From the Desk of a Former Co-Chair
Vatsal Gandhi
As a YJA member for over a decade and former Co-Chair, I have been witness to the wonderful progress it has made over the years. At the same time, I have also thought a lot about where we’re headed as an organization, especially in a society that is evolving and changing so quickly these days. As I think about this, I wanted to see where past leaders of our beloved #yjafamily saw the organization going as well.
So, I asked some of my fellow former Co-Chairs about where they see YJA heading the next decade (or three). Here is what some of them said:
Raju Shah (1996–1998)
“I was YJA Co-Chair from 1996 to 1998. Back then one of our main drivers was to connect the U.S. Jains, create social networking when it didn’t exist online. It’s now 25 years later, I’m married, with two kids who will soon be the age to participate in YJA, and I see different drivers now. The Jain Community in the U.S. is evolving, and YJA will need to adapt to those changes. For example, my parents and a lot of their peers immigrated to the U.S. in the 60’s. A lot of our Jain friends have grandchildren of mixed religious traditions. Meanwhile, Jains continue to immigrate to the U.S. YJA will need to blend to these two dynamics in order to successfully navigate the evolving times. I fear that if YJA doesn’t lead the way in not just acceptance, but integration, that our societies will really only be utilized by recent immigrants, and the hard-liners of the past, and we’ll lose a big part of our community. I think YJA has the skills to succeed in this endeavor and I wish them success. Congratulations on our 30th!”
Shardule Shah (2009–2010)
“Congratulations to YJA on a wonderful 30 years! YJA has always been and should continue to be the model (and only?) organization for all young Jains across North America. What I love about YJA is that there is no ‘membership.’ Anyone who is Jain (or interested in Jainism) and is 14–29 years old is automatically in! This feeling of inclusivity promotes a sense that all are welcome. A big tent mentality. No distinguishing between sects, geographies, race, or any other part of someone’s identity. This is such a big deal especially considering how small the Jain population is compared to the rest of the North American population. YJA must continue to open its arms to all those interested in Jainism it has always been. YJA has the ability and the obligation to set up a strong network of young Jains across the globe, to preserve our heritage for generations to come. Great job to the current board and all boards and supporters over the last 30 years for getting YJA to this point!”
Prerak Adhuria (2014–2015)
“YJA has been the driving force for families to encourage our youth to not only find others as themselves but in the process go deeper in their understanding of what Jainism means to them. In the same spirit, YJA has the opportunity to become every youth’s first place of curiosity and connection. A more interactive YJA will lead to a closer generation and will pay dividends.
As YJA board members, it is our responsibility to highlight what YJA means and how you are giving back to this organization. This style of leadership by example provides inspiration to [the] next group of leaders and so on. While we have many obstacles reaching the youth once they leave for college/careers, we have the chance to use technology and bring YJA wherever one may be. Perhaps even creating a thought team to ensure our goals, both short and long term, are integrated in each member, boardie or not.
The most beautiful aspect of this journey is not that I or someone else has the correct answers, as the multitude of answers is the goal, yet its purpose is to engage as many youth as possible and watch the trickle down effect into their actions, intentions, and lives.”
Sunny Dharod (2015–2016)
“I see YJA really focusing on the ‘America’ part of ‘Young Jains of America.’ It has been amazing to be a part of an organization that has successfully promoted the Jain way of life within our own homes, Sanghs, temples, etc. The next step, however, is to branch out of our comfort zones and see how we can not only integrate our values outside of the Jain community but also use them to create positive change throughout America. In the upcoming decades, I hope to see YJA members and alumni share stories about applying their religion as leaders of city councils, planning commissions, school boards, and more.”
Hetali Lodaya (2016–2017)
“It’s clear from the last 30 years that the sky is the limit — if young Jains want to make something happen, they can. My experience of YJA is as a powerful space where young people find their friends, find their voice, and start to define what Jainism, faith, and religion mean to them. Increasingly, I think our youth are recognizing the ways in which Jainism calls on us to speak up and be proactive in our pursuit of compassion and non-violence. In the next three decades, I can’t wait to see YJA take on more issues of social, economic, and racial justice, support of the LGBTQ+ community, environmental and climate issues, and more, all grounded in a deep understanding of our teachings. I also want YJA alumni — and even YJA members — to start taking up more leadership positions in our Sanghs, helping our communities look inward and critically assess whether we practice what we preach.
The future of Jainism is ours to create. To borrow from the poet Amanda Gorman,
‘…there is always light
if only we’re brave enough to see it
if only we’re brave enough to be it.’”
Siddharth Shah (2017–2018)
“It’s amazing to see the growing role YJA is taking in our lives! What started off as an idea 30 years ago has transformed into a beacon for Jainism around the globe. I am excited to see YJA instill core Jain principles while creating a space of inclusivity and friendship for our youth. I truly believe YJA is a positive amplification of young Jain voices, and as we navigate an ever-quickly changing world, that voice should become increasingly powerful. In the coming decades, I hope YJA continues to actively shape our path forward by fearlessly tackling issues that affect our society at large. YJA has inspired me to lead by example, and I know it will continue to inspire new leaders in our community for generations to come.”
