Jaina Convention at Pittsburgh — A Report —

Sushil Jain reports on the 7th Biennial ‘Jaina’ Convention held in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, from 1–4 July 1993. An American attendee described the gathering as ‘Jains everywhere,’ noting that 50,000–70,000 Jains live in North America. Hosted by the Hindu‑Jain Temple of Monroeville and the Jain Society of Pittsburgh, the event was organized by a small local community but impressed participants with its grandeur and professionalism. The convention opened with a procession led by a 30‑member band followed by Jain monks, nuns and dignitaries; young women in ornate saris carried pots of flowers, and an orchestra of Jain children played beneath the U.S., Indian and Jain flags. In the hall, the Namokar Mantra was prominently displayed and speeches and ceremonies honored sadhus and community leaders. The keynote address on ‘The value and heritage of the Jain religion’ was delivered by Dr. Kumarpal Desai, and the convention’s theme was ‘Jainism: Past, Present, Future’. Lectures by scholars such as Noel King and John Cort examined Jain history in North America and questions of identity. Concurrent programs in multiple halls provided opportunities for youth, with seminars on marriage, values and Jainism’s relevance to Western‑born youth. A contentious seminar on ‘wife battering in Jain families’ highlighted issues of domestic abuse; participants debated whether such problems undermine the community’s message of non‑violence. Discussions about identity revealed tensions faced by North American Jain youth, who often see themselves as American, Canadian or British while elders expect adherence to Indian languages and traditions. Overall, the convention blended religious ceremonies, cultural displays, academic papers and social issues, illustrating the vitality and diversity of Jainism in the diaspora.

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