JAINA Convention 2025: A Radiant Odyssey of Jain Dharma Illuminates Chicago

Harmony’s Grand Symphony: JAINA Convention 2025 Ignites Chicago’s Soul

Unity in Diversity Soars: JAINA Convention 2025 Lights Up the Windy City

 

Chicago, IL: July 3-6, 2025 – The 23rd Biennial JAINA Convention, held at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center in Schaumburg, Illinois, unfolded as a magnificent tapestry of spiritual awakening, cultural splendor, and communal unity, drawing over 5,000 delegates from 72 Jain Centers across the United States and Canada. From July 3 to July 6, 2025, this transformative four-day celebration, hosted by the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) in partnership with the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC), radiated the timeless principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekantvad (multiple viewpoints), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) under the theme “Unity in Diversity: A Path to Peace.” For more details, visit www.jainaconvention.org.

 

Day One: A Sacred Dawn of Unity (July 3, 2025)

The convention launched with a vibrant flourish on July 3, setting a divine tone for the journey ahead. Registration opened early, welcoming a global influx of attendees with seamless efficiency. The afternoon’s Temple Dwar Opening Ceremony captivated a large crowd with the breathtaking Astapad, a unique creation featuring 24 Tirthankaras, adorned with soulful chants and rituals that immersed participants in Jainism’s sacred ethos. The Exhibition Inauguration Ceremony followed, showcasing Jain art, literature, and artifacts, bridging generations and igniting curiosity about Jain heritage.

 

At 5:30 PM, the South Parking area transformed into a vibrant spectacle with a Grand Cultural Procession, featuring intricately decorated cars, a Mahila Mandal welcome dance, and a youth dance performance, all under the banner of an airplane soaring overhead to herald the convention. This colorful parade embodied the Jain community’s unity and joy, captivating onlookers. The evening’s Opening Ceremony was a spiritual and artistic masterpiece, featuring blessings from revered Jain leaders, including Pujya Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni ji, Pujya Saman Shrutpragya ji, Swasti Shri Dr. Devendrakeerthi Bhattaraka Mahaswamiji, Pujya Dr. Samani Pratibha Pragya ji, Pujya Sadhvi Shilapiji, and others. Acharya Lokesh Muni ji’s keynote on Ahimsa’s global relevance inspired attendees to champion peace. The Sthulibhadra & Kosha – Nritya Natika, an in-house JAINA and JSMC dance-drama, brought Jain narratives to life, weaving love, renunciation, and spiritual awakening into a mesmerizing performance. A blood drive, launched on this day and continuing daily from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Renaissance Schaumburg (1551 Thoreau Dr.), embodied Jainism’s commitment to compassion.

 

Day Two: A Tapestry of Wisdom and Connection (July 4, 2025)

The second day dawned at 6:30 AM with serene yoga and meditation sessions in Schaum C and D, led by Samani Dr. Pratibha Pragyaji and Samani Punya Pragyaji, guiding attendees through Prekṣā meditation to foster inner peace. On the West Terrace, Mayuri Bhandari’s invigorating yoga session blended physical vitality with spiritual harmony, energizing over 4,000 attendees.

 

At 9:00 AM, the Main Stage came alive with welcomes from JAINA President Bindesh Shah and JSMC President Pragnesh Shah, followed by Pujya Dr. Gyanvatsal Swamiji’s stirring keynote on spiritual resilience. Vimal Shah’s reflections on Jain values in modern life and Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muniji’s call for global Ahimsa inspired the audience, while Manu Shah’s insights on compassion resonated deeply. From 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, Utopia B and C hosted the Jains Got Talent (JGT) Semi-Final Rounds, where Jain youth and adults showcased electrifying performances in song and dance, judged by luminaries like Sanjay Bhandari. At 10:30 AM, Schaum A and B welcomed the International Alumni Association of Mahavir Jain Vidyalay (IAAMJV), strengthening educational ties.

 

The afternoon featured a vibrant array of sessions starting at 1:30 PM. Dr. Tej Sahebji’s “મૈત્રીવાદ નો શંખવાદ” on the Main Stage inspired harmony, while Dr. Faraz Harsini’s “The Most Urgent Act of True Ahimsa: What We Eat” in Nirvana A championed veganism. Dr. Sonal Jain Jayaswal’s “Spiritual Intelligence” in Nirvana B and Hemang Srikishan’s “Energy Healing For Jains” in Nirvana C drew packed crowds. Schaum A and B hosted a panel on parenting with Jain principles, featuring Seema Jain and others, while Schaum C’s Jain Connect for ages 43 and above fostered deep bonds. Schaum D’s press conference, led by Hemant Shah, amplified the convention’s global impact. Additional sessions by Shri Deepakbhai Bardoliwala, Swanubhuti Jain, Rikin Shah, and Acharya Manishji explored diverse themes, from spiritual liberation to Ayurveda.

 

From 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM, Samani Dr. Pratibha Pragyaji and Sadhvi Shilapiji delivered transformative teachings on the Main Stage. At 2:30 PM, NY Jain Sangh’s Parshwanath Bhagwan Samovasaran presentation captivated attendees with Jain cosmology. Further sessions included Dr. Tushar Mehta on ecological crises, Surbhi Pandya on breathwork, and Girish Mehta on crisis care. The Women Empowerment Forum in Schaum West, featuring Judge Neera Bahl and others, inspired with stories of resilience. Evening performances from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM included the “Om Hrim Aim Namaha” skit by JSMC Pathshala students and the “Festivals of World” cultural program, with sangeet by Ashish Mehta and Vaibhav Doshi enchanting the audience.

 

Day Three: A Spiritual and Cultural Supernova (July 5, 2025)

Day three erupted with uncontainable energy, beginning at 6:30 AM with Prekṣā meditation in Schaum C and D, led by Samani Dr. Pratibha Pragyaji and Samani Punya Pragyaji, and Mayuri Bhandari’s yoga on the West Terrace. By 9:00 AM, the Main Stage came alive with a morning program that was both inspiring and uplifting. The session opened with a keynote address by Jessica Cox, the world’s first licensed armless pilot, whose extraordinary journey of overcoming physical limitations to achieve greatness left the audience in awe. Her message of resilience and determination resonated deeply, embodying the Jain principle of perseverance through non-violence and self-discipline.

 

The JGT Semi-Final Rounds in Utopia B and C from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM showcased vibrant talent, while the IAAMJV meeting in Schaum A and B strengthened educational bonds. Afternoon sessions at 1:30 PM included Dr. Tej Sahebji’s talk on harmony, Dr. Faraz Harsini’s veganism advocacy, Dr. Sonal Jain Jayaswal’s spiritual intelligence discourse, and Hemang Srikishan’s energy healing session. Panels on parenting, Jain Connect for ages 43+, and a press conference filled other venues, alongside spiritual sessions by Shri Deepakbhai Bardoliwala, Swanubhuti Jain, Rikin Shah, and Acharya Manishji.

 

From 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM, Samani Dr. Pratibha Pragyaji and Sadhvi Shilapiji’s teachings enthralled the Main Stage. NY Jain Sangh’s Samovasaran presentation at 2:30 PM dazzled, followed by talks on ecological crises, breathwork, and crisis care. The Women Empowerment Forum inspired with powerful stories. From 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM, the Jain Centers Liaison Committee (JCLC) met, and further sessions by Dr. Pritesh Mutha, Dr. Bipin Doshi, and others explored stress, Jainism, and astronomy. Group meetings for various committees concluded in the afternoon.

 

The evening’s cultural program from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM was a supernova, with Bollywood icon Sonu Sood delivering a heart-stirring address on compassion. Stand-up comedian Sugandha Mishra anchored with infectious wit, weaving performances by superstar TV singers Rishi Singh, Atrhva, Avirbhav, Khushi, and Anjna Padmnabham, alongside Ojas Rawal’s hilarious act. The “Om Hrim Aim Namaha” skit and “Festivals of World” program, paired with sangeet by Ashish Mehta and Vaibhav Doshi, left the 5,000-strong audience in a frenzy of joy.

 

Day Four: A Resplendent Finale (July 6, 2025)

The final half-day began at 6:30 AM with Pranayama and meditation by Pujya Saman Shrut Pragyaji in Schaum C and Mayuri Bhandari’s yoga on the West Terrace, setting a serene tone. The Closing Ceremony from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on the Main Stage drew over 5,000 attendees, opening with blessings from Jain spiritual leaders, including Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni ji and others, whose words radiated wisdom and peace. Sparsh Shah’s keynote, a blend of musical talent and resilience, ignited inspiration, urging attendees to live with purpose and compassion.

 

Convenor Atul Shah, Co-Convenors Vipul Shah and Jignesh Jain, JAINA President Bindesh Shah, and JSMC President Pragnesh Shah delivered heartfelt thanks, honoring the JSMC team, volunteers, and sponsors like Maha Sanghpati Manish & Shailja Gandhi and Family, Dr. Chandra Varia, and others. Ojas Rawal’s laughter-filled performance sent waves of joy through the hall, culminating in a standing ovation as attendees celebrated the convention’s triumphant journey.

 

A Legacy of Unity and Impact

The convention’s success was a testament to the leadership of Atul Shah, Vipul Shah, Jignesh Jain, Bindesh Shah, and Pragnesh Shah, supported by sponsors and volunteers. JAINA’s diverse programs, including Young Jains of America (YJA) with 475 youth, Young Jain Professionals (YJP), and the Kids’ Club, fostered leadership and engagement. The Jain Academic Bowl (JAB) showcased academic excellence, while exhibitions and a marketplace deepened cultural connections. Daily blood drives reflected Jainism’s compassionate ethos.

 

JAINA, founded in 1981, unites over 200,000 members across 72 Jain Centers, promoting Jain Dharma through education, humanitarian aid, and interfaith collaboration. With USAID certification and UN Special Consultative Status, its global impact shines. Vegan meals (contact [email protected]) and accommodations at the Renaissance Schaumburg and Hyatt Regency ensured inclusivity. Attendees were encouraged to register for future events at www.jainaconvention.org.