Dr. Dipak Jain, former dean of the Kellogg School of Management, framed the weekend discussions around the future direction of Jain communities. / Courtesy photo

The Jain Leadership Forum 2026 (JLF 2026), organized by JAINA’s Long Range Planning Committee, brought together Jain leaders, community members and young professionals from across North America at the Jain Center of Northern California in Milpitas, California, from April 10 to 12. The gathering focused on the future of Jain centers, youth engagement and long-term community sustainability.

The event brought together representatives from JAINA, Young Jains of America, Young Jain Professionals, Jain centers and the Jain International Trade Organization. Organizers described the forum as a working session rather than a traditional conference, centered on discussions about community engagement, leadership and belonging.

Participants examined how Jain centers could evolve to remain relevant for future generations while strengthening participation across age groups and backgrounds. Discussions repeatedly focused on creating spaces where members feel connected and involved, rather than simply attending events.
 

JAINA’s Long Range Planning Committee / Courtesy photo

The forum opened April 10 with a reception, dinner and introductory sessions aimed at building relationships among attendees. A traditional aarti ceremony was also held during the opening evening.

Dr. Manoj Jain, chair of the Long Range Planning Committee, and Dr. Dipak Jain, former dean of the Kellogg School of Management, framed the weekend discussions around the future direction of Jain communities.

“We are here to move the needle — and to shape what Jainism becomes in the decades ahead,” they said.

Programming on April 11 focused on organizational collaboration, youth engagement and the role of Jain principles in contemporary society. Sessions were led by Long Range Planning Committee Co-Chair Khushali Shah along with Shilpa Shah and Kinjal Mutha.

Young Jains of America / Courtesy photo

Speakers included JAINA President Atul Shah, First Vice President Dr. Jayesh Shah, Young Jains of America co-chairs Vanshika Shah and Aaryan Shah, Young Jain Professionals co-chair Mannan Mehta and Jain Center of Northern California President Jyoti Vora.

Several discussions centered on how Jain centers could shift from being primarily places of worship and gathering to broader community spaces focused on service, leadership and intergenerational participation.

One of the forum’s major sessions was a four-part workshop on community engagement based on research conducted with Jain centers across North America. Participants discussed the differences between attendance, belonging and ownership within community organizations.

Attendees also participated in role-playing exercises based on the Jain principle of Anekantvad, or multiple perspectives. Participants represented different age groups and community viewpoints while debating issues facing Jain centers.

Group photo of participants / Courtesy photo

Workshop sessions later focused on developing programming ideas for youth, young adults, seniors and newcomers. Small groups worked on early-stage implementation concepts intended to strengthen participation and relationships within Jain communities.

Organizers repeatedly emphasized that engagement requires intentional planning and outreach.

Additional speakers included Dr. Cogen Bohanec of the Arihanta Institute, Dr. Nikhil Jain and Ajay Sheth. Discussions examined community identity, belonging and organizational sustainability, while also drawing comparisons with other successful community models.

An evening keynote by Dr. Dipak Jain and Abhishek Sharma of the Consulate General of India in San Francisco addressed the global influence and future potential of the Jain community.

On April 12, sessions focused on future planning and implementation. Yogendra Jain presented survey findings examining how Jain communities may need to evolve through 2040 and beyond.

Participants also reviewed projects related to education, technology and community engagement, with discussions emphasizing collaboration and measurable action plans.

Prem Jain summarized one of the forum’s recurring themes.

“The future of Jainism will not be defined by how many people show up — but by how many people feel they truly belong,” he said.

Organizers said the forum aimed to encourage continued collaboration among Jain organizations and community leaders after the event concluded.

Discover more at New India Abroad.