Arihanta Institute is excited to participate in the 2026 Young Jains of America (YJA) 17th Biennial Convention—The Art of the In-Between in New Brunswick, NJ! Be sure to visit our booth to learn more about our expanding educational offerings, including online courses, certificate programs, and graduate opportunities developed in partnership with leading institutions.

 

We are especially pleased that Professor Jonathan Dickstein will be presenting at this year's convention, bringing Arihanta Institute's commitment to engaged scholarship and the contemporary application of Jain values to the YJA community. See Dr. Dickstein's session description below.)

 

The convention will also mark the launch of our new Student Ambassador Program. Designed to empower students as leaders and advocates on their campuses, this initiative will create a network of ambassadors who help raise awareness of Arihanta Institute's educational opportunities, including university-adjacent and for-credit courses, while fostering greater engagement with Jain studies, ethics, and compassionate action among the next generation of scholars and changemakers.

 

Whether you're a student exploring future academic pathways, a parent seeking meaningful educational opportunities, or simply curious about our programs, we invite you to stop by, connect with our team, and discover how Arihanta Institute is bringing Jain wisdom into dialogue with today's world.

 

 

 

Date: Friday, July 2, 2026 | 10:15 AM

Age: High School, College, and Beyond

 

"Over the past three years working with the American Jain community, I have observed a divide among Jain youth regarding veganism. Some see veganism as a natural extension of the Jain principle of ahimsa, while others view vegetarianism—not veganism—as central to Jain tradition and sufficient to fulfill Jain ethical and communal responsibilities. This highly interactive session invites participants to reflect on and discuss their own perspectives on Jainism and veganism. Attendees will also explore how veganism connects to broader social justice concerns that resonate strongly with many American young people today.”