Thousands of Jains from across North America and beyond arrived at the Jain Center of Metropolitan Chicago July 3 to 6, for the 23rd JAINA Convention, “filling the venue with energy and excitement,” organizers said. Sessions were held at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, and Hyatt Regency.
Every day the theme “Unity in Diversity: A Path to Peace, guided the program which was full of programs, with non-stop cultural and social events, a distinguished lineup of speakers, discussion panels, and participation by all ages.
Dance competitions showcased talent from around the US, a Temple Dwar Opening Ceremony brought devotees together on the first morning, led with sacred chants filling the halls.
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The Exhibition Inauguration on the first day displayed Jain art, culture, and innovation. A colorful procession celebrating the theme was held outdoors.
The first evening wrapped up with a an opening ceremony on the main stage, with blessings from dignitaries and a performance of the Sthulibhadra & Kosha Nritya Natika.
Every morning, attendees enjoyed Yoga and Meditation sessions. On the 2nd day, the yoga and meditation session was led by several experts like Samani Dr. Pratibha Pragyaji & Punya Pragyaji, Mayuri Bhandari, and Samani Shrutpragyaji, according to the Facebook posts about the Convention.
The keynote speech was delivered Dr. Gyanvatsal Swamiji, followed by Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muniji and Manu Shah. The afternoon featured a mix of talks, panels, and spiritual sessions. Highlights included: True Ahimsa with Dr. Faraz Harsini; Spiritual Intelligence by Dr. Sonal Jain Jayaswal; Energy Healing with Hemang Srikishan; Women’s Empowerment session with Judge Neera Bahl; and parenting sessions. The main speakers at the Women Empowerment session also included Hemal Patani, Seema Jain, Prajati Shah, Asha Jain, Ginni Doshi, Sonal Jain Jayaswal, Dr. Sunita Jain, and Mayuri Bandari.
A play by JSMC Pathshala kids and a “Festivals of the World” cultural extravaganza brought the second day to a close.
On the third day of the JAINA Convention, the keynote speaker was Jessica Cox, “the world’s first licensed armless pilot, whose story of resilience inspires all,” organizers noted on Facebook. Shruti Pragyaji delivered a religious sermon among the many activities that transpired.
JAINA Awards were presented, each celebrating community excellence. The remaining day featured a number of panel discussions. One of them was around the theme of Unity and Diversity moderated by Ajay Sheth, exploring the strength of collective harmony.
Concurrently, other sessions featured Pinkesh Shah’s Digital Karma, examining AI’s impact on people’s choices and souls; Samani Punya Pragyaji’s talk on Live Like an Arhat; and Surbhi Pandya’s insights on reversing chronic diseases without medicines.
The Jain Connect helped those over 43 to network; On the same day, Pujya Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muniji’s Strength in Unity session was held.
Other sessions included Swanubhuti Jain’s Unfollow to Unlock; Shrenik Gala’s Shivmastu Sarv Jagatah; Jinay Shah’s Ekta ne Vikalp Nahi; and Dr. Darshita Shah’s exploration of Jainism & Rajdharma.
Discussions shifted to practical applications, with Dr. Tushar Mehta’s Thriving on a Vegan Diet, Samani Dr. Pratibha Pragyaji’s Liberation Here and Now, and Jamie Shah’s Outperform & Outlast; Also among these was Dr. Hetal Gandhi’s Ahimsa to Arteries, and Dr. Pritesh Mutha’s Lifestyle Medicine.
Spiritual talks like Mantra Ki Shakti and Nirdosh Vishwa took place in various session rooms.
JAINA awarded its most prestigious award of JAINA Ratna to its past president Mahesh Wadher of California. Both co-conveners Vipul Shah and Jignesh Jain addressed the convention with details of planning, organizing and historical aspects of Jaina Conventions.
The much anticipated Jains Got Talent awards and performances, followed by a Bollywood orchestra, headlined by special guest Sonu Sood, Indian actress and playback singer Sugandha Mishra, Little Champs star Avirbhav, and five more young prodigies who “set the stage ablaze with their electrifying performances, leaving the audience spellbound,” organizers said.
The last day of the JAINA Convention saw fond farewells from early morning yoga and meditation session, to the closing ceremony on the Main Stage. Blessings were showered on the gathering my the revered Sadhu-Sadhvi.
Keynote speaker Sparsh Shah, a prodigy whose voice and story, have inspired thousands around the country, delivered a message of resilience and hope.
Ojas Rawal’s comedic performance left the audience in good spirits as the Convention concluded.
A JAINA Kids Convention was held concurrently, that including both teaching sessions and joyful activities.