NOVI, MI: The seventeenth biennial Jaina (Federation of Jain Associations in North America) Convention held in Novi, a beautiful Northwest suburb of Detroit, Michigan, last week met with huge success judging from the level of attendance and lofty planning and execution by volunteers and Jaina officials.
The convention celebrations which took place over four days brought together a host of Jain religious leaders, scholars, followers and dignitaries who participated in a comprehensive series of events focusing on the theme: Jainism: The Global Impact. It is estimated that over 3500 Jains and others from across the country and abroad attended the event sharing a most joyous conclusion.
“On behalf of the Novi community, we appreciate and concur with the Jain principles that support non-violence and strong family connections which are valued foundations for every society. The Jain Community represents a movement of peace and harmony that we respect,” observed Novi Mayor Bob Gatt, one of the honored invitees.
The convention celebrations were kicked off by honoring the 150th birthday celebration of Shri Veerchand Ragavji Gandhi, the centennial birthday celebration of Acharya Tulsi, and the 91st birthday celebration of Gurudev Chitrabhanuji.
The event line-up included extensive Jain prayer ceremonies and spiritual sessions over the four day period led by Jain monks and scholars visiting from North America and India, including Shri Gurudev Chitrabhanuji, Acharya Chandnaji, Muni Roop Chandraji Maharaj, Bhattarak Charukeertiji, Amrendra Muniji, Samaniji Charitra Pragyaji, Guruvanand Guruji, Samaniji Dr Chaitanya Pragyaji, Shrutpragya Swamiji, and more.
Jainism has significant lasting effects on the global population in the areas of religion, commerce, education, culture, language, and cuisine.
“Act the way you want to become and you will become the way you act” stated Shri Gurudev Chitrabhanuji based on three A’s of Jain religion – Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekantwad (many facets of truth) and Aparigraha (simplicity of life or non-possessiveness).
Throughout the four-day celebrations, there were extensive spiritual breakout sessions on various categorical topics such as “Global Impact”, “21st Century Values”,”Balancing attitude”, “Compassion and animal rights”, “Self-cleansing”, etc. led by Jain monks and scholars visiting from around the world. For attendees, it was a fabulous environment to “reconnect and recharge” with Gurus, Acharyas, spiritual leaders, scholars, and friends.
In addition to spiritual development, the convention also focused on health and well-being, business, social and ecological issues. Sam Pitroda, an internationally respected development thinker, policymaker and entrepreneur was the keynote speaker. He addressed in multiple ways how Jainism impacted and continues to impact globally on environmental issues, community services and most importantly, values and ethics in business environment. Many focused panel discussions and sessions were conducted with well-known local and international business, civic and community leaders and philanthropists who exemplify Jain values.
Bharat Desai, founder and chairman of Syntel Inc., was one of the panel speakers who shared his entrepreneurial journey. Additionally, many experts in their fields such as Dr Dipak Jain, Dr Sushil Jain, Professor Philip Clayton, Dr Mehool Sanghrajka, and Dr Masum Momaya were part of several exciting panels, discussing the impact of Jainism globally, especially identifying the critical needs of wide-range of communities where Jain values play a vital role. On the other hand inter-faith leaders were busy understanding and promoting “21st Century Values” during the inter-faith panel discussion.
Many other panel discussions such as “Lifestyles & financial planning”, “Protection against identity theft”, “Winning attitude through Jain beliefs & principles”, “Philosophy and Science of Non-violence”, “World Medical Relief & New Service Project Opportunities”, etc. were conducted successfully.
The Convention also had a “Healthy Jain Series” where a panel of physicians and nutrition experts shared their knowledge. These experts put together a booklet titled “Healthy Jain Series” which was provided free to the attendees for future reference and use.
“I truly enjoyed the Jaina Convention. I learned a great deal about the people and organization and am very impressed. So friendly!” said Diane Lambert of Axiom Security.
Many cultural activities such as “Mangalam – an auspicious beginning” choreographed by Chaula Thacker, “Let’s Celebrate Together” performed by Jain Centers in North America, a traditional folk dance evening of “Raas/Garba /Bhangra” led by the popular Raj Pandya Group, “Jains Got Talent” and Jain Academic Bowl” were enjoyed by thousands of attendees in the evenings.
Saturday night’s evening gala program blended East and West by combining the talents of entertaining and exciting Bollywood professional singers was a very special evening with outstanding music. The convention was a memorable and historic experience for all age groups. The youth activities planning team designed a four-day program to ensure the Jain youth have the network to be the leaders of the future
The Jain Networking Forum (JNF) is for adults over the age of twenty-one and its vision is to implement a strong network of young Jains through professional, relationship, social, and spiritual activities.
Swami Guruvanandji, in the closing ceremonial discourse, stated that “The three phases of a person’s life: Learning, Learning and Earning, and Learning, Earning and Returning.” He urged that each one of us must volunteer to promote and support Jain Way of Life.
In his closing remarks, outgoing Jaina President Dr Sushil Jain stated, “We envision Jaina convention is filled with people of various races who follow Jain principles without calling themselves Jain.” He added that “Our first generation Jains were the torch bearers for my generation. Time has come for us to turn over the torch to next generation in quest of exploring new frontiers.
Incoming Jaina President, Prem Jain, Senior Vice-President of Cisco, emphasized that “through humanitarian, educational, and inter-faith work, we will make Jaina stronger together and build upon the momentum we achieved in the last 32 years”.
He continued, “We have launched a fundraising campaign to raise one million dollars for several Jaina initiatives and projects”.
Originating in ancient India, Jainism is one of the oldest religions in the world and promotes tolerance, peace, and compassion. Its fundamental beliefs are Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), Anekantvada (respect for a multiplicity of opinions), Asteya (non-stealing), and Satya (truth).
Jaina ( www.Jaina.org) is the umbrella organization of 80 North American centers in the USA and Canada. It functions as a philanthropic, educational, and service-focused organization, staffed by hundreds of volunteers.
Jaina partners globally to render disaster relief, medical aid, polio eradication, limb camps, ecology protection as well as organize annual legislative conferences on peace, harmony and non-violence on Capitol Hill.
Kamlesh Mehta and Suresh Shah
