2026 SESSION

ENROLLED

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 196

Commending the Federation of Jain Associations in North America – Virginia Chapter.

Agreed to by the Senate, March 10, 2026

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 12, 2026

WHEREAS, the Federation of Jain Associations in North America, an umbrella organization representing Jain communities and institutions across the United States and Canada, was founded in 1981 with a mission to preserve, practice, and promote Jain Dharma and the Jain way of life, while fostering fellowship among Jains of all sects throughout North America; and

WHEREAS, the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) supports more than 70 affiliated Jain centers and serves as the principal national body advancing Jain values of nonviolence, pluralism, compassion, ethical living, and community engagement throughout North America; and

WHEREAS, JAINA's national activities include educational initiatives, interfaith engagement, religious publications, community outreach, and large-scale convocation events that deepen public understanding of Jain contributions to American civic and cultural life; its programs emphasize core Jain principles, such as ahimsa (nonviolence), environmental stewardship, ethical entrepreneurship, and service to diverse communities; and

WHEREAS, the Jain community in Virginia is active, growing, and deeply engaged in both religious and civic life, and the JAINA – Virginia Chapter encompasses multiple local Jain centers and temples that serve hundreds of families across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the Jain Society of Northern Virginia provides religious services, educational programming, youth activities, and community gatherings centered on Jain teachings in the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area; and

WHEREAS, the Jain Society of Central Virginia in Richmond, a nonprofit religious and cultural organization focused on preserving Jain traditions, has facilitated spiritual practice and fostered fellowship among local Jains since its establishment in 2016; and

WHEREAS, Shri Digambar Jain Temple of Virginia in Chantilly is a community-led initiative supporting worship and the construction of a Digambar Jain temple that strengthens ties among Virginia Jains and the larger dharmic communities; and

WHEREAS, these organizations coordinate regular spiritual services, pathshala (religious education), social events, and cultural programming that highlight Jain philosophical and ethical contributions; and

WHEREAS, across the Commonwealth, Jain Americans are active in business ownership, entrepreneurship, science, health care, education, philanthropy, environmental activism, and interfaith collaboration, reflecting deep engagement in civic life and shared values; and

WHEREAS, the Jain community's emphasis on nonviolence, pluralism, ethical leadership, environmental stewardship, and compassion enriches the Commonwealth's diverse social fabric; and

WHEREAS, on March 31, 2026, the JAINA – Virginia Chapter will commemorate the festival of Mahavir Jayanti, which marks the birth anniversary of Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, whose life and teachings on ahimsa (nonviolence), satya (truth), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness) continue to serve as a moral compass for millions worldwide; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Federation of Jain Associations in North America – Virginia Chapter for its legacy of service to the Jain community; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Federation of Jain Associations in North America – Virginia Chapter as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the organization's work to build a more inclusive and harmonious society.