The 23rd Biennial JAINA Convention, held July 3-6, 2025, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center and Hyatt Regency in Schaumburg, Illinois, brought together more than 5,000 attendees from 72 Jain Centers across North America and participants from 10 other countries, including India, the UK, Germany, and Kenya. It marked the largest Jain gathering outside India in recent memory and the fourth time the Chicago area had the honor of hosting this landmark event.

Organized by the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) in collaboration with the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC), the convention centered on the theme “Unity in Diversity: A Path to Peace.” It celebrated the core Jain tenets of Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekantvad (pluralism), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), offering a rich blend of spiritual teachings, cultural festivities, and community bonding, according to a statement from JAINA. 

The convention launched on July 3 with a colorful and devotional start. The Temple Dwar Opening Ceremony featured a replica of the sacred Ashtapad, showcasing all 24 Tirthankaras, accompanied by ritualistic chants that immersed attendees in the Jain spiritual atmosphere. The Grand Cultural Procession outside the convention center added spectacle, with elaborately decorated vehicles, a Mahila Mandal welcome dance, youth performances, and even an airplane flyover symbolizing the start of this global celebration.

The Opening Ceremony that evening included blessings from prominent Jain spiritual leaders such as Pujya Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muniji and Pujya Saman Shrutpragyaji. A highlight was the Broadway-style production Sthulibhadra & Kosha – Nritya Natika, which brought Jain storytelling to life through music, dance, and drama.

July 4 began with serene Prekṣā meditation and yoga sessions, bringing over 400 participants together for mindfulness and physical well-being. The day’s keynote speaker, Pujya Dr. Gyanvatsal Swamiji, emphasized spiritual resilience, while Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muniji urged global commitment to non-violence. Manu Shah added depth with reflections on compassionate living.

The second day also featured the Jains Got Talent (JGT) semifinals, with youth and adults competing in music and dance. Numerous breakout sessions covered a wide range of topics—from veganism and energy healing to Jain parenting and spiritual intelligence. Notable speakers included Dr. Tej Sahebji, Dr. Faraz Harsini, and Dr. Sonal Jain Jayaswal. A blood donation drive, launched that day, collected enough to potentially impact 276 lives, it added. 

A press conference, led by Hemant Shah, brought national and international media attention to the convention’s message of unity and peace. Concurrent sessions also featured NY Jain Sangh’s Parshwanath Bhagwan Samovasaran exhibit, and engaging talks on ecology, crisis care, and Ayurveda. The Women Empowerment Forum, featuring figures like Judge Neera Bahl, spotlighted inspirational stories of resilience and leadership. Evening performances included devotional skits by JSMC Pathshala students and a musical celebration showcasing Jain Centers across North America.

On July 5, day began with meditation and yoga, followed by a keynote by Jessica Cox, the world’s first licensed armless pilot. Her inspiring message of overcoming physical limitations earned a standing ovation.

Spiritual discourse by Saman Shrut Pragyaji set the tone for deeper reflection. Highlights included the JAINA Awards, with the prestigious JAINA Ratna Award presented to past president Mahesh Wadher of California.

Afternoon sessions explored the intersection of technology, spirituality, and social change. Pinkesh Shah’s session on AI and ethics, Surbhi Pandya’s strategies for reversing chronic disease naturally, and Acharya Lokesh Muniji’s keynote on Unity and Strength were well received. A panel discussion led by young professionals reinforced Jain values in modern contexts. Gujarati MLA Dr. Darshita Shah’s talk on Jainism and Rajdharma emphasized ethical leadership.

The evening culminated in a high-energy cultural celebration. Bollywood actor Sonu Sood delivered a passionate address on compassion and humanitarianism. Renowned comedian Sugandha Mishra hosted the star-studded entertainment night, featuring top performers from Indian reality television, including Rishi Singh and Atharva.

The final day began with Pranayama and meditation led by Pujya Saman Shrut Pragyaji. The closing ceremony featured blessings from Jain spiritual leaders and an emotionally stirring keynote by Sparsh Shah, whose blend of music and message of resilience touched all present.

Youth engagement was a standout feature of the convention. Under the leadership of Piyush Gandhi, the Young Jains of America (YJA), Young Jain Professionals (YJP), and Jain Connect programs saw participation from nearly 900 young adults. The Jain Academic Bowl (JAB) brought together 20 teams in a spirited quiz competition, reinforcing knowledge and community spirit. The Kids Club, led by Dimple Shah and Radhika Jaina, created a faith-based learning and play space for over 200 children ages 6 to 13.

According to the statement, Convention Convener Atul Shah, Co-Conveners Vipul Shah and Jignesh Jain, JAINA President Bindesh Shah, and JSMC President Pragnesh Shah led a massive organizational effort involving 300+ volunteers across 40 committees. The food committee, led by Hitesh Shah, efficiently managed over five meals daily for thousands of attendees. Jagat Shah oversaw technology infrastructure, while the transportation team seamlessly coordinated logistics across two convention sites and nine hotels.

The organizers also expressed their gratitude to major sponsors including Maha Sanghpati Manish and Shailja Gandhi, Dr. Chandra Varia, and others for their support. 

Founded in 1981, JAINA today represents over 200,000 members across North America. With USAID certification and UN Special Consultative Status, the organization continues to elevate Jain values globally through education, interfaith work, and humanitarian aid.

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