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Religious Programs — Adhoc

Religious and Spiritual Advancement

To create a future where every Jain—regardless of location or community size—has meaningful and continuous opportunities to learn, practice, and grow spiritually, guided by authentic teachings and supported by a vibrant, connected Jain ecosystem across North America.

Core Mission

To strengthen and unite Jain communities across the United States and Canada by expanding access to authentic Jain religious practices, spiritual education, and guided learning, while fostering deeper connection to Jain philosophy and way of life.

Major Accomplishments

Successful Completion of online live lecture series on Chaitramas Aayambil Oli from Mar 22, 2026 to April 1, 2026 from a Renown Jain Scholar "Pandit Paras C. Shah", Mumbai.


Key Highlights were:


Charter

The JAINA Religious & Spiritual Advancement Committee is dedicated to enhancing spiritual learning and practice across Jain communities in the United States and Canada, with a special focus on small and emerging Jain centers. The committee will organize structured lecture series aligned with key Jain festivals and observances such as Aayambil Oli, Ashtahnika, Paryushana, Das Lakshana, Diwali (Mahavir Nirvan Day), and other significant spiritual occasions. It will facilitate shibirs, retreats, camps, Aaradhanas, and tapas under the guidance of respected Jain scholars. The committee will collaborate with established organizations in India and North America to strengthen academic enrichment and support the development of future Jain scholars in North America. It will also develop a comprehensive digital library of recorded lectures by distinguished scholars and partner with youth organizations such as YJA and YJP to deliver educational and spiritual programs at conventions and major gatherings. Through these initiatives, the committee aims to ensure consistent spiritual engagement, deeper understanding of Jain teachings, and long-term growth of Jain religious practice across North America.

Roles & Responsibilities

Chairperson: Provide overall leadership, define spiritual programming direction, and ensure alignment with Jain values and JAINA objectives.

Spiritual Programs Lead: Design and coordinate lecture series, festivals, shibirs, retreats, and structured spiritual learning initiatives.

Festival & Observance Coordinator: Plan and align programs with key Jain festivals and religious observances throughout the year.

Scholars & Speakers Coordination Lead: Engage Jain scholars, monks, and speakers from India and North America for lectures and events.

Small Centers Support Lead: Provide guidance, resources, and spiritual programming support to small and emerging Jain communities.

Academic & Institutional Collaboration Lead: Work with Jain educational organizations in India and the U.S. to support scholar training and curriculum enrichment.

Digital Content & Lecture Library Lead: Develop and maintain an online repository of recorded lectures and spiritual resources.

Youth Engagement Liaison (YJA/YJP Coordinator): Collaborate with youth organizations to integrate spiritual learning into conventions and youth programs.

Events & Logistics Coordinator: Manage planning, scheduling, and execution of spiritual programs, camps, and retreats.

Impact & Engagement Analyst: Track participation, reach, and spiritual engagement outcomes to continuously improve program effectiveness.

Leadership

Jatin Shah
Jatin Shah
Chair (Verginia)
Chair
Ketu Sheth
Ketu Sheth
South East Regional VP
EC Liaison
MD
Megha Doshi
Member
AP
Anant Patani
Member
PG
Parag Gandhi
Member
PC
Priyank Chheda
YJP Co-ordinator

Get Involved

Connect with the Religious and Spiritual Advancement Committee. We welcome your expertise, ideas, and partnership to further our initiatives.

Contact Committee