The highlight of the 20th JAINA Convention is the 6,000 sq. feet of working Religious Complex designed and built by Rahul Jobalia. His hobbies include playing guitar and Cricket. A real Renaissance Man. The JAINA Derasar’s first concept drawing was done on June 8th, 2018. From the first presentation of the hand-drawn BluePrints, carpentry and painting to actual installation at the Ontario Convention Center - One man did it all! It’s a Marvelous feat to think over 11 months in the making, approx. 2720 big and small wooden pieces and trims, not including screws and bolts, 600 sq.ft of marble liner, vinyl tiles, natural marble, metal rods, fabric and 200 ft of LED lights for display.

It is a great pleasure to announce that JAINA has once again organized a religious pilgrimage to one of the holiest and historical places in Jain religion in the form of 99 Yatra to the Shatrunjay Mahatirth in Palitana in the year 2020- 2021. Stay tuned for the yatra dates.

The 99 Yatras will be performed under the guidance of Acharya Shri Vijay Mahapadam Surishwariji Maharaj Saheb and Shri Punch Parmeshati Ratna Narendrabhai Nandu and his team.

This is a unique opportunity to participate in this historic, once in a lifetime, event for members of Jain Society all across North America. Our past 99-Yatras in Palitana proved remarkably successful and we hope to make this upcoming one also, one of the most memorable historic pilgrimage events. Here are more details about 2020-21 99 Yatra and sponsorship. Click on both links.

On June 13, 2019, Dr. Mamta Shaha, JAINA Women Empowerment Committee Chairperson, attended the North American Consultation for Women Leaders Retreat as JAINA representative at Baltimore, Maryland.

The purpose of this retreat was to include voices and ideas from women across North America in the work of the 'Religions for Peace International’s 10th World Assembly' taking place in August 2019 in Lindau, Germany.

The theme of the Religions for Peace International’s 10th World Assembly is "Caring for our Common Future-Advancing Shared Well-being".

They discussed advancing shared well-being through the following sub-themes:

1. A Multi-Religious Vision of Positive Peace.
2. Preventing and Transforming Violent Conflicts.
3. Promoting Just and Harmonious Societies.
4. Promoting Integral Human Development.

For each topic, groups identified concerns and challenges in their regional & national context and discussed the role of religious structures in addressing challenges, as well as religious resources needed to implement and enhance solutions.

The consultation included representation from diverse faith groups including Hindus, Zoroastrians, Greek Orthodox, Apostolic Christians, Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims, Catholics, Lutherans, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists. Women comprised close to 50 percent of attendees and youth leaders made up roughly 15 percent of the group.

Mamta Shaha will attend the Religions for Peace International 10th world assembly in Germany as JAINA representative..

Tulsa Jain Sangh is a small community of 30 families, celebrated their 15th Pratishtha anniversary on June 8 and 9, 2019. More than 70 people including their center members, Dallas Senior Jain members and Bentonville, AR joined the celebration.

Vidhikar Shri Shrenik Gala performed Bhavana on Saturday, June 8th. He also performed mini Nav Pad Pujan with Dwaja change on Sunday, June 9th. Everyone enjoyed the religious activities on both days.

We have Bhakti and Bhajan once a month while we feed the homeless twice a month.

Sigma Pharmaceuticals plc. founder, co-chairman and CEO, Dr. Bharat Shah, has been honored with the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) Award in the 2019 birthday list of Her Majesty the Queen.

Dr. Shah, who founded leading independent pharmacy wholesaler - Sigma Pharmaceuticals plc. from the back of his chemist shop in Watford, the United Kingdom in 1982, received the award for ‘services to business, economic growth, exporting, independent pharmacy sector and philanthropy.’

The honor crowns a long and distinguished career in the pharmacy profession for Dr. Shah. A highly respected entrepreneur, he has been a passionate advocate for community pharmacy, helping the sector raise standards and campaigning for the profession to become an integral part of the enlarged NHS.

This month's issue of Young Minds is a DREAM! Here's a sneak peek into the content.

• Interview with Gunjan Jain on her novel "She Walks, She Leads", where she interviewed folks like Nita Ambani and Priyanka Chopra!
• Sangh Spotlight on the Jain Society of San Diego
• Anshumi Jhaveri's thoughts on recognizing Jainism as its own path separate from other Indian religions

Give it a read at https://issuu.com/youngminds/docs/june_ym_2019 and let us know what you think! YJA would love to hear your feedback!

A 1: Deshvirti means one who accepts the restrained life in a limited style. We, house-holders are Deshvirti.

A 2: Sarvavirti means one who accepts the restrained life for a whole life. Our Sadhus and Sadhvis are Sarvavirti.