Federation of Jain Associations in North American (JAINA)
JAINA is Federation of Jain Associations in North America – an umbrella organization that aims to
foster friendship and unity among all Jains. JAINA works to advance the key Jain teachings and
practices such as: non-violence, tolerance, ecology, compassion and service as well as to facilitate
meaningful academic, cultural and business interchanges. JAINA was started with blessings from
Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji and Acharya Shri Sushil Kumarji. It was initiated at the first Jain
Convention held in Los Angeles in 1981 and formalized at the second Jain Convention in New York
in 1983. Today, JAINA represents over 160,000 Jains and over 67 Jain organizations, has over
25 active committees and 19 active projects, and has held conventions every two years since 1981.
JAINA is led by the JAINA Executive Committee and JAINA Directors.
JAINA's EC is elected by and from JAINA Directors who are appointed by their respective Sangh/Society.
YJP’s mission is to increase the awareness and understanding of Jain principles and heritage by promoting
networking among Jain professionals, ages 24+.
YJP’s objectives are to:
Raise awareness of Jain principles;
Cultivate and foster future leaders;
Facilitate peer networking;
Promote and engage in community service;
Provide guidance to young people interested in a Jain lifestyle;
Collaborate with other organizations to promote Jain ideals; and
Young Jains UK is a non-sectarian organisation that encourages the discussion and exploration of
Jain philosophy, spirituality and its practical importance to life. Formed in 1987, it is an
independent non-profit making charitable organisation (registered charity no 1005856). Activities
include discussions, retreats, debates, quiz nights, musical evenings, study sessions, conventions,
etc. which are held on various themes and topics including: understanding Jain principles, ethics,
the environment, debating social concerns, health matters, visiting temples and increasing awareness
about other faiths. Young Jains provides an opportunity for its members to be actively involved
in delivering events and develop skills that are applicable to all aspects of life. Everyone
is most welcome to the Young Jains Experience regardless of age, caste, nationality, faith, etc.
Mission Statement: A non-profit making society dedicated to the promotion of Jainism in the western
world.
YJUK's objectives are to:
To create a better understanding of Jain philosophy, practice and culture.
To address the problems faced by young Jains in the UK.
To take a further step towards adapting to a multi-cultural environment and living in multi-racial
harmony.
To prove that each one of us is talented and by working together, we can learn to respect ourselves
and all around us.
You can find more information about Young Jains UK visiting their website or emailing [email protected].
Young Jains of Singapore (YJS)
Young Jains of Singapore was formed to build up a strong sense of comradeship between Jain youths
from ages 13 yrs to 25 yrs. The members of this group organise their own activities and also
take part in organising and conducting activities for the society. Their latest event for SG
50, "Under One Roof" was planned, organised and excuted by the youth team & support of the main
committee of Singapore Jain Religious Society(SJRS). YJS is preparing the youth to step up &
work together in order to provide as much support together with our senior team SJRS to bring
Jainism in Singagore to greater heights.
Vision: To encourage youth to step out of their comfort zone, work together & be proud Jains.
Mission: To incorporate Jain values & principles in the members' daily family, working and social
interactions.
You can find more information about Young Jains of Singapore visiting their website or emailing [email protected].
Young Jains Nairobi (YJN)
Young Jains Nairobi is a non-profit organization, formed in 1997, by a group of young professionals under
the inspiration of Shashikantbhai Mehta, a well known philosopher in Jainism based in India.
Objective: To promote and practice Jain philosophy.
Young Jains Nairobi education programme of Shree Chandana Vidyapeeth begun in 1997 under the inspirational
guidance of two nuns of Veerayatan, Pujya Acharyaji Shree Chandanaji and Sadhviji Shree Shilapiji.
The aim is to instill pride with knowledge in the Jain culture, way of life and to understand that
learning about Jainism is not a chore but a privilege.
They continuously carry out various charitable events to help eradicate poverty by providing food, shelter
and education to the less fortunate and needy. One of their continuous projects includes construction of boreholes in semi-arid and arid areas in partnership with Rotary Club Kenya, Rotary International, ADRA, LDS Charities and World Vision. Last year they adopted a Cerebral Palsy Unit at the Parklands Primary School (next to Visa Oshwal Mahajanwadi, Limuru Road) that specializes in educating children with Cerebral Palsy. Young Jains Nairobi has been sponsoring Veerayatan which is a non-profit, non-governmental organization in India for their cause for many years. All our members have a lot of affinity for India, as it’s their root and are keen to support work
being done in India.
You can find more information about Young Jains Nairobi visiting their website or emailing [email protected].
Young Jains India (YJI)
Young Jains India is a dynamic, vibrant and unique (by thoughts and action) organization dedicated to
spread Jain Philosophy. A revolutionary movement (Yuva Andolan) of Young Jains at Global level irrespective
of the sects and the sub-sects, through simple transformation of core Jain principles into easily
understandable and practicable life style.
Objectives:
To create a better understanding and awareness of Jain philosophy;
To nurture Jain Youths to be a successful future leader;
To develop a community network of Jain Youths and professionals;
To create and strengthen local Jain Youth groups;
To provide a common platform to Young Jains for resolving common issues collectively;
To facilitate a common umbrella organization for resolving issues concerning to Jainism;
To promote and assist cultural exchange with other Youth organizations globally;
To develop and create professional and education advisory board for Gen Next.
You can find more information about Young Jains India visiting their Facebook page.