ATLANTA, GA: Over 4000 people gathered from all over the world in Atlanta during the July 4 long weekend to celebrate Jainism by participating in the fourth biennial JAINA convention. The convention sought to boost its religious education, spiritual, community and cultural activities.
The Convention theme “Ahimsa: A World of Non-Violence” found its rightful site in Atlanta, the birthplace of one of the global apostles of peace: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Convention was graced by over 30 erudite Jain monks, nuns, scholars (from India as well as other nations including the US), leading social activists, distinguished professionals and patrons.
The Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA), the 35 years old apex organization of Jains touching over 150,000 in the United States and Canada, hosts the biennial conventions. The Convener of the Convention Ashok Domadia and Chair of Convention PR Sobha Vora of California indicated that over $600,000 were raised and an equal amount of funding collected through other means.
The host city Atlanta’s Jain Center President Samir Shah said that a makeshift temple was created at the venue for worshippers to continue their daily prayers without interruptions. In that same area, there was a floral silhouette of Mahavir Swami Bhagwan and about an 8′ x 8′ replica of the temples of Samat Shikhar, with the mountain, painted and decorated with true life-paint colors. Outside the Derasar were five cubicles decorated with captivating paintings and sculptures to replicate the 5 elements of Jainism: Panchkalyanak-Chyavan, Janma, Diksha, Kevalgyan and Moksha.
On July 1, Thursday evening, the “swagatam” welcome ceremony was a big draw. It was highlighted with classical and folk dances showcasing a cross-country journey from East to the West including items from Atlanta to Chicago to Southern California, interlaced with welcome messages by conveners of this event.
The packed hall of guests for Raas-Garba night, young and old, decked in colorful formal costumes formed circles and performed the high-energy Garba and Dandiya raas with talented singer Abhesinh Rathod, accompanied by artitsts Rinku Patel and Jayshri Khavadiya and ably supported by musicians Hitesh Bakdas, Jayanti Kabira and Kunal.
During the grand opening ceremony, the procession commenced outside of GICC Center. Ladies clad in fetching saris and carrying “kalashes” earthen pots marched in front. They were followed by a van and beautifully and imaginatively themed floats festooned with flower-garlands, and carrying the idol of Lord Mahavir. Some marched in the parade waving Indian Tricolors & U.S. flags and even Kenya flags. Wearing attractive turbans, they carried banners and even sang and danced in the procession.
In the main hall in opening ceremony, the guests present were Nagesh Singh, India’s new Consul General to the southeastern US, UN Ambassador Andrew Young, Congressman John Lewis, Mayor of Norcross, Bucky Johnson; Nipun Mehta (noted philanthropist), Mafat Patel of Patel Brothers and RK Sehgal of Atlanta besides other dignitaries . A live recorded message of Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji was played, as JAINA was started in 1981 with the blessings from Gurudev and Acharya Shri Sushil Kumarji, in Los Angeles.
Co-Conveners and past Presidents of Atlanta Jain Center, Deepak Shah and Anil Shah welcomed all and presented a short video of Georgia Governor Nathan Deal’s greetings. The morning Opening Ceremonies continued with recognition of sponsors. Grand Sponsors and Corporate sponsors were recognized with plaques on stage.
The cultural show was a presentation of performances from children to seniors from all over the country. There was beautiful dancing and singing of songs such as “Jai Ho” and “Senorita.” Then, Kumar Sanu rocked the stage with many of his hit songs.
The cultural program included the presentation of JAINA awards to distinguished members of the Jain community. The JAINA Ratna (Jewel) was presented to Dilip V. Shah of Philadelphia for his outstanding commitment and dedication to JAINA. Presidential Awards were given to Dr Dipak Jain, Dean of Business School Sasin and Dr Jagdish Sheth, Business School Emory along with other adult and youth awards recognition.
The youth had an equally great time with their many speakers, Jain Networking Forum and Jain Milan cruises, evening dances, and opportunities for growth as young Jains in America. There was a myriad list of activities for children.
The youth had a Bridal Match Registry, collection of bone marrow cells, Jain Academic Bowl competition; JAINA’s got Talent and much more. There were booths selling apparel, CDs, DVDs, literature mainly on Jainism, travel companies, a booth for sinus flush NeilMed by Dr Mehta, Navkar Mahamantra Yoga, StudioIndia.org, etc.
Authors Robert Arnett & Smita Turakhia also had a booth. Siddhayatan, Arham Inc, Airtour, BAPS Shayona, Maxim Tours, Bhindi Jewellers, Veerayatan and Aakaar-Marble Murtis all had displays.
Suresh Shah & Hemant Shah
