Introduction
Dharma for Life team – Dr Medhavi Jain, Founder and Dr Palakh Jain, Joint Secretary visited Ahmedabad to participate in the 5th International Jain Conference held on 10th and 11th January 2026. The conference brought together eminent Jain scholars, thinkers, philanthropists, and institutional leaders from India and abroad, providing a vibrant platform for dialogue on Jain philosophy, education, social responsibility, and global outreach. The visit was significant for Dharma for Life as it strengthened existing relationships, opened new avenues for collaboration, and reinforced the organisation’s commitment to integrating Indian Jain wisdom with contemporary societal needs.
Overview of the Conference
The conference commenced on 10th January at Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, with a spiritually uplifting and intellectually engaging first day. The Dharma for Life team actively listened, engaging informally with speakers and participating in networking discussions. The overall tone of the conference was reflective, forward-looking, and action-oriented, focusing on how Jain values can meaningfully respond to modern global challenges, especially among youth.
Key Highlights of Day 1 (10 January 2026)
Mangal Presentation – Sabarmati Gurukulam
The opening Mangal Presentation set a devotional and disciplined tone for the conference. It emphasised the importance of samskāra, gurukul traditions, and the continuity of Jain learning systems rooted in values, self-restraint, and inner purification.
Mangalacharan – Nandighosh Suriji
The Mangalacharan invoked spiritual auspiciousness and reminded participants that all intellectual pursuits must be grounded in humility, non-violence (ahimsa), and right intention. The invocation served as a collective centring of the mind before engaging in scholarly and institutional discourse.
Welcome Address – Shri Jitendra B. Shah
In his welcome address, Shri Jitendra B. Shah gave a succinct introduction of all the dignitaries attending the conference.
Special Presentations – Shri Atul Shah (JAINA), Shri Siddharth Kashyap (WJC), Shri Ramesh Shah (TJF), Shri Sushil Solanki (SR)
These presentations focused on the role of global Jain organisations in education, youth engagement, interfaith dialogue, and social service. A recurring theme was the need for unified efforts across geographies to project Jainism not merely as a religion, but as a universal way of life offering ethical solutions to global crises.
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. Special Address – Guests of Honour (Shri Ajay Sheth, Shri Jasvant Modi, Shri Sanjay Singhal, Shri Jayesh Shah)
The Guests of Honour spoke about philanthropy, leadership, and the responsibility of the Jain business community to support education, research, and value-based institutions.
Jagat Sheth – Short Film Presentation (by Shri Pradip Chopra)
The short film on Jagat Sheth portrayed the ethical strength, social responsibility, and moral courage of Jain leadership in history. It powerfully illustrated how Jain values have influenced governance, economics, and social harmony.
Keynote Address – Shri Pradip Chopra
In his keynote, Shri Pradip Chopra emphasised ethical leadership, inner discipline, and the relevance of Jain philosophy in today’s volatile world. He highlighted aparigraha (non-possessiveness) and anekāntavāda (multiplicity of viewpoints) as essential principles for sustainable living and conflict resolution.
Key Interactions and Meetings
Meeting with Shri Ramesh Shah Ji – The Jain Foundation
A meaningful interaction took place between the Dharma for Life team and Shri Ramesh Shah Ji of The Jain Foundation. Discussions centred on shared goals related to value-based education, dissemination of Jain philosophy in contemporary language, and collaborative projects that can bridge scholarship with social impact. Both sides expressed interest in exploring joint initiatives going forward.
Interaction with Shri Jasvant Modi Ji (USA) – Vice President, JAINA
The meeting with Shri Jasvant Modi Ji, Vice President of JAINA, was particularly significant for global outreach. Conversations focused on the Jain diaspora in North America, the need for structured platforms connecting scholars and institutions in India with overseas Jain communities, and the potential role of Dharma for Life in thought leadership, dialogue, and content creation. The interaction reinforced the importance of sustained India–USA collaboration in promoting Jain values globally.
Meeting with Shri Raveen Jain Ji – Bahubaleshwar Trust
The Dharma for Life team also met Shri Raveen Jain Ji of the Bahubaleshwar Trust. Discussions revolved around spiritual heritage sites, experiential learning, and the role of sacred spaces like Bahubaleshwar in nurturing inner transformation. The possibility of academic, spiritual, and cultural programs at Bahubaleshwar that align with Dharma for Life’s vision was positively explored.
Dr. Medhavi Jain’s Conference Summary
During the second day of the conference, Dr. Medhavi Jain shared a brief overview of her work and vision. She highlighted Dharma for Life’s focus on integrating dharma with everyday life, leadership, education, and mental well-being. Her summary underscored the importance of moving from a conceptual understanding of Jain values to lived application in personal, institutional, and societal contexts, and how DFL is doing so through its initiatives.
Participation and Reflections
The conference provided not only intellectual enrichment but also emotional and spiritual resonance, reaffirming the relevance of Jain wisdom in modern times. Informal interactions during breaks further enriched the visit, fostering the exchange of ideas and strengthening relationships.
Conclusion
The Dharma for Life team’s visit to the 5th International Jain Conference in Ahmedabad was highly productive and inspiring. It reinforced existing partnerships, initiated new dialogues with key leaders, and aligned closely with the organisation’s mission of bringing Jain dharma into contemporary discourse. The conference reaffirmed that Jain philosophy, when thoughtfully articulated and collaboratively pursued, has immense potential to contribute to global well-being. The insights gained and connections formed during this visit will serve as a strong foundation for future initiatives of Dharma for Life.
Dr Palakh Jain
Associate Professor of Economics, Bennett University
