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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JULY 25, 2025 | The Indian Eye 20

UNITY IN DIVERSITY SOARS:

JAINA Convention 2025 Lights Up the Windy City

OUR BUREAU adorned with soulful chants and ritu- session blended physical vitality with lected blood from donors potentially
als that immersed participants in Jain- spiritual harmony, energizing over impacting about 276 lives, embodied
Chicago, IL
ism’s sacred ethos. The Exhibition 400 attendees. In the morning, reg- Jainism’s commitment to compas-
he 23rd Biennial JAINA Con- Inauguration Ceremony followed, istration ensured smooth access to a sion.
vention, held at the Renais- showcasing Jain art, literature, and packed schedule. Day three erupted with un-
Tsance Schaumburg Convention artifacts, bridging generations and The Main Stage came alive with containable energy, beginning with
Center and Hyatt Regency in Scha- igniting curiosity about Jain heritage. welcomes from JAINA President Preksā meditation, and yoga. The
umburg, Illinois, unfolded as a mag- The South Parking area trans- Bindesh Shah and JSMC President Main Stage came alive with a morning
nificent tapestry of spiritual awaken- formed into a vibrant spectacle with a Pragnesh Shah, followed by Pujya program that was both inspiring and
ing, cultural splendor, and communal Grand Cultural Procession, featuring Dr. Gyanvatsal Swamiji’s stirring key- uplifting. The session opened with a
unity, drawing over 5,000 delegates intricately decorated cars, a Mahila note on spiritual resilience. Acharya welcome by the Mayor of Schaum-
from 72 Jain Centers across the Unit- Mandal welcome dance, and a youth Dr. Lokesh Muniji’s call for global burg followed by a keynote address by
ed States and Canada, and attendees dance performance, all under the Ahimsa inspired the audience, while Jessica Cox, the world’s first licensed
from 10 other countries including banner of an airplane soaring over- Manu Shah’s insights on compassion armless pilot, whose extraordinary
India, UK, Germany, Oman, Dubai, head to herald the convention. This resonated deeply. The Jains Got Tal- journey of overcoming physical lim-
and Kenya. This was presumably the colorful parade embodied the Jain ent (JGT) Semi-Final Rounds, where itations to achieve greatness left the
largest gathering of Jains outside In- community’s unity and joy, captivat- Jain youth and adults showcased elec- audience in awe.
dia in recent history. This was also ing onlookers. trifying performances in song and The final half-day began with
the first time that a North American The second day dawned with se- dance, orchestrated by luminaries like Pranayama and meditation by Pujya
city had the distinction of holding the rene yoga and meditation sessions, Sanjay Bhandari. A breakout session Saman Shrut Pragyaji, setting a serene
JAINA Convention for the fourth led by Samani Dr. Pratibha Pragyaji welcomed the International Alumni tone. The Closing Ceremony on the
time. and Samani Punya Pragyaji, guiding Association of Mahavir Jain Vidya- Main Stage drew all attendees, open-
From July 3 to July 6, 2025, this attendees through Preksā medita- lay (IAAMJV), strengthening edu- ing with blessings from Jain spiritual
transformative four-day celebration, tion to foster inner peace. In parallel, cational ties. A blood drive, launched leaders whose words radiated wisdom
hosted by the Federation of Jain As- Mayuri Bhandari’s invigorating yoga on this day and continuing daily col- and peace. Sparsh Shah’s keynote, a
sociations in North America (JAINA) blend of musical talent and resilience,
in collaboration with the Jain Society ignited inspiration, urging attendees
of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC), to live with purpose and compassion.
radiated the timeless principles of Convenor Atul Shah, Co-Con-
Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekantvad venors Vipul Shah and Jignesh Jain,
(multiple viewpoints), and Aparigra- JAINA President Bindesh Shah, and
ha (non-possessiveness) under the JSMC President Pragnesh Shah de-
theme “Unity in Diversity: A Path to livered heartfelt thanks, honoring
Peace.” the Convention Board, the JSMC
The convention launched with Executive Committee & Board
a vibrant flourish on July 3, setting as well as volunteers, and sponsors
a divine tone for the journey ahead. like Maha Sanghpati Manish &
Registration opened early, welcom- Shailja Gandhi and Family, Dr. Chan-
ing a global influx of attendees with dra Varia, and others. Ojas Rawal’s
seamless efficiency. The afternoon’s laughter-filled performance sent
Temple Dwar Opening Ceremony waves of joy through the hall, cul-
captivated a large crowd with the minating in a standing ovation as at-
breathtaking Ashtapad, a unique tendees celebrated the convention’s
creation featuring 24 Tirthankaras, triumphant journey.

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