JAINA is the Federation of Jain Associations in North America. It is an umbrella organization of 72 Jain centers across Canada and the USA, representing 150,000 members. Founded in 1981 with the mission to preserve, practice and promote Jainism, its philosophy and the Jain way of living. It is the largest Jain organization outside of India.
Dr. Jasvant Modi joined JAINA way back in 1980 as a life member, he is currently a Board Member and VP of Jain Center of Los Angeles (JCLA) for JAINA. He became the JAINA Director for JCLA in April 2017 and for Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) in April 2019.
He has been working tirelessly to inspire other Jain centers toward veganism, spreading the message of academic leadership, professorship chair at universities and creating an endowment fund for JAINA.
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20th JAINA Convention, Los Angeles, 2019
During Dr. Modi’s presidency of the JCSC in 2018-2019, they successfully organized the 20th JAINA Convention in Los Angeles. The convention was held from 4 to 7 July 2019, themed on Jain Religion in the 21st Century.
In July 2018, under Dr. Modi’s leadership, JCSC acquired a piece of land near the temple for its activities and designed a convention center. After two years of planning and nine months of preparation, JAINA, in partnership with JCSC and JCLA, delivered a highly successful convention. Notably, it drew over 600 youths and young adults out of the 3,450 attendees.
JAINA engages in global humanitarian efforts, providing aid during disasters and promoting animal welfare. Its educational initiatives support Jain studies through various programs, including Jain Academic Liaison, Pathshala, Academic Bowl and scholarship committees. JAINA also fosters youth connections through events, exchanges and scouting, encouraging cultural learning and networking. Additionally, it raises awareness on environmental issues and promotes an Ahimsak eco-vegan diet.