Jain International Convention of NRIs - Relevance of Jainism in the Present Context' - 5.-7.08.2007 - Udaipur - Invitation

Dear Friends,

Jai Jinendra! We are very excited to be hosting the Jain International Convention of NRIs on the "Relevance of Jainism in the Present Context" in beautiful Udaipur, Rajasthan from 5th-7th August, 2007.

The convention will be held under the auspices of Acharya Shri Mahapragya, an eminent and internationally known modern Jain thinker who will undoubtedly make the occasion unforgettable.

As a special gesture to overseas delegates, the organizers have decided to provide complimentary local hospitality for four nights in area hotels (including meals, refreshments, and accommodation). We have also arranged attractive packages for touring the world famous Dilwara and Ranakpur Jain temples as well as Rajasthani heritage like Chittorgarh and Nathdwara. Come be our guest in enchanting Udaipur, enjoy famous Mewari hospitality, and carry home a week to remember life time!

Sincerely yours,
Kirti KJain, M.D.
Ashland, Kentucky
Cell: 606-615-1617, Home: 606-325-5102

Acharya Mahapragya

Jainism - one of the most ancient living religions of India - offers remarkable solutions, to the present day burning problems of life. It is the duty of NRI Jains themselves to learn deeply the fundamental doctrines of Jainism and present them to the world, for its benefit.

SPIRITUAL PATRONS

Acharya Shri Mahapragya, Yuvacharya Shri Mahashraman

Jainism is an ancient eastern religion. The cardinal principles of Jainism propounded by Lord Mahavira twenty five centuries ago are based on reverence for life, equanimity and a sense of mutual interdependence. The Jain philosophy has enriched the freedom of human thought by its principle of Anekanta i.e. Non-absolutism. The Jain culture has exercised profound influence on the lives of millions of people through their non-violent attitude, compassion and friendly behavior, to have peace in our materialistic world. It is significant to note that Jain Community is well known for the characteristic qualities of Vegetarianism and non-involvement in any area of violence, directly or indirectly. These principles are most relevant in present era where human existence is experiencing terrorism and fundamentalism. Let us discuss the problems and find the solutions in light of the teachings of Mahavira.

It is a matter of great pleasure that Acharya Shri Mahapragya Chaturmas Vyavastha Samiti is organizing a Jain International Convention of NRIs JICON-2007 during 5th-7th August, 2007 at Udaipur. The theme of the Convention is "Relevance of Jainism in the Present Context". Since the theme is time tested, refreshing and cails for immediate attention from the people of different walks of life, we sincerely request you to attend the convention and grace the occasion. The blessing of Acharya Shri Mahapragya will make the occasion a life long experience for the delegates.

A line of confirmation will be highly appreciated.

SUB THEMES

• Relevance of Jainism in Present Era
• Formation of "Jain Shasan Vikas Manch"
• Scientific Evaluation of Jain Philosophy.
• Economics of Mahavira as Economics of Non Violence.
• Promotion of Jain University.

PROPOSAL TO SPEAK AT PLENARY SESSIONS

Proposals are invited for plenary presentations on varying aspects of Relevance of Jainism in the Present Context.

Those who want to make plenary presentations, should write their proposals with a title and give a summary of 100 words and send it by e-mail/post latest by June 15 th, 2007.
Those whose proposals are selected will be informed soon thereafter.

LOCAL HOSPITALITY

The organizers have decided to extend local hospitality to the overseas delegates including their meals, refreshment and accommodation for four nights i.e. 4'" August to 7'" August, 2007.

The delegates will be accommodated in Hotels. The rooms at the Hotel will be made available on twin sharing basis. Those who want independent/single accommodation or special arrangement at their own cost, may contact our authorized travel co-ordinator.

ARRIVAL AND RECEPTION

The convention will be formally inaugurated in the morning of 5th August, 2007 at 9.30 AM. The delegates who want to be received at Udaipur Airport/Railway Station must E-mail their flight/train number/arrival time and itineraries.

Convention reception committee will make suitable arrangements for their transportation from the place of arrival to the venue of the convention.

DELEGATE REGISTRATION FEES

Delegate Registration Fees residential Rs. 5100/- (US$115) and Non residential Rs. 2100/- (US$50) per person to be paid in advance.

ORGANISERS

Shri Jain Swetamber Terapanthi Sabha Udaipur has entrusted the task of organising the Chaturmas of Acharya Shri Mahapragya in 2007 at Udaipur, to Acharya Shri Mahapragya Chaturmas Vyavstha Samiti. It has started functioning since December, 2004. Shri Bijoy Kumar Surana a veteran and very seasoned personality of Udaipur Jain Samaj has been given the responsibility of acting as Chief Convener of the Chaturmas Vyavstha Samiti. Various Committees and sub-committees have been formed by him so to take care of each and every function of the chaturmas. The Chaturmas Vyavstha Samitti is the apex body to organize and co-ordinate all the activities to be performed during Chaturmas. This convention JICOM-2007 is also being organized under the sole patronage and supervision of the Chaturmas Vyavstha Samiti.

ABOUT UDAIPUR

Udaipur, the charming City of lakes, valleys and mountainous terrains is nestled in the Aravali ranges. Its environs offer an ethereal domain of beatitude and wonder. Beauty of its dens and glens, placid lakes and their steel blue waters, resplendent glory of the setting sun behind the green and lofty hills, exquisite old temples and places, history replete with thrilling tales of valour and self sacrifice. Academic atmosphere provided by the Universities and scores of academic institutions, requisite amenities of transport, hotels etc., and last but not the least, and equable salubrious climate and perfect atmosphere for retreat and relaxation make Udaipur a perfect tourist-haunt and a must on the itinerary of a globe-trotter.

Udaipur has been an inspiration for numerous artists, architects and poets over the years. Udaipur has earned many names such as the 'City of Dreams' the 'City of Rising Sun' and of course the 'City of Lakes'. They all conjure up a wonderland image, and Udaipur is worthy of them all.

How to Reach Udaipur

• By Road:
  It is on the National Highway No. 8 & No. 76. It is connected by 4-lane highway from Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer, Ahemdabad, Kota & Indore by State Road Transport buses and Private Coaches (Express & Luxury)
  
• By Train:
  It is directly connected by Broad gauge from Delhi, Jaipur, Kota and by Meter gauge to Ahmedabad.
  
• By Air:
  Udaipur is well connected by Air (Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Deccan Airways) from Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur & Mumbai. Udaipur City is 22 kms away from Udaipur Airport.
  
• Climate
  There are normal rains during the month of August. Temperature usually ranges between 20 to 30 degree Celsius.
  

TRAVEL COORDINATOR

If you need the assistance of Local Travel Coordinator for pre and post convention tours / hotel accommodation / local sight seeing/travel planning at your own expense, the following authorized Travel Coordinator may be contacted:

Shri Kailash Sankhla, Shobha Travels & Tours,
163 Navratan Complex, Bedla Road, Udaipur
Tel.: +91-294-2450955, +91-0294-3294419, Mobile: + 91-9414156141'
e-mail: , [email protected]

ADVISORY BOARD

Prof. Muni Mahendra Kumar
Dr. M.R. Gelra
Dr. B.C. Lodha
Shri Mangi Lai Lunawat
Shri Pavan Kumar Kothari
Dr. Ashok Bapna
Shri Manak Nahar
Shri Madan Tater
Shri Bhawar Lai Daglia
Dr. Dev Kothari

ORGANISING COMMITTEE

CHATURMAS VYAVASTHA SAMITI

CONTACT PERSONS:

• Dr. S.S. Surana, Director: +919414263458, +91294-2425162
• R.S. Dhakar, Org. Secretary: +91294-2431564, +919828121564
• Dr. Y.S. Kothari, Convener Chaturmas Programme Committee: +919352507222
  

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS:

• Dr. S.S. Surana, Director, JICON - 2007
  Terapanth Bhawan, Anuvrat Chowk,
  Udaipur 313001 Rajasthan, India
  e-mail: , Website: www.terapanthudaipur.com