

The University celebrated the inauguration of first Chair “Shrimad Rajchandra Endowed Chair in Jain Studies” at the University of California, Riverside, (UCR) California, USA on October 23, 2019. Associate Professor Mrs. Ana Bajzelj is the incumbent occupant of the chair. Around 75 people gathered at UCR for the event.

The event began with Navkar Mantra prayer by two Samnijis from Florida. Senior Director of Development Emily. The event began with Navkar Mantra prayer by two Samnijis from Florida. Senior Director of Development Emily Rankin then invited Dr. Sulekh Jain, from Houston, for the occasion to give a history of Jain Academic education in North America and how did Jain Chair at UCR happen. He mentioned that Dr. Harvinder Sahota and Dr. Pashuara Singh who is the Chair of Religious Studies at UCR encouraged him to discuss with the Dean Milagrosa Pena of School of Humanities, Arts and Social Science about Jain Chair. Dean Pena, Emily Rankin, and others visited Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) and met with the Jain community. Seeds were planted then for further discussions. Two donor families Mr. Mahesh & Usha Wadher and Drs. Jasvant and Meera Modi took the pledge to raise $ 1 Million required to establish the Chair. Mr. Vijay and Madhu Chheda, Mr. Dilip and Sushama Parekh and others have also contributed. JCSC, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur and Jain Temple of Los Angeles were involved in helping gather necessary funds.

Later, JAINA President, Mr. Mahesh Wadher, spoke on behalf of donors and gave the significance of Jain chair in spreading Jain principles. He also gave a brief about who was Shirmad Rajchandra and how he was one of the people who influenced Mahatma Gandhi about the Non-Violence movement. He also appreciated the blessings of Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai who inspired his family with Shrimad Rajchadra’s Jain teachings. He was very appreciative of UCR for their enthusiasm for creating a Jain Chair. He believed that Jain teachings are very important in present-day and age to curb violence in the world!

Chair Ana Bajzelj spoke and gave progress made after she started at UCR and presented the first Shrimad Rajchandra award following a competition on Rajchandraji’s teachings/life. Chancellor Wilcox spoke about the importance of diversity in the university and how critical it is to be able to offer different religious perspectives to students. JAINA presented a plaque to UC Riverside recognizing their generosity that was accepted by Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox.

The event ended with a dinner catered by Jaybharat restaurant with Jain Vegan food. Jain community is thrilled and looking forward to great progress in Jain teachings to mainstream American students with the help of Shrimad Rajchandra Endowed Chair Ana Bajzelj. ]]> Wed, 6 Nov 2019 10:23:44 GMT JAINA’S FIRST JAIN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN INDIA https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=474185 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=474185
JAINA’S FIRST JAIN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN INDIA
We are excited to announce that JAINA is planning the first Jain International Conference in Ahmedabad, (India) in January 2020.

As you know, JAINA (Federation of Jain Associations in North America) established in 1981, is the largest association of Jains outside of India. JAINA represents more than seventy Jain Sanghs in the US and Canada with a combined membership of more than 125,000 Jains without distinction of sects, language or place of origin in India. JAINA is admired around the Jain world for our unity, unified Jain Temples and our Biennial Conventions.

JAINA is seeking cooperation from the World Jain Confederation to have annual International Conferences to be held in different major cities in India under the same theme since we both have Similar goals of bringing Jain unity in India and around the world.

The purpose of this conference is to promote religious and educational activities related to Jain religion and to promote understanding of Jain religion on a non-sectarian basis. In furtherance of the above-stated objective, we wish to create an international forum where institutions can come together to discuss and design programs that promote studies of our Jain Dharma. JAINA's philosophy is to work with all segments of our community to Protect, Preserve and Promote our precious heritage with noble goals. Our Biennial Conventions, wherein we invite scholars and dignitaries from all over the world are a good example of how we attempt to meet that responsibility. But we also recognize that not everyone can travel to the USA, hence a proposal to create a meet in India.

Stay tuned for more updates! ]]> Wed, 16 Oct 2019 14:45:02 GMT 16 BHAVANAS BOOK https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=474174 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=474174
16 BHAVANAS BOOK
During Paryushan, Jain Digest Committee had announced a paperback book on 16 Bhavanas on Amazon and received several positive feedback on the quality and content of the book; such as Lalit Vora from Canada says,

"I received my book of Bhavanas last night and reading it now. I don’t have enough words to describe my feelings to all those who worked so hard so we can continue our journey on the right path. I have informed all my contacts to look into this and possibly order one. God bless you."

In this book, the committee brings you articles on all the sixteen Bhavanas explained in English, originally published in the Jain Digest magazine during 2018 and feels that it would be a wonderful gift for our younger generation. Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai and Pramodaben Chitrabhanu have written the foreword for the book. The committee is thankful for their support. Read the sample pages here.

The book is available for $9.99 on Amazon: https://amzn.to/35lED35

If you are interested in ordering larger quantities (50 or more) to offer as Prabhavana, we can order the books for you at a 40% discount! Please contact Dilip Parekh at 310-721-5947 or dilipjparekh@gmail.com for the same. ]]> Wed, 16 Oct 2019 13:18:02 GMT JAIN YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM (USA TO INDIA) https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=473019 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=473019
JAIN YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM (USA TO INDIA)
The Jain Youth Education Program (JYEP) team is back and this time taking 12 young adults, followers of the Jain Way of Life, (ages 18 - 24) from North America to India from December 20, 2019, through January 3, 2020, to Ahmedabad, Pune, and Lonavala.

JYEP offers exposure to different cultures and ranks as one of the most powerful ways to promote both the Indian culture and the Jain way of life. JYEP participants will meet people from other countries and experience new cultures, planting the seeds for a lifetime of international understanding. The program is designed to offer numerous benefits to its young participants and their hosts and mentors, Jain leaders and to the Jain community at large both in North American and India.

To apply for this program, please download the application form from the website www.jaina.org/jyep and submit at jyep@jaina.org.

Costs:

1. JITO (in India) will arrange local transportation, lodging, and boarding in each city. The local host families may sponsor additional events, cultural activities, or programs time permitting.

2. Students from North American will be responsible for all airfare (both international and domestic) health insurance, and additional expenses (for example, souvenirs).

Key Dates:

1. Application deadline: October 31, 2019
2. Selection notification: November 11, 2019
3. Travel to India: December 20, 2019, through January 3, 2020

Please find the tentative itinerary here.

For more information, please contact Kamlesh Mehta or Soha Shah either via e-mail jyep@jaina.org or phone (408) 475-7481 ]]> Tue, 8 Oct 2019 07:58:34 GMT LANDMARK EVENT OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT BY LIFE GLOBAL - JUNE 16, 2019 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=455179 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=455179
LANDMARK EVENT OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT BY LIFE GLOBAL - JUNE 16, 2019
Project ‘Life’ invites you along with your family and friends to attend the Landmark Event of Women Empowerment, a noble cause envisaged by their partner charity Life Global, NJ, USA, on Sunday June 16, 2019 at 3:30 pm onwards at India Cultural Society & Mahatma Gandhi Centre, Wayne, New Jersey, USA. The event will be followed by dinner.

The event comprises a life-changing Seminar by Dr. Jeetendra Adhia, Global Ambassador of Life Global USA. See the invite here. Kindly confirm your participation at rushikesh.pandya@999life.org.

Project ‘Life’ - www.999life.org was established in the year 1978 with a clear aspiration to support, sustain and enrich the lives of people in particular the under-privileged.

More events of Life in Chicago & LA, USA are as below:

Sr No. Date Event Details
1 June 22, 2019 Get-together & Presentation on Project ‘Life’ Interventions at Chicago, USA
2 July 30, 2019 Landmark Event of Women Empowerment at Sanatan Mandir – Los Angeles, USA


For 16th June event, See the invite here. ]]> Mon, 10 Jun 2019 13:09:15 GMT JAIN CENTER NEWS - JAIN SOCIETY OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA, RICHMOND https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=455174 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=455174
JAIN CENTER NEWS - JAIN SOCIETY OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA, RICHMOND
Jain Society of Central Virginia, Richmond is pleased to invite you for Pratishtha Mahotsav from June 12-16 at Jain Society of Central Virginia. In 2015-16, 2016 Pujya Shri Manak Muni inspired them to build a Shankheshwar Parshwanath Temple. In 2017, the Sangh laid the foundation and performed bhumi pujan. This five-day program includes various activities like an opening ceremony, 18 Abhishek, Varghodo Procession, Bhakti, Prathistha, Sattar Bhedi Puja and more. Read the detailed program of the event. ]]> Mon, 10 Jun 2019 12:38:28 GMT JAINA AND INTERNATIONAL AHIMSA FOUNDATION CELEBRATE MAHAVIR JAYANTI AT INDIA CONSULATE, NY https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=452162 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=452162
JAINA AND INTERNATIONAL AHIMSA FOUNDATION CELEBRATE MAHAVIR JAYANTI AT INDIA CONSULATE, NY



The International Ahimsa Foundation USA celebrated “A Message of Lord Mahavir” on his 2618th birth anniversary and also commemorated the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, at the Consulate General of India premises, in New York, on May 7, 2019. The event was cosponsored by JAINA.

Over 200 guests attended the event, including Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Professor Lawrence A. Babb of Amherst College, Assemblyman David Weprin, New York State Senators John Liu, and Kevin Thomas, and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer. From JAINA, Gunvant Shah - JAINA President, Mahesh Wadher - First VP, Haresh Shah, Rajeev Pandya, Jigar Shah and Harshad Shah had attended the event with their respective spouses.

The Dignitaries spoke about the Lord Mahavir, Mahatma Gandhi, and their principles respectively. The guests were entertained by cultural performances by artists and performers. The program concluded with a Jain Dinner for all guests. ]]> Mon, 20 May 2019 12:52:00 GMT JAINS REPRESENTED AT THE 2019 MARTIN LUTHER KING MULTI-FAITH COMMEMORATIVE EVENT https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=450984 https://www.jaina.org/news/news.asp?id=450984
JAINS REPRESENTED AT THE 2019 MARTIN LUTHER KING MULTI-FAITH COMMEMORATIVE EVENT



Sara Jain of Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington represented the Jain religion at the 2019 Martin Luther King Multi-Faith Commemorative Event organized by the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington on April 7th at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church. The event was well attended by several dignitaries in the DC region and several faiths.

Sara, representing Jainism, said, "According to the Jain faith, one can achieve inner peace by conquering and denying one’s vices. In order to attain equanimity, however, one must practice nonviolence towards all souls in thought, word, and deed. This creates a ripple effect which will leave an impression of peace and happiness on the whole community. As Martin Luther King Jr. himself once said, “violence never brings permanent peace,” rather, “living together as brothers” was the path to true unity." After her speech, the congregation recited, "In order to create an interconnected and harmonious world, one must first achieve inner peace by practicing nonviolence in all forms."

Such events bring awareness about the Jainism in the broader community. We are proud of our youth for representing and spreading Jainism. ]]> Mon, 13 May 2019 13:59:40 GMT