2026 YJA Convention
Explore the sessions, panels, and activities offered throughout Convention. Browse what runs at each time and discover what’s happening together.
118 sessions
If you're in the 22+ Pickleball offsite you will not be able to sign up for a slot during this block.
Watch the top Jain Academic Bowl (JAB) teams compete in an exciting championship round that tests their knowledge of Jain philosophy, history, and traditions. Audience members will also have opportunities to participate, answer questions, and join in on the excitement as the finalists compete for the title of 2026 JAB Champions!
Dr. Pradip Shah
Appearances can often be misleading, especially when examining human actions and intentions. Our moral decisions are influenced not only by what we do, but also by the mental attitude behind those actions. In Jain philosophy, good deeds and bad deeds are understood in relative terms based on a person’s intentions and reflections. By studying various examples, we better understand how actions and intentions together shape moral and spiritual outcomes.
Rishab Gosalia, Jainam Jain
Join us as we explore the intersection between Avatar: The Last Airbender and Jainism. In this interactive session, we’ll be jumping into group discussions to unpack character choices, major themes, and some of the most impactful scenes. Come ready to share your perspectives and learn a few new things about one of our favorite shows!
Chintan Shah, Pavan Zaveri, Shilpa Shah, Khushbu Jain
Adulthood isn’t something that just happens to you—it is something you actively build. But as you transition into and out of YJA, figuring out how to fit Jainism into your daily hustle, your career trajectory, and your modern relationships can feel overwhelming. Join YJA alumni Chintan Shah, Pavan Zaveri, and Shilpa Shah for an unfiltered panel on designing a life that balances modern ambition with traditional principles. We will tackle the real-world challenges: navigating intercultural relationships, making tough career choices, overcoming Jain Center politics, and moving beyond rituals to find the true "why" of your faith. Step out of the youth bubble and learn how to architect an authentic, meaningful Jain identity on your own terms.
Rishab Jain
We are more connected than ever before, yet most of us feel distracted and unheard. Drawing on ideas from two books, You're Not Listening by Kate Murphy and The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, this session explores how our communication habits are shaping the way we build relationships. We'll discuss the impacts we see on friendships, family dynamics, and personal well-being, and consider how Anekantavada encourages curiosity, humility, and a better means of listening and communicating in an increasingly noisy world.
Harshita Jain
From getting a text from a longtime friend about his intention to take Diksha, to seeing him six months into monkhood, my view into Rushi HemVijayji’s inception (formerly Mumukshu Rishi Zaveri) has been a uniquely and intensely transformative experience. While he left his worldly life behind, achieving conviction to pursue what Jains consider to be the most honorable of paths, part of me was devastated. I just couldn't understand: how could he leave us all behind? As in many situations, he had an answer for this question, too. Hear about the journey I took to witness his Diksha, and the doubts, joys, fears, and lessons that came with the ride - and how he was able to walk away from life as he knew it.
Mahima Shah
What if the universe is far bigger than we ever imagined? Journey through the infinite realms of Jain cosmology as we explore cosmic time cycles, islands at the edge of the universe, and the soul’s journey across lifetimes. Together, we’ll travel through different worlds and explore where we fit within it all. Come ready to expand your perspective and dive into the infinite!
Riya Shah
What makes you who you are? Inspired by the hit series *Severance*, this interactive session explores identity, attachment, and the nature of the self through a Jain lens. Through discussion, reflection, and small-group activities, we'll examine whether separating parts of our lives leads to freedom—or simply creates new forms of bondage. Join us as we explore what remains when our roles, labels, and attachments are stripped away, and what Jain philosophy teaches about the true self.
Nitin Ajmera
The art of interfaith begins in the quiet space between identities, where listening becomes a form of hospitality. Living in between traditions is not a compromise but a creative posture—an openness to many truths without surrendering one’s own. It invites us to hold difference gently, to see the sacred reflected in unfamiliar faces, and to build bridges through curiosity rather than certainty. In this in-between space, compassion becomes a shared language. Interfaith living is ultimately an art of presence: honoring one’s roots while embracing the possibility that wisdom often arrives from the paths we do not walk ourselves.
Jayesh Khona
Why do small choices slowly change who we become? Why do certain friendships, emotions, habits, and situations keep repeating in life? And what if the energy you give out today is quietly building your tomorrow? In a world of social media pressure, overthinking, fake validation, stress, relationships, anger, comparison, and confusion about identity, this session will help you understand how karma is affecting your everyday life without you even realizing it. This is not just a philosophy session — it’s a real conversation about your life. You’ll leave understanding how to respond instead of react, how to handle negativity, how to make stronger decisions under pressure, how to protect your peace, and how your present mindset can shape your future confidence, happiness, and success. One decision can change a moment. One mindset can change a life.
Dr. Pritesh Mutha
Join Dr. Pritesh Mutha for an engaging and practical discussion on one of today’s biggest nutrition questions: How much protein do we really need? This session will unpack common protein myths, explain the balance between protein and fiber for long-term health, fitness, and recovery, and explore how whole food plant-based nutrition aligns with Jain principles such as Ahimsa, mindful living, and self-discipline. Attendees will learn how to support strength, athletic performance, gut health, and overall wellness using evidence-based nutrition while avoiding the confusion created by modern diet trends, supplements, and ultra-processed foods.
Esha Singhai
Ever thought product management could be a good fit for you? Not sure where to start? Everyone hands you the same template: perfect GPA, prestigious internships, a startup on the side. But what if that's not your story? In this session, Esha will map her unconventional journey through three pivotal moments that landed her a role in Google's APM program. You'll walk away understanding PM interview fundamentals, how to stand out, and why your unconventional path might be your greatest asset.
Dina Fifadra
Fast-forward to 45—what does it actually look like? A partner, kids, a home you’re proud of, travel, and a career you’ve worked hard to build. But life rarely keeps those priorities neatly aligned. What happens when professional ambition, family needs, relationships, and personal well-being all compete for the same hours in the day? This session explores the realities behind the idea of “having it all” and the questions no one really prepares you to answer, and why your future is already being shaped by decisions you’re making now.
Bhaumi Shah
Step into the Jain Courtroom where real-world laws and policies are put on trial through Jain principles like ahimsa, aparigraha, and anekantavada. We will take on the roles of prosecution, defense, judge, and jury while exploring the complex issues of factory farming, mandatory minimum sentencing, and access to affordable housing. Through guided discussion and live jury voting, attendees are encouraged to think critically about justice, harm, compassion, and social responsibility from a Jain perspective. The purpose is not to determine a “correct” verdict, but to explore what a Jain philosophy reveals that a purely legal analysis may overlook.
Chintav Shah
In a world of promotions, social media, side hustles, and constant comparison, ambition can easily become anxiety. This session explores Aparigraha, the Jain principle of detachment, as a practical way to pursue success without becoming attached to outcomes, validation, identity, or regret. We’ll reflect on how life has changed since 2020, reframe “what could’ve been” into gratitude, and examine the attachments that shape our daily stress. Through discussion and an interactive exercise, you will learn to live ambitiously without anxiety, and more fully in the present moment.
Bhavik Shah
Commercial real estate touches everything from hotels to office buildings to multifamily housing, yet many people know very little about how the industry actually works. In this session, the speaker will use his personal journey to break down the fundamentals of commercial real estate investing, including asset classes, deal evaluation, market conditions, and common ways to get started. This session is designed for those who are curious but may not know where to begin and will make the industry feel more understandable, relevant, and accessible.
Ketan Kapasi
YJA provides an incredible opportunity to build a strong community of Jain folks around you. In this session, we’ll explore how to get the most out of your YJA experience! Intended for folks new to YJA or the YJA Convention.
Tillo Detige
Parasparopagraho jīvānām. At the heart of Jainism lies a deep experience of the interconnectedness of all living beings. In this interactive session, we take our lead from sociology to expand this insight to non-animate entities. We consider how we build and maintain relationships not only with other people and non-human animals, but also with objects and materials, places and spaces, experiences and activities, abstract ideas and virtual realities. Together, we’ll create fun connection maps to understand the people, communities, and resources around us—and find ways to grow and help each other.
Charmi Shah
Modern medicine often requires navigating ethical gray areas, intense pressure, and difficult tradeoffs. How can students pursue healing without losing the values that ground them? This session explores the medical field through a Jain lens, examining patient care, animal research, and the challenges of the pre-med journey. Grounded in principles such as ahimsa, compassion, and mindfulness, we will address how Jain values can shape ethical decision-making in an imperfect healthcare system. Through personal experiences and real-world dilemmas, attendees will reflect on what it means to practice medicine with integrity while balancing ambition, responsibility, and humanity.
Aarvi Shah
Ever feel the overwhelming pressure to have your entire career and future perfectly figured out? It forces our brains onto autopilot. But real motivation comes from purpose, not obligation. Longevity isn’t built through a single grand decision; it's built through thousands of small choices. In a world that constantly encourages excess, the Japanese concept of Ikigai encourages mindfulness. I’ll share this simple framework which I used in my own journey in navigating career decisions, passion, and community. Let's step back from the noise and map out your own sweet spot.
Pranav Bhimani
Meditation has become a global trend, yet its Jain foundations are often overlooked. Rooted in Dhyan: Antar Yatra by Param Pujya Bhaktiyogacharya Shri Yashovijay Suriji, this session invites us to rediscover meditation as a profound inward journey. We’ll explore how Jain dhyan shifts our focus from the noise of the outer world and guides us beyond relaxation toward self-awareness, inner discipline, and transformation. Through practical insights and reflective discussion, we’ll examine how turning inward can reshape how we think, act, and experience daily life. This session offers a chance to pause, observe, and reconnect with the quiet wisdom already within.
Ayush Bhansali
Three years ago, I tried to run a mile for the first time. I gave up not three minutes in, caught my breath beside the treadmill, and went home. Three years, two marathons, and a 50-mile ultra later, running has taught me more about motivation, introspection, and community than I ever expected, and these lessons trace back to the same values we cherish as Jains. Through specific runs pulled straight from my Strava, I'll pace you through my running journey and the Jain values that lie within. You don't need to be a runner to find out who you are, but as a Jain, have you truly discovered yourself?
Avantika Jain
Imagine a world where everything you touch turns to dust: your phone, car, wealth, even your friends and family. Does this thought upset you? How do we find peace in such a fleeting existence? The answer lies in our Jain 12 Bhavanas. They help us understand how to live our lives with a greater sense of spirituality, purity, and calmness. By reflecting on the true meaning of the world, we can transform our worldly anxiety into spiritual liberation.
Hriday Sheth, Chandni Pari Jain, Ketan Kapasi, Tia Jain
Jains in Tech is a 300+ member community of founders, investors, builders, and students across cities including San Francisco, New York, and more, built around fostering meaningful connections within the Jain community working in or interested in tech, startups, venture capital, and entrepreneurship.This session will feature an interactive panel focused on careers in tech, startups, venture capital, AI, and leadership. Attendees will gain practical insights on navigating early career growth, building ambitious careers, and finding mentorship and community along the way. The conversation will also explore how Jain values such as integrity, humility, and grounded leadership continue to shape decision-making and leadership in high-growth environments.
Daksh Mota
Can ahimsa exist in systems that are designed to use force? This discussion-based session invites participants to explore ethical dilemmas involving harm, duty, and responsibility in real-world contexts. Through a Socratic, scenario-driven format, attendees will share perspectives, reflect on how their backgrounds shape their views, and engage with Jain principles such as ahimsa and anekantavada. Rather than offering definitive answers, the session creates space for thoughtful dialogue on what “least harm” might look like in complex situations and where personal and institutional boundaries may lie.
Nilesh Dagli
An upbeat crash course on how taxes really work—what counts as taxable income, how your liability is calculated, and the smart, legal strategies young professionals can use to keep more of what they earn. Learn how stronger financial footing doesn’t just boost your stability; it expands your ability to give boldly to the causes shaping a better world.
Nikhil Jain
As young Jains navigate graduation, work, relationships, family expectations, and identity, many live in the tension between outward success and inner well-being. This interactive session explores mental health through a practical, culturally grounded, wellness-oriented lens: why stigma and shame keep people silent, when to seek help, what contributes to emotional well-being, and how Jain values such as ahimsa, anekantavada, and aparigraha can support wiser, more compassionate choices. Drawing from psychological research, positive psychology, and Jain principles, participants will reflect on the life they want to build and leave with one personal commitment to strengthen their well-being with intention.
Maulee Vadi
This session explores the journey of Updhaan, including its discipline, challenges, and the inner balance it requires. It highlights how spiritual growth comes from turning inward and connecting with one’s true self. We’ll also talk about how, even with a busy work and family life, you can still take on Updhaan with the right intent, planning, and mindset. Finally, it shares the real benefits of living like a monk — a disciplined routine during Updhaan — and how that experience can bring more clarity, focus, and strength into your everyday life.
Mumukshu Jaanvi Didi Shah, Mumukshu Yashvi Didi Mehta
Freedom, fun, friendships, and endless choices define some of the most exciting years of life. Yet every choice we make shapes the person we become. Why do some choices lead to confidence, happiness, and growth, while others leave us restless and searching for more? What would inspire young people to choose a life of discipline, simplicity, and spiritual growth over the countless opportunities the world offers? Inspired by the timeless teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir and the remarkable journey of two young Diksharthis, “The Uncommon Choice” explores how the guidance of a Guru can help us choose wisely.
Sanidh Shah, Rahi Shah, Satej Shah, Sara Jain
University students? We got you. We’re also running medical school, law school, and professional programs (masters, PhD, etc.) with session speakers including a medical school student, a law student, and a Big Four consultant. We’ll split attendees up by their post-graduate endeavor, giving a focused group mentorship.
Jainam Jain
There's something powerful in saying 'yes' even when you don't feel ready. Some of the best moments in life come when you face the uncertainty, discomfort, and fear of the unknown head-on. In this session, I'll share some stories and photos from my travels that began with simply taking that leap. Through photography, storytelling, and personal reflection, this session is meant to inspire you to embrace discomfort, trust the process, and discover what can happen when you decide to go anyway.
Sonali Doshi
Is being Jain just about what you eat? In this interactive session, we’ll go beyond labels and explore what it really means to be Jain. You’ll define your own values, question assumptions, and hear how others experience their identity. This isn’t about “right answers.” It’s about building a strong, personal connection to your beliefs and learning about perspectives that may look different from your own.
Jonathan Dickstein
Over the past three years working with the American Jain community, I have observed a divide among Jain youth regarding veganism. Some see veganism as a natural extension of the Jain principle of ahimsa, while others view vegetarianism—not veganism—as central to Jain tradition and sufficient to fulfill Jain ethical and communal responsibilities. This highly interactive session invites participants to reflect on and discuss their own perspectives on Jainism and veganism. Attendees will also explore how veganism connects to broader social justice concerns that resonate strongly with many American young people today.
Samir Dedhia
You've been raised with Jain values your entire life, but have you ever thought of them as a leadership framework? In this session, entrepreneur and business leader Samir Dedhia reframes three core principles of Jainism — Anekantvad, Ahimsa, and Samata — as practical tools for navigating conflict, leading with emotional intelligence, and turning setbacks into strategy. Through personal stories from building and selling companies, Samir shows how the philosophy you inherited isn't just a spiritual practice. It's a competitive edge. You'll leave with a new lens on your identity and three tools you can apply immediately.
Ready to shuffle the deck and meet someone new? Deal Me a Date creates a fun, low-pressure environment inspired by the energy of a board game café, where meeting new people happens through fun challenges, group conversations, and some fierce competition. You’ll meet your dates in groups and one-on-one, giving you plenty of opportunities to connect with as many people as possible. Whether you're looking for a potential match or simply interested in meeting new people within the community, Deal Me A Date offers the perfect opportunity for you to make new connections. Will you draw the lucky hand? **New this year, participants will also have the opportunity to opt into a second-stage bowling experience, creating more time to reconnect with people they are interested in getting to know better. If interested, opt-into this programming by signing up for our bowling offsite!
Think you know what to expect from a board game café? Think again. Chutes and Lattes takes the familiar café atmosphere and flips it, transforming it into a fast-paced, high-energy experience packed with unique challenges, fun mini games, and surprise twists. Whether you're strategizing with your teammates, embracing the chaos, or stepping outside your comfort zone to be the team that takes it all, every round offers a new way to meet the people around you. If you're ready for a board game café experience unlike anything you've seen before, grab a seat, bring your competitive spirit, and get ready for the twists, turns, and new connections waiting at Chutes and Lattes.
Romit Nagda
What separates a winning bet from a losing one? The same math that powers the world's top trading firms. In this session, Romit brings the numbers behind elite sport to life — from NFL fourth-down decisions to Steph Curry shooting slumps to in-game soccer probabilities. You'll learn three core tools that every quant uses: expected value, Bayesian updating, and Z-scores. No finance background needed — just curiosity and a love of the game. By the end, you'll see the field, the court, and the market through the same lens. The edge isn't luck. It's math.
Umang Lathia, Rutwa Shah
"In this session, we will design, build, and test our own daily game (imagine your own Wordle with a twist, your own version of Connections, etc.). Pick your theme, design your puzzle, and walk away with something real and playable that you can send to your entire contact list (they will be obsessed). No experience needed, just a love of games and creation."
Shivan Golechha
We live in a world where you are either a creator or a consumer. This session breaks down the shift from consuming content to creating it, and how that shift opens real opportunity. I’ll share how I got started by documenting my life online, but more importantly, how anyone today can begin creating content and earning through UGC (User-Generated Content)—even with zero followers. You’ll also learn how brands think about content in today’s digital world. Join this session to step into the creator side and experience what it’s like to create your own UGC video.
Ravi Shah
How should Jain values shape the way we live today? In this interactive discussion and debate session, attendees will explore complex modern questions surrounding ethics, technology, religion, identity, social responsibility, relationships, activism, food, and the future. Through thought-provoking prompts and open conversation, participants will challenge their assumptions, hear perspectives different from their own, and apply principles like Ahimsa, Aparigraha, and Anekantavada to situations with no clear answers. This session is designed to spark honest discussion, critical thinking, and deeper reflection on what it means to practice Jainism in a rapidly changing world.
Shelly Goel, Kalp Shah
Ever wondered what happens when upbeat Western line dancing meets the vibrant, festive spirit of Garba? Come experience it for yourself! We're bringing you a fresh, never-before-seen choreography inspired by social dance, line dancing, and Garba! This workshop is open to everyone, whether you dance all the time or have never stepped onto a dance floor before. No experience needed — just bring your energy, your friends, and get ready to try something new and have fun!
Aditya Singhvi
Get ready to learn a couple of tricks to keep up your sleeve by exploring the intersection between magic and psychology! Using basic psychological principles, we’ll understand how magicians are able to make their tricks work.
Aayush Shah
Discover the fundamentals of DJing in this interactive introduction to mixing music and creating unforgettable experiences. This session will explore the basics of open-format DJing, including song selection, transitions, reading the crowd, and building energy throughout a set. Attendees will gain insight into the creative process behind live performances, the equipment DJs use, and the skills needed to develop their own style. Whether you are curious about DJ culture, interested in learning a new creative skill, or thinking about trying DJing yourself, this session offers a fun and engaging look into the art of bringing people together through music and good vibes.
Shruti Shah
Whether you are from the ravines of Rajasthan or just trying to learn some moves for the Garden State Garba Night at Convention, get your entire body ready to learn one of the most animated South Asian dance forms as part of this XYZ session.
Shilpa Shah, Priyanna Shah
What if two completely different viewpoints could both hold truth? Through a guided creative activity, explore a core Jain philosophy that encourages looking beyond a single point of view. No artistic skills required! Just curiosity and an open mind.
Sparsh Shah
Music is so much more than just entertainment: it's a vehicle for healing, self-discovery, expression, and connection. In this interactive, creative workshop, Sparsh will explore how musical storytelling can help you process emotions, navigate life transitions, and unearth your most authentic voice. From freestyle rapping to songwriting, you won't just witness Sparsh at his most creative: you'll participate WITH him and your fellow attendees, as you learn to use the power of music to express the truths that words alone could never convey!
Jinanshi Mehta
Come step into a space where I’ll help you explore music not just as singing, but as a form of expression, connection, and healing! Together, we’ll learn the basics of singing, understand the behind-the-scenes world of live performance, and discover how voice and music can help communicate emotions and build confidence. I’ll also share how Jain philosophy, sound, and music have deeply healing qualities that have shaped my own journey as an artist. Whether you’re someone who sings often, sings secretly in your room, or simply loves music, this session is designed to be a warm, interactive, and inspiring experience for everyone!
Abhinav Jain
“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.” — Charles Dickens. Do you enjoy making people laugh in everyday life? Have you ever noticed how a small joke, a funny story, or a shared bit can completely shift the energy of a room? Live from New Brunswick: It’s YJA Comedy Night explores sketch comedy, stand-up comedy, and the art of finding humor from ordinary moments. Come learn how to build funny ideas, play with timing, and build an inner cadence to connect with people in a more natural, memorable way.
If you're in 22+ Speed Dating offsite then you will not be able to sign up for a slot during this block.
Kyle Bright
It’s hard to stay in tune with your community and your sense of faith when you’re made to feel like the odd one out. Through shared experiences, we will look at success from outside religious perspectives and find opportunities to build a more inclusive sangh, while bringing old souls and new souls alike closer to Jainism.
Aadi Shah, Ryan Shah, Divyana Shah, Prem Jain, Jigar Shah
Interested in entrepreneurship, startups, or using your career to create meaningful impact? Whether you have a startup idea, want to join an early-stage venture, or are simply curious, this collaborative session between Jains in Action (JIA) and JITO brings together aspiring founders, investors, and professionals to connect over ideas that matter. You'll have the opportunity to meet other Jains who are passionate about solving real-world problems, share projects you're working on, and find potential collaborators. Hear from experienced founders and investors as they share insights about building companies, navigating challenges, and creating impact while staying grounded in Jain values.
Ankith Desai
This session explores the journey of navigating the world of American politics, from early lessons learned in Pathshala to serving in the Biden-Harris White House and beyond. Through these personal experiences, learn about the importance of bringing Jain values into public service and policymaking spaces. The discussion will also examine some of the most pressing issues facing the country today from a Jain perspective. Hopefully you are encouraged to enter a path of public service and political action by the end of this session, whether as an engaged voter and citizen or a future candidate for public office!
Kirti Jain
Jain Studies programs are rapidly expanding across major universities in the US and around the world — bringing ethics, nonviolence, ecology, and consciousness, which are core to Jain philosophy, into mainstream conversations. But one important question remains: will Jain youth simply watch this movement, or will they help shape its future? Join this interactive session to hear the remarkable story behind the rise of Jain academic initiatives worldwide and share your ideas on how this momentum can become a vibrant cultural movement led by the next generation. This is not just a lecture — it is a conversation about identity, leadership, purpose, and the future of Jainism in the modern world.
Sara Jain
This session offers a raw, case-based look into clinical encounters that shattered my assumptions about health, privilege, and human value. Working with underserved, unhoused populations in West Baltimore—from psychiatric emergencies to trauma care—exposed the sharp intersection of acute crises, systemic barriers, and deep vulnerability. Beyond the diagnoses and 24-hour shifts, these patients became my ultimate teachers, completely restructuring how I move through a city and understand the value of care. Together, we will challenge our biases, look past the clinical surface, and discuss how our Jain principles apply when navigating the stark socioeconomic divides of modern medicine.
Foram Shah
Conflict does not magically disappear after college — it just starts showing up in new places: work meetings, group chats, family conversations, friendships, social media, and community spaces. When someone says something harmful or something we strongly disagree with, it can be hard to know whether to stay quiet, call them out, cut them off, or try to have the conversation. This session will explore how Jain values like ahimsa in speech, anekantvad, forgiveness, and compassion can help us navigate those messy moments without avoiding the issue or making things worse. Through everyday examples like workplace tension, online callouts, family disagreements, community drama, and friendship conflict, we’ll learn together how to “call in” with clarity, courage, and care. This is not about having the perfect script for every hard conversation. It’s about figuring it out together — finding ways to speak up without losing your softness, while creating space for accountability, growth, and real conversation.
Bansari Shah, Paakhee Shah, Simmi Nandu
What does it look like to build a relationship while staying rooted in your Jain identity? Whether you're navigating an intra-community relationship or choosing a partner across faiths, cultures, or backgrounds, the path to love looks different for everyone. This candid panel brings together young Jains navigating all kinds of love stories: same-community, interfaith, long-distance, interracial, same-sex, and everything in between. We’ll get real about family expectations, cultural differences, and the unglamorous logistics of modern relationships — time zones, hard conversations, and staying true to yourself when the world has opinions about who you love. Whether you're in it, looking for it, or still figuring out what you want — come be a part of the conversation!
Rhea Visaria
Mozart or King Von before the big exam — does it actually matter? The music we listen to can shape our cognition, emotions, memory, and overall well-being more than we realize. In this session, we’ll explore how sound affects the brain, why chants like the Navkar Mantra are recited in specific tones, and how raags and Jain music connect to our everyday lives. Come participate in the experiment of using music for mindfulness, reflection, and nourishment for the mind.
Binny Nanavati
Join this interactive session to analyze real-time data from 1,200 of your peers to bridge the gap between tradition and living practice. Come ready to think, question, and help define what it means to live with intent.
Nita Vakharia
This session explores how we attract karma through our thoughts, words, and actions — and how Jain vows, or vrats, help us stop that karmic flow. We will discuss the role of a shravak, the Jain householder who lives between worldly life and the path of a sadhu, and how simple vows can bring greater awareness, discipline, and spiritual growth into daily life. Through practical examples, participants will learn how Jain principles are not just ancient teachings, but powerful tools for living with intention today.
Karishma Lunawat Jain
Most of us already know our apps are designed to keep us scrolling through infinite feeds, streaks, notifications, autoplay, and social validation loops. But if we know this, why do they still work? This interactive workshop explores the digital tug-of-war between awareness and action. Through quick activities, habit mapping, and Jain principles like Sanyam, Aparigraha, and Avasyaka, participants will learn how to create a pause between impulse and response. Attendees will leave with one practical Digital Vow to protect their time, attention, and inner clarity in everyday digital life.
Shaun Barrowes
Discover how music and the arts can spark paradigm shifts, expand perspective, and deepen human connection. In this engaging workshop, participants will explore how different art forms help us better understand people, cultures, and viewpoints from around the world. Led by Emmy-nominated composer and former American Idol finalist Shaun Barrowes, this experience dives into the transformative power of music and creativity as universal languages that foster empathy, innovation, and meaningful connection.
Deesha Ajmera
Knowledge and intellect are often treated as the same thing, but are they? Knowing information is one thing; understanding how to apply it wisely is another. In Jain philosophy, buddhi is our inner guide—the faculty that helps us use intuition and past experiences to think critically and adapt to new situations. Through this session, we will explore the different types of buddhi and how we can strengthen it in everyday life. Through stories, discussions, and real-life challenges, we'll discover how wise choices—not just knowledge—help us navigate life's path and move toward our highest potential.
Divya Shah
Many of us grow up following paths shaped by family expectations, social pressure, fear, or the desire to make the “safe” choice. This interactive session invites participants to ask: What would my life look like if I had the courage to pursue what genuinely excites me? Through personal stories, reflection, and open discussion, participants will explore the fears that hold them back—failure, judgment, uncertainty, and expectations—and how Jain principles of self-awareness, non-attachment, and authenticity can help them move forward with courage. This session is designed to be vulnerable, reflective, and discussion-based, helping young Jains identify the dreams they may be afraid to chase and the first meaningful steps toward a life that feels truly their own.
Anjali Doshi
Of the 3 A’s of Jainism, we often focus on Ahimsa (non-violence) and Anekantvaad (multiplicity of viewpoints) in discussion and Jain education. But how often do we focus on the third A, Aparigraha, or non-materialism? In a time of smart TVs pushing ads, retailers with 2-day delivery, social media “haul” videos, and algorithms built to keep us scrolling and shopping, letting go of attachments feels harder than ever. In this session, we’ll discuss the idea of non-attachment in Jain philosophy and how we can push past the lure of our screens to reclaim Aparigraha. Come ready to share your thoughts and experiences with letting go and consuming less!
Samyak Jain, Khushbu Jain
We all know the infamous Trolley Problem and may have debated the “correct” answer only to realize there isn’t one. As Jains, we grow up learning about Anekantavada and the idea that no single perspective is absolute, but how might these views differ among Jains themselves? Participants will discuss ethical dilemmas and share their approaches in an open conversation. Rather than finding a right or wrong answer, this session encourages thoughtful discussion and highlights how religion is not a rigid construct, but a foundation for values that people interpret differently. Join us for a discussion where the trolley may not be the only thing going off the rails.
Vedika Shah
What does it mean to apply Jain values beyond the borders of our own community? Drawing from first-hand experiences interning at a human rights NGO in Senegal, this session explores how principles like Seva, Anekantavada, and Parasparopagraho Jīvānām can guide advocacy, social impact, and intercultural connection all around the world. Through open dialogue, participants will discover how service can become a universal language when we translate our unique perspectives in order to better serve anyone, anywhere.
Manoj Jain, Yogendra Jain
Being Jain is more than a label; it is a way of life to navigate with clarity, courage, and compassion. In this interactive session, explore how timeless Jain principles like Ahimsa, Anekantavad, and Aparigraha can help you handle stress, relationships, identity, social pressure, and big life decisions. Think of them as your “AAA toolkit” for modern life. Through stories, practical insights, and open conversation, discover how Jain values can become a source of confidence, resilience, and inner strength. Come curious. Leave inspired, grounded, and equipped to live your Jain values with purpose in today’s world.
Group chats, screenshots, gossip, hot takes, cancel culture… conflict is basically everywhere. When someone says something hurtful or does something that feels wrong, it can be hard to know what to do. Do you stay quiet? Call them out? Cut them off? Try to explain? And how do you speak up without making everything even messier? This session will use Jain values like ahimsa in speech, anekantvad, forgiveness, and compassion to explore how young Jains can handle conflict in a more thoughtful way. Through real-life scenarios like friend group drama, offensive jokes, exclusion, online comments, family disagreements, and awkward school or college moments, we’ll learn together how to pause, see multiple perspectives, and “call in” with both courage and care. The goal is not to have all the perfect answers, but to figure it out together — making hard conversations feel a little less scary and finding ways to speak up that feel honest, kind, and actually realistic.
Pratik Shah
Sports, like truth itself, are never one-dimensional. In this interactive session, we explore anekāntavāda, a core Jain principle which asserts that truth and reality are multifaceted, complex, and cannot be captured by any single viewpoint. We will explore some of the most controversial and debated moments in sports history. From disputed calls to acts of protest on the field, every event carries multiple valid perspectives: the athlete's, the official's, the fan's, the media's, and history's own evolving judgment. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a philosophy-curious mind, or simply someone who loves a good debate, this session invites you to see the game from a new viewpoint.
Anish Visaria
In this session, we'll go over the secrets of different variations of hand positions (hastamudras) and how they affect our mind, body, and spirit. We will also analyze and understand different mudras demonstrated in Jain idols and scriptures. At the end, we will have some time to practice new mudras that you have learned.
Faraz Harsini
A must-attend speech by Dr. Harsini, an accidental Jain. But learning about Jain values and Ahimsa should not be an accident. This session is a direct call to young Jains: your life and career are the most powerful tools you have to advance Ahimsa in the world. Drawing on his work as a biomedical scientist and activist, and on years of teaching at Harvard, Yale, MIT, and 30 other universities, Dr. Harsini will connect Jain values to public health, food systems, and animal protection. This is your call to act for an impactful career and fulfilling life.
Neal Bhandari
Most of us are chasing happiness the wrong way. Drawing on the ancient Jain principle of Aparigraha and the modern happiness research of Harvard professor Arthur Brooks, this session offers a surprising reframe: happiness and unhappiness are not opposites, and the path to a fuller life requires working two completely separate levers. You'll leave with a new philosophical lens and five concrete habits you can start this week.
Careers accelerate, ambitions grow, relationships evolve, and opportunities seem endless. Yet, amidst the pursuit of success, many continue searching for fulfillment, purpose, and lasting happiness. How do we balance achievement with contentment, ambition with inner peace, and independence with the wisdom of right guidance? Inspired by the timeless teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir and the remarkable journey of two young Diksharthis, “The Uncommon Choice” explores how discipline, inner clarity, and the guidance of a Guru can help us build not just a successful life, but a meaningful one.
Garima Shah
Jain karma theory isn’t just about fate — it’s a precise, almost scientific map of how every choice you make shapes your reality and the world around you. What if inequality isn’t random, but the result of collective action and inaction? What if the way we earn, spend, and consume carries real moral weight? This session drops ancient Jain philosophy into the middle of very modern debates — wealth, labor, justice, and what it means to truly “have enough.” Come ready to question assumptions, challenge ideas, and think differently about the economy you’re inheriting.
Kumar Gandhi
Every single day, we make thousands of micro-decisions. Ancient Jain wisdom tells us that these choices are literally coloring the shade of our souls. Leshya is not a dusty, abstract philosophical concept; it is the most accurate mirror you will ever look into. In this explosive, fast-paced session, we will discover which of the six soul-colors is running your life right now, and more importantly, how to upgrade it. This isn't a lecture. This is a reckoning.
Environmental issues are usually framed in scientific and political terms. They are also deeply ethical questions. In this session, we explore how core Jain principles shape our relationship with the planet today. Beyond simply avoiding harm, what does it mean to actively care for future generations in a warming world? We'll look at how consumer habits, technology use, and everyday decisions reflect our Jain values. Some align with them. Some challenge them. Together, we’ll reflect on how young Jains can put these principles into practice, even when it is not always the most convenient thing to do.
In a world obsessed with plans, timelines, and certainty, it can feel uncomfortable not knowing what comes next. This session explores the value of the “in-between.” Life’s seasons of uncertainty, gap years, career pivots, and unexpected opportunities often end up shaping us the most. Through reflections on embracing the unknown, saying yes to new experiences, and approaching life with intention, attendees will be encouraged to let go of the pressure to have everything figured out. Inspired by the “yes theory” and maximizing each moment, this session invites attendees to see uncertainty not as failure, but as a space for possibility, purpose, and transformation.
Achal Shah
In this session, we’ll explore what it means to practice Jainism in today’s modern world. Together, we’ll reflect on how our understanding of Jainism changes over time, especially when balancing the values we grew up with alongside new experiences, perspectives, and challenges. Through open conversation and personal reflection, attendees will have the opportunity to think about their own relationship with Jainism, discuss how its principles can be applied in everyday life, and explore meaningful ways to build a personal connection with the religion in today’s society.
Chintan Shah
You checked all the boxes. You crushed it in high school, survived undergrad, and landed a fantastic job that keeps you on your toes. You grew up going to pathshala, attended YJA conventions, and maybe even served on a youth board. But as the structured path of grades and graduations comes to an end, a massive question looms: Now what? How do you continue to grow as a leader when there is no syllabus to follow? Join me for a highly interactive session where we will unpack how to translate your early successes into lifelong impact. Drawing from decades of experience—from co-chairing YJA conventions in my twenties to navigating corporate life, parenthood, and JAINA leadership—we will explore how leadership evolves across different seasons of life. Whether you are looking to step up at work, take charge at your local Sangh, or simply lead with Jain values in your expanding family life, you will leave with a personalized blueprint for making a meaningful impact in your next chapter.
Bansari Shah, Paakhee Shah
Traveling as a Jain is an adventure in itself — scouting menus, decoding ingredients, and figuring out how to stay true to your lifestyle while still experiencing the world. We've been there, and we're bringing the community together to exchange stories and learn from our experiences. During this session, we'll share our tips on navigating food and culture on the road — study abroad semesters, international adventures, road trips — and offer practical tools for traveling as a Jain anywhere in the world. But the purpose of this session is something you'll use long after Convention ends: a Jain travel community, built right in the room with the people sitting next to you.
Most of life is lived in-between: between childhood and adulthood, school and career, family expectations and personal identity, faith and doubt, pressure and purpose. In this music-infused keynote, Sparsh will invite attendees to redefine peace not as the absence of chaos, but as the practice of staying grounded while life is still unfinished. Through storytelling, performances, humor, spiritual reflections, and audience interaction, Sparsh will explore three practices for navigating our uncertain seasons: naming the “in-between,” anchoring to purpose, and practicing peace within life's storms.
Sushil Jain
Explore how Jain values can inform advocacy, civic engagement, and public policy. You will learn how you can use your voice, skills, and experiences to champion causes aligned with Jain principles and create meaningful change. Through real-world examples and interactive discussion, you will leave with practical ways to transform your beliefs into action and become advocates for the values you wish to see reflected in society.
Jaipat Singh Jain
Introduce the younger Jain generation to Siddhachalam and explore the inspiring story of Bahubali, whose journey teaches powerful lessons on humility, inner strength, and the meaning of ultimate forgiveness. Through storytelling and discussion, attendees will discover how these timeless Jain values can be applied in their own lives today.
Viren Shah
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming how we learn, work, and solve problems, reshaping the future of education and careers in ways we’re only beginning to understand. This session explores how today’s youth can thrive in an AI-driven world by developing not only technological fluency, but also the uniquely human skills — creativity, critical thinking, adaptability, empathy, and ethical leadership — that will define the next generation of innovators and changemakers.
A. Ashni
Discovering the connection between speciesism and human resource mismanagement. Exploring how understanding animals can help us avoid the “skill issue” trap in workplace interpersonal relationships. Sharing lessons from Luvin Arms residents on effective management: (1) Marrying skills and roles, with Jale the horse (2) Stakeholder democracy, with Eileen the goat (3) The benefits of insubordination, with Kiddo and Cass the turkeys
Hiya Shah
Calling incoming high school seniors! Join us to prepare your college application for the Class of 2027. We will focus on the Common App and how to incorporate personal statements, supplementary essays, and extracurricular and leadership activities.
Mary Hollingsworth, Nirva Patel, Akber Khan, Ram Solanki, Diana Flores
Explore how local communities can drive meaningful change through policy, advocacy, and collaboration. Led by the Harvard Law School Animal Law & Policy Clinic, this session will share insights from their research and petition efforts, highlighting Brookline, Massachusetts as a national leader in plant-based school meal offerings and transparent food labeling. Attendees will learn about innovative approaches to advancing sustainable and compassionate food systems, the role of advocacy in shaping public policy, and opportunities to support similar initiatives in their own communities.
Priyanka Shah, Anand Shah
Adulthood makes Jain values feel less like simple answers and more like a lens for navigating real choices. As careers accelerate, relationships become more serious, family expectations evolve, and the future starts feeling more personal, the “right” path is not always obvious. This 22+ keynote will explore how Jain principles can help us move through life’s gray areas with more awareness, humility, and intention. Through personal stories, shared reflection, and practical takeaways, attendees will be invited to think about the assumptions they carry, the relationships they are building, and the values they want to make visible through the lives they create.
Hiya Shah, Sanidh Shah
College life constantly tests Jain values in subtle and unexpected ways. This interactive session invites participants to step into real-world dilemmas such as career pressure, academic integrity, and time constraints, and explore how principles like Ahimsa, Satya, and Aparigraha show up beyond theory. Through movement-based “Four Corners” debates, peer reflection, and honest discussion, attendees will confront gray areas where there is no perfect answer. Rather than prescribing one right path, the session encourages thoughtful decision-making, self-awareness, and practical ways to live Jain values authentically in a modern college environment and how to explain Jainism to those around us who might not share the same background. Expect to leave questioning, reflecting, and redefining what Jainism looks like in your daily choices.
Umang Lathia
Charting a course for the future? Recalibrating after a setback? Seeking clarity amidst the chaos? In this workshop, we will piece together the trajectory life follows by reflecting on the pivots, pitfalls, and power-ups that have contributed to who we are today, where we have been, and who we want to become.
Reena Kansal
What if the most powerful thing you could do in any conversation wasn't what you said — but what you asked? In a world where everyone is talking, the leaders who stand out know how to get curious, ask better questions, and make people feel truly heard. Connection isn't luck. It's a skill — and it's one you can learn. This interactive session will share story discovery tools that transform the way you connect with others — at work, in relationships, and in every room you walk into. The most memorable people in any room aren't the loudest — they're the most curious.
Preeti Jain
This uplifting Bhaktamar Meditation session will help you align your chakras, shine with confidence, and manifest with intention, leaving you feeling refreshed, empowered, and deeply connected to your highest self.
Prakhar Bhandari, Jimmy Shah
Curious about how to think about AI through a Jain and ethical lens? In this session, we'll dive into what AI means for us and work together to develop a framework for how to approach it. Whether you're using AI to learn, work, or code, we'll explore what it might mean for you in your academic, professional, and personal life and how you can be thoughtful and intentional about your relationship with AI. All levels of AI experience welcome!
Jainik Shroff
This interactive session explores how Jain values can guide ethical investing and decision-making. Attendees will learn practical ways to evaluate investments through a Jain lens and consider the impact their financial choices have on the world around them. Through a Jain Stock Market Game, participants will compete by investing in different "stocks" representing everyday actions and choices, discovering how short-term rewards, long-term outcomes, and karma can all influence decision-making.
Rishabh Shah
What does it mean to practice Jainism beyond the temple, pathshala, or Paryushan? In this session, we'll explore how principles like ahimsa, aparigraha, and anekantvad can be transformed into meaningful action in everyday life. Through stories of launching the first fully Jain dining hall at UIUC, creating Paryushan meal services for students, and leading Jain initiatives across North America, attendees will learn practical ways to apply Jain values in college, their careers, and their communities. This session is designed to inspire participants to move from simply learning Jainism to actively building it wherever they are.
Rahul Shah
In this interactive seminar attendees will understand values that sit at the core of who they are and will examine how those values are revealed, tested, and sharpened at defining moments in school, career, and life. Drawing on Jain principles, the presenter will share how these principles helped him stress-test and strengthen his own deepest convictions during greatest uncertainty.
Stress is everywhere — academics, careers, relationships, social pressures, and constant expectations. But what if the real cause of stress goes deeper than external situations? In this interactive session, Dr. Pritesh Mutha will combine modern science with timeless Jain wisdom to explore the root causes of stress, emotions, and mental overwhelm. Attendees will gain practical insights into how beliefs, mindset, and self-awareness shape everyday experiences, along with simple tools and meditation techniques to build resilience, inner calm, and healthier responses to life’s challenges. This session is designed to be relatable, practical, and especially relevant for young adults navigating modern life.
Mayur Shah
After waking up from a coma, I began a new chapter of life by taking a journey within and going on a wellness walkabout—seeking, exploring, and learning how to live life in a healthier, more meaningful way. Along this journey, I discovered studies of unique communities known as Blue Zones—places where people often live to be 100 years old while maintaining strong physical health, mental well-being, purpose, and social connection. As I learned more, I began to recognize something familiar: many of the characteristics associated with these long-lived communities closely reflected applied Jain principles. Together, we will explore how ancient Jain wisdom may offer a timeless blueprint for modern wellness—guiding us toward lives that are long, happy, healthy, and purposeful.
The world encourages us to dream bigger, achieve more, and constantly chase the next milestone. But does having more always lead to becoming more? As careers, relationships, and responsibilities take center stage, questions of purpose, fulfillment, and inner peace become increasingly important. What inspires a young person to step away from a life filled with opportunities and choose a path of renunciation instead? Through the remarkable journey of two young Diksharthis and the timeless teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir, discover the uncommon choices that lead to lasting happiness and true freedom.
Khushali Shah, Shilpa Shah, Kinjal Mutha
What would make you actually want to show up at your Jain center? More friends? Real conversations? Leadership opportunities? Service projects? Better spaces? In this interactive session, youth ages 14–21 will become the designers of the future of Jain community life — sharing what works, what doesn’t, and creating ideas that could transform Jain centers across North America. Through discussion, brainstorming, and collaborative activities, participants will help answer one big question: What does a Jain community built by youth, for youth, look like?
Whether you're preparing for your first job, exploring a career change, or looking to grow in your profession, meaningful connections and practical guidance can make all the difference. This 22+ networking event is designed to help attendees build relationships with peers and professionals across a variety of fields while gaining valuable tools for career development. Participants will have the opportunity to receive resume reviews, professional headshots, and mock interview feedback, as well as engage in conversations about navigating the workplace, advancing a career, and finding fulfillment in professional life.
This year, six incredible teams will take the stage to present their ideas and compete for YJA support to bring their projects to life. Who will come out on top? Find out which ideas take center stage with Jains in Action at Convention! 🎤
Begin your morning with intention through a refreshing and accessible wellness session designed for attendees of all ages and experience levels. Through gentle movement, mindful breathing, guided reflection, and practical wellness techniques, participants will cultivate energy, focus, and inner balance for the day ahead. Grounded in Jain values such as mindfulness, self-awareness, and compassionate living, this session offers simple tools that can be incorporated into everyday life. Whether you're new to these practices or looking to deepen your routine, you'll leave feeling refreshed, centered, and ready to fully engage in the Convention experience.
Harshita Jain, Umang Lathia
Start your convention morning (6 AM) with movement, fresh air, and good vibes! YJA Run Club is a casual group run/walk designed for all fitness levels, whether you are a regular runner, trying to stay active, or just want fresh air with fellow attendees. Come ready to move, meet new friends, and energize your body and mind before a full day of convention programming. No experience needed, just comfortable shoes and a positive attitude!