JAINA Convention 2025, Chicago

Jai Jinendra. Pranam.

Planning for Convention 2025 is going at full speed. We have achieved a lot so far. In this newsletter, we have some exciting news to share. Our team is almost ready - today we are introducing the Convention Board members. We are very lucky to have the top leaders from our community across North America. The Board members are experienced current and past leaders of JAINA and Jain Centers that represent the beautiful UNITED diversity of our community, including women and youth. Having such a dynamic Board for this convention is a great indicator of the huge success ahead.

The Convention Theme:

“Unity in Diversity: Path to Peace”

As we shared before, this convention is focused on UNITY! We asked the board members to create a catchy slogan for this theme and we got a lot of submissions and after careful discussions in several meetings we have chosen the theme for this convention which we are happy and eager to reveal here – “Unity in Diversity: Path to Peace”. We welcome you all to join in celebrating this wonderful theme that brings a lot of positive energy – just by saying it out loud (try it!). This theme addresses the increasing global need for Peace through non-violence, harmony, and unity among diverse organizations, sects, regions, and in fact, all of humanity. This convention aims to enhance our unity and carve out the path towards peace.

Announcing Logo Competition

We are delighted to welcome you all to use your creative imagination and design a lovely logo that we will treasure years to come. We want this logo to be embedded in people's thoughts and feelings with positive associations that would always make them think of the fundamental value of Jainism – Non-Violence (Ahimsa) which brings Peace through Unity.

Theme: UNITY IN DIVERSITY: PATH TO PEACE

Email your creative design(s) to Competition@jainaoffice.org by May 11, 2024

Convention Committees

A convention this large requires a lot of people to work well! We have formed 42 Committees so far and are looking for a lot of assistance from our community leaders. We emailed a Member Interest Form to our JAINA, and Jain Center leaders and representatives to ask volunteers to join these committees. If you are one of them and have not gotten this form, contact us or your local center leaders. We would love to have you involved in the convention.

Update on Maha Sanghpati

We are very happy to give you this update about the Maha Sanghpati. Due to many requests from our donors, the Convention Board has decided to allow up to 3 (three) Maha Sanghpati for this convention. We are grateful to our esteemed donors! We are fortunate! The good news is that we have secured two out of three Maha Sanghpati - details will be announced after June 15th. If you are interested in being the third Maha Sanghpati, please contact us as soon as possible.

Maha Sanghpati - $125,001 and Sanghpati - $65,001

The Convention Welcome & Kickoff Meeting – June 15, 2024 at Chicago

The Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC) and JAINA warmly welcomes the following invited guests to join the Convention Welcome & Kickoff Meeting on June 15^th, 2024, at the JSMC:

Convention Board, the Convention Committee Chairs (appointed and interested), JAINA EC, Past JAINA Presidents, JAINA Directors, JSMC ECBOT, Jain Center Presidents, and Maha Sanghpatis and Sanghpatis.

What: The Convention Welcome & Kickoff Meeting

When: Saturday, June 15^th 2024

Where: The Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC)

Agenda:

10-11:30pm - Visit at the Convention Center
12:30-1:30pm – Swamivatsalya at the JSMC
1:30-3pm – Convention Update related Presentations & Q&A
3-3:30pm – Teatime
3:30pm – 4:30pm - Individual Picture sessions

Convener, Shri Atulbhai’s India Visit – Blessings from Renowned Dignitaries and Scholars and meeting with guest invitees

Meeting with guest invitee

JAINA (represented by Atul Shah) was honored to meet Preetiben Adani in Ahmedabad. Atul Shah shared information about JAINA, its committees, and the Bi-annual JAINA Convention. Preetiben expressed great interest in learning about JAINA's activities and requested JAINA education books. Atul Shah extended an invitation to Preetiben Adani for the 2025 JAINA Convention.

Blessing

Your dedication and commitment to upholding Jainism in North America serve as a beacon of light for all. May your efforts continue to inspire, guiding all generations along the path of inner peace and bliss. My blessings to the entire JAINA team.

The 2025 JAINA Convention becomes a platform to challenge such hesitations and fears. It is a call for the community to embrace the richness of diversity in thought and practice. By uniting on a global stage, the convention can set a precedent for dialogue, understanding, and collaboration, not only within the Jain community but also with the broader spiritual and cultural landscape.