Chicago's illumination by the radiant teachings of Jainism: A religious journey unfolds in the Windy City
The 23rd Biennial JAINA Convention, held from July 3 to 6, 2025, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center and Hyatt Regency in Schaumburg, Illinois, marked a historic moment for the global Jain community. Organised by the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) in partnership with the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC), the event drew over 5,000 delegates from 72 Jain centers across the United States and Canada.
The convention's theme, "Unity in Diversity: A Path to Peace," highlighted the Jain principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekantvad (multiple viewpoints), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness). These timeless values not only defined Jain Dharma but also served as a guiding framework for discussions, workshops, and ceremonies throughout the event.
The four-day program was structured to blend spiritual, educational, and cultural elements. The opening day, July 3, started with a "Sacred Dawn of Unity," setting the tone for a journey of spiritual awakening and communal solidarity. Daily activities featured spiritual discourses, meditation sessions, interfaith dialogues, cultural performances, and youth programs. Vegan meals were provided, reflecting Jain dietary practices and ensuring inclusivity for all attendees.
A dedicated "Network & Thrive" session by JITO USA encouraged professionals and community members to connect and collaborate, fostering business and social networks among Jains worldwide. The event also showcased JAINA’s broader mission, including humanitarian initiatives, educational outreach, and advocacy for the Jain way of life in North America and beyond.
The 2025 JAINA Convention stands as a milestone in the global Jain community for several reasons. By bringing together thousands of Jains from diverse backgrounds under a shared spiritual and cultural banner, the convention reinforced a sense of global Jain identity and mutual support. The focus on ancestral Jain values provided a platform for personal transformation and deeper engagement with Jain teachings among attendees of all ages.
The event celebrated Jain heritage through art, music, and performance, enriching the cultural fabric of the host city and fostering greater awareness of Jainism among the broader public. With JAINA’s certification by USAID and UN Special Consultative Status, the convention amplified the international voice of the Jain community, promoting its ethical principles on a humanitarian and interfaith platform.
Highlights of the convention included the Temple Dwar Opening Ceremony, a Grand Cultural Procession, and a spiritual and artistic Opening Ceremony. A Broadway-style production, the Sthulibhadra & Kosha - Nritya Natika, was a particular highlight. The Jains Got Talent (JGT) Semi-Final Rounds were held on Day Two, and the JAINA Awards were given out on Day Three, with Mahesh Wadher of California receiving the most prestigious JAINA Ratna award.
Dynamic panel discussions, such as the one on Unity & Diversity held during the afternoon of Day Three, provided opportunities for thoughtful discussions on contemporary issues. Sparsh Shah delivered a keynote address on Day Four, a blend of musical talent and resilience. The Jain Academic Bowl, a Jeopardy-style competition for youth, was held on Day Four with close to 20 teams participating.
Other notable events included Dr. Darshita Shah, MLA from Gujarat, discussing "Jainism & Rajdharma - Art of Balance" during the afternoon of Day Three. Samani Punya Pragyaji's session on "Live Like an Arhat" and Saman Shrut Pragyaji's discourse on spiritual wisdom and practical guidance were also part of Day Three's events. The Women Empowerment Forum and a keynote on entrepreneurship were also part of Day Two's events.
The convention also featured various sessions on topics such as spiritual resilience, veganism, and ecological crises. Surbhi Pandya's session on "Reverse Chronic Diseases and Aging - Without Medicines and Supplements" and Pinkesh Shah's session on "Digital Karma: How AI Shapes Our Choices and Our Souls" were particularly well-received. The convention culminated with a keynote address delivered by the world's first licensed armless pilot, Jessica Cox, on Day Three.
In conclusion, the 23rd Biennial JAINA Convention was much more than a religious gathering—it was a vibrant testament to the enduring relevance of Jain Dharma in the modern world. Through its blend of spiritual depth, cultural richness, and commitment to interfaith and humanitarian causes, the event not only strengthened ties within the Jain diaspora but also demonstrated how ancient values can inspire unity, peace, and positive action on a global scale.
- The convention's theme of "Unity in Diversity: A Path to Peace" showcases the importance of cooking meals that cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences, reflecting the global Jain community's values of inclusivity.
- To promote a lifestyle of healthy-cooking and mindfulness, workshops were held during the event, teaching attendees how to prepare nourishing meals that align with Jain principles while also adapting to modern food-and-drink trends.
- In the realm of fashion-and-beauty, traditional clothing and jewelry were showcased during cultural performances, striking a balance between ancient practices and contemporary styles.
- As part of the convention's mission to foster personal growth and career-development, workshops were dedicated to discussing relationship dynamics and personal skills-training, offering practical guidance to improve business etiquette, communication, and leadership skills.
- Love-and-dating workshops provided insights into maintaining harmony and mutual respect, promoting the importance of empathy, openness, and self-awareness for nurturing healthy relationships.
- On the topic of family-dynamics, sessions were held to discuss the challenges and solutions for balancing personal goals, work responsibilities, and familial obligations while staying rooted in Jain values.
- For those traveling to the event, a guide was provided that offered budget-travel tips and suggestions for cultural-travel experiences when visiting Schaumburg, Illinois, encouraging the mindful exploration of new places and cultures.
- Furry companions were welcomed at the event, further showcasing the Jain's love and respect for all living beings, even extending to family pets.
- A portion of the proceeds from the convention was donated to several animal shelters and wildlife organizations as a way to give back and demonstrate the community's commitment to protecting all life forms.
- To encourage sports and healthy lifestyle choices, a mini football tournament was held among youth delegates, with inspiration drawn from the game's ties to popular American sports like NFL and NCAA football.
- A session was dedicated to discussing sports betting and gambling responsibly as part of the larger educational outreach focusing on self-development.
- Education-and-self-development was a major focus for younger attendees, with workshops on goal-setting, study skills, and time-management offered to help kick-start their journey toward success.
- Career-development workshops provided guidance on job-search strategies, Mock interviews, and networking tips, building essential skills for entering the workforce and thriving in today's competitive global economy.
- In response to the growing demand for sustainable transportation, electric vehicles were used to transport guests throughout the event, signifying JAINA's commitment to environmental responsibility and practice of car-maintenance that aligns with the principles of Aparigraha and Ahimsa.
- To further support the global Jain community, JAINA is collaborating with various organizations to advocate for the adoption of accredited skills-training programs, focusing on teaching advanced technical skills like coding, renewable energy technology, and sustainable agriculture, ensuring members are equipped for the future job market and self-sustaining lifestyles.
