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Jains of North America eagerly wait for two years for the next JAINA Convention. These Biennial happenings are the most unique event bringing together Jains from all corners of the US and Canada. Families and friends; students and professionals come together for three days and nights to celebrate their Jain heritage. Here under one roof they learn, listen to the scholars and monks, meet old friends and make new ones. They come with much hope and faith. They get entertained and rejuvenated. They go home after three or four days with feelings of pride as Jains, memories of nice meals, lots of reading materials and determination to meet again in two years. Nearly 3,000 Jains who poured into Cincinnati Convention Hall for the 12th Biennial JAINA Convention were richly rewarded because they all got more than what they had ever hoped.. This convention was a celebration of life, their faith and belief in the future. The night before the official opening, a Rass Garba Program by Munshi group from Bombay India set the festive tone of the convention. There were separate ice breakers for youths in two age groups. Early next morning, July 4th beginning at 6:30 AM various religious activities was taking place. - Pratikaman in Gujarati and in English, Recitation of Bhaktamar Stotra and Navkar Mantra Dhyan, Meditation for men and for women. The opening ceremony and procession filled the large ballroom to the rim and the program started with blessings from Gurudev Chitrabhanuji. Followed by Key note speeches from Dr. N. P Jain, Ms. Ingrid Newkirk and Dr. John Cort. Their speeches mesmerized the audience as they listened in meditative silence. Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji spoke very passionately on the need of Jain Unity. He emphasized that Jainism is not a religion but Dharma. Dharma as in one's nature. Jainism introduces one to his own nature. He gave warm tribute to Acharya Shri Sushil Muniji with whom he co - founded JAINA, He recited history of JAINA from its inception in 1980 to present day 64 member organizations (80,000 members) under one umbrella of JAINA. In spite of his advanced age, he spoke with vigor not seen recent years. He did not hide his pain as he cautioned against emerging trend of groupism and new divisions within our community. He compared himself and all the others preaching Jainism today as mere "Postman of Bhagwan Mahaveer". Our salvation lies in the message of Mahaveer and not in becoming followers of various postmen however helpful they may be. " We don't need any cult or ism - no personalities. We don't need Swetamber - Digamber- Sthanakwasi or Terapanth we need Mahaveer". After the speeches in another hall, very spiritual ceremony took place. Members of Cleveland Jain Sangh under the leadership of Ramesh P. S hah had built a replica of Palitana Temple. The temple Rachna opening and Ashtapadji model presented by New York Sangh had so many devotees that the pavilion proved to be hopelessly inadequate and many sat patiently outside waiting for their turn to go in for Darshan. During the afternoon there were lectures by invited scholars like Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanu, Sadhvi Shubhamji, Dr. Hukamchand Bharil, Ms. Tarlaben Doshi, Dr. Niruben Amin, Shri Devendrakeerti Bhattrakji, Dr. John Cort , Jusice T. U. Mehta, Manubhai Doshi, Ms. Dipti Shah, Dr. Kumarpal Desai, Dr Yashwant K. Malaiya, Mr Chandrakant B. Mehta, Rajnibhai Shah, Prof. Vastupal Parikh, Mr. Pravin K. Shah, Nautambhai Vakil, Muni Shri Amrendra Muniji, Samniji Shithpragyaji and Stuthpragyaji, Dr. Atul K. Shah and Mr. Hira Ratan Manek., Pandit Dhirajbhai Mehta, Pramodaben Chitrabhanu and many others. On another floor, a dance drama of Shalibhadra was performed in colorful costumes by Shri Narendra Nandu and his group of musicians from Bombay to a large but overcrowded room that drew many praises. At nightfall, a musical treat - singer Manhar Udhas warmed many hearts as he sang old and new popular songs and bhajans. All during the day there were separate programs for the youth, activities carefully designed for 5 different age groups. There were programs under the auspices of JAINA NETWORK FORUM (matrimonial services), Jain Academic Bowl, entertainment and magic show for children age 3 to 7, Yoga and Meditation, art and craft and seminar on Anger management by L.A. Youth group for Age 18 & up. And so it was on third day with busy mornings. There was CME program, Siddhachakra Maha Poojan, Bhakti Sangeet, slide presentations. There were mini conventions: Re-unions of Rajasthan and Madhyapradesh Jains, KOJAIN, Mahaveer Jain Vidyalya allumani meeting, Halar oswal group gathering, JAINA Yatris, U Penn alumni etc. Saturday evening cultural program from various Jain Centers was the must see event of the convention. That evening must have seen the largest attendance of all four days. Most anticipated item was a play of Meghkumar from Jain Center of Washington. But there were many pleasant surprises too. To see so much talent and dedication in our youth so far away from our homeland is all the proof we need that our culture, our religion and our tradition will survive in this all too powerful western environment. The incoming President of JAINA Anop Vora, promised the community that over the next two years as President, he would make JAINA more relevant to the needs of the community and he asked the community to let him know how they can help building bridges between JAINA and the community.…………………………………………………… The Jain Center of Cincinnati and Dayton and the JAINA Convention Board did an excellent job of planning and hosting. All the conventioneers had just one question. Where will be the next convention in 2005? By Mr. Dilip V. Shah, Email: dilipvshah@aol.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- |