Surendra Ullal
CHICAGO: The Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) will be celebrating its 21st Convention on the Fourth of July weekend — from July 1 to July 6 2021.
In the light of prevalent pandemic, the Convection organizers decided to have it Virtual and despite this, according to Vipul Shah, the Media chair, there is a good response with registration already totaling 5500. The aim is to reach the target of 10,000 by the time the Convention commences.
Every two years, this premier event brings together members of the Jain Community from across the world. This year, the virtual event is planned to be a global event and is expected to attract an even larger audience from the USA, Canada, India, UK, Australia, UAE and many other countries.
In face of all the turbulence throughout the world for over a year now, it is paramount for all to be vigilant. Jainism, one of the ancient minority religions, has thrived in the light of its wisdom and respecting life at any cost. The Convention will showcase its firm belief that spirituality enables mankind to sustain and sail through any calamity Hence the theme for this year’s Convention is “JAINISM: A Resilient Path to Peace”.
Convention Convener and First Vice President of JAINA, Haresh Shah of Delaware, said that the attendee response has been overwhelming with more than 5,000 registrations as of this writing. Convention Co-Convener and JAINA President Mahesh Wadher of Los Angeles expressed his gratitude for 100+ volunteers across 23 teams working as ONE TEAM to make this convention a memorable ever. Convention Co-Convener Bindesh Shah mentioned that the Convention will feature a state-of-the-art, user-friendly, and interactive conference platform with many features such as an online Main Hall, 6 Breakout Rooms, 4 Competition Rooms, and an Exhibition Hall.
Enlightening discourses, discussion tracks and activities planned at this Convention will offer attendees a deeper understanding of Jain principles and values while also helping the community with a roadmap to bounce back. Youth participation, through JAINA’s affiliate organizations, Young Jains of America (YJA), Young Jain Professionals (YJP), as well as Jain Connect will be strongly promoted and encouraged. There will be focused programs for all age groups: children (ages 5-12), youth (ages 13-20), Jain Networking Forum (ages 21-29), and adults.
Public Relations and Media Committee Chair Vipul Shah of Chicago added that spiritual dignitaries such as Acharya Ratnasundersuri Maharaj Saheb, Acharya Shri Mahashramanji, Rashtrasant Gurudev Shree Namramuni, Pramansagarji Maharaj, Sadhvi Charitraarth Prabhaji and many others will enlighten us with their wisdom during the Convention. Acharya Lokesh Muniji, Acharya Chandanaji, and Bhattarak Charukeertiji will bless the Convention with their Ashirwad speeches.
While Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai Jhaveri will give the keynote address, other featured speakers include Shri Deepakbhai Desai, Shri Gyanvatsal Swami, Brahma Kumari Sister Shivani and Dr. Veerendra Heggade. The line-up of other prominent and inspirational speakers includes Dr. Christopher Miller, Dr. Steven Southwick, Rahul Kapoor Jain, Motilal Oswal, Dr. Kumarpal Desai, Dr. Bipin Doshi and Dr. Bimal Chajjer.
The daily sessions and discussions will be well-complemented by refreshing Cultural Programs in the evening including Jain Drama Rang De Sanskar – a high caliber humorous Hindi drama with famous actors and cast, Jains Got Talent (JGT), and entertaining cultural performances from across the world. A special Bollywood Musical “Sunheri Yaadein” will take us back 40 years of melodious music to celebrate 40 Years Anniversary of JAINA.
For additional information about this convention and to register, please visit us online at:www.jainaconvention.org For Further Information, please contact: Vipul Shah, Chair of Public Relations and Press-Media Committee of JAINA Convention 2021 or its Co-Chair, Rahul Jain at pr@jaina.org.
Founded in 1981, JAINA is the umbrella organization of 70+ North American centers / temples in the USA and Canada. It functions as a philanthropic, educational, and service-focused organization. JAINA is certified by USAID as a non-governmental humanitarian organization and was awarded Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations in 2006. Its member Jain Centers routinely organize free wellness clinics, hold classes on healthy lifestyles, conflict-resolution, inter-cultural dialogues, volunteering at animal shelters, food banks and homeless shelters, and partnering with civic groups such as Habitat for Humanity, the Humane Society, Rotary, Lions and Boy/Girl Scouts.
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