The JAINA Yatra Committee is pleased to announce the initial call for Expressions of Interest for the upcoming JAINA Pilgrimage of Kenya + Tanzania 2026, scheduled for the last week of March 2026.

This spiritually enriching and culturally immersive Yatra will span 7–10 days, offering participants a unique opportunity to explore Kenya’s rich Jain heritage, vibrant wildlife, and local community initiatives. The tour group will be limited to a maximum of 45 participants to ensure comfort, safety, and a high-quality experience for everyone.

At this stage, we are gathering interest from individuals and families who wish to be considered for this memorable journey. This is not yet a registration, but an opportunity to indicate your intention to join the tour.

The complete details, cost estimates, and finalized itinerary—including cities, temples, safari experiences, and community visits—will be shared within the next 3–4 weeks as plans are finalized with our on-ground partners in Kenya.

We look forward to your enthusiastic participation and to embarking together on this meaningful Yatra in 2026.

The devastating July 5th flooding in Central Texas caused severe damage across Georgetown, with the San Gabriel River rising nearly 30 feet and impacting parks, trails, playgrounds, bridges, and natural habitats. 

In response, Jain Sangh of Greater Austin (JSGA) partnered with World Community Services (WCS) to support critical restoration efforts. JSGA contributed $2,000 and WCS added $5,000, resulting in a $7,000 donation to the Friends of Georgetown Parks & Recreation for Flood Recovery 2025. With a 100% match, the total impact reached $14,000, significantly accelerating recovery work. 

These funds helped restore damaged trails and public spaces, clear debris, repair structures, and revive natural ecosystems through replanting and habitat restoration. 



We extend heartfelt appreciation to all donors whose generosity strengthened this community-driven relief effort. Together, we continue to uphold the Jain values of seva, compassion, and ahimsa. 

The Jain Digest committee is pleased to feature two articles that have been published in the October 2025 issue of Jain Digest.  

1. Managing Emotions: Integrating Modern Therapy with Ancient Wisdom  by Dr. Ramesh C Shah 
2. The Marvellous Mrs. Marva Collins by Payal Seth 

Click here to read the brief description of these articles. 

JAINA leadership and delegates will be traveling to India in January 2026 to participate in and co-host several important community, academic, and spiritual events. This annual winter outreach initiative strengthens global Jain collaboration, supports knowledge exchange, and deepens cultural and spiritual ties between the diaspora and India. 

The planned schedule includes: 

These programs are open to all members of the North American Jain community who wish to join, learn, participate, and engage in this meaningful cultural and spiritual journey. 

This winter delegation provides an opportunity to: 

• Strengthen ties between North American and Indian Jain institutions 
• Support scholarly and interfaith collaborations 
• Participate in seva, education, and spiritual enrichment activities 
• Represent the diaspora at key Jain gatherings 

Sujata Ben Vora 

Sangeeta Ben Shah 

With profound joy, the Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington (JSMW) announces that Mumukshu Sujata Vora and Mumukshu Sangeeta Shah—beloved sisters and long-time members of the sangh—will take Diksha on February 8, 2026, in Mumbai, joining 44 other Mumukshus under the guidance of Param Pujya Acharya Shree Yog Tilak Maharaj Saheb and Sadhvi Shrut Darshita Maharaj Saheb. 

A Dikshārthi Bahumāan Ceremony will be held on December 14, 2025, at JSMW (Beltsville, MD), beginning with a Varghodo at 10 AM EST. The event will be live-streamed on YouTube (@jsmw). 

The sisters have demonstrated extraordinary dedication through years of spiritual discipline, extensive Taps, Updhaans, Paryushan Aradhana, multiple pilgrimages, and deep seva. Their decision represents a rare and inspiring commitment to ahimsa, aparigraha, and the path of moksha. 

All community members are invited to join this auspicious celebration and bless the Dikshārthis. 

Click here to read more about Mumukshus.