Chicago Hosts Largest Jain Gathering Outside India
Photos: JAINA
India-West News Desk
SCHAUMBURG, IL – The 23rd Biennial JAINA Convention took place from July 3 to 6 in Schaumburg, drawing over 5,000 attendees from 72 Jain centers across North America. This event marked the largest Jain gathering outside India in recent history.
Organized by the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) and the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC), the convention centered on the theme “Unity in Diversity: A Path to Peace.” The program emphasized core Jain principles such as Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekantvad (pluralism), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness).
The convention opened with a Temple Dwar Ceremony featuring a replica of the sacred Ashtapad mountain, honoring all 24 Tirthankaras, accompanied by ritual chants. This was followed by a Grand Cultural Procession outside the convention center, highlighted by decorated vehicles and an airplane flyover signaling the event’s start.
Daily activities included Prekṣā meditation and yoga sessions, attracting over 400 participants. Breakout sessions covered topics like veganism, energy healing, Jain parenting, and spiritual intelligence.
The Jains Got Talent semifinals showcased music and dance performances from both youth and adults. A blood donation drive collected enough units to potentially save 276 lives.
Keynote speakers offered inspiring messages. Jessica Cox, the world’s first licensed armless pilot, spoke on overcoming challenges, while the Women Empowerment Forum featured discussions on resilience and leadership with speakers including Judge Neera Bahl.
Youth participation was strong, with about 900 young adults involved in various programs. The Jain Academic Bowl quiz featured 20 competing teams. A Kids Club provided faith-based learning and activities for more than 200 children aged 6 to 13.
Spiritual leaders such as Pujya Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muniji and Pujya Saman Shrutpragyaji offered blessings and emphasized spiritual resilience and non-violence.
A Broadway-style production, “Sthulibhadra & Kosha – Nritya Natika,” brought Jain stories to life through music, dance, and drama. Gujarati MLA Dr. Darshita Shah spoke on Jainism and Rajdharma, focusing on ethical leadership.
Evening events included an address by Bollywood actor Sonu Sood on compassion and humanitarianism. Entertainment was provided by comedian Sugandha Mishra and Indian reality TV performers Rishi Singh and Atharva.
The convention was managed by Convener Atul Shah, Co-Conveners Vipul Shah and Jignesh Jain, JAINA President Bindesh Shah, and JSMC President Pragnesh Shah. Over 300 volunteers across 40 committees handled logistics, including food service for thousands, technology overseen by Jagat Shah, and transportation coordination across venues and hotels.
Sponsors such as Maha Sanghpati Manish and Shailja Gandhi and Dr. Chandra Varia played key roles in supporting the event.
Founded in 1981, JAINA represents more than 200,000 members across North America. With USAID certification and UN Special Consultative Status, the organization promotes Jain values through education, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian work worldwide.
