Jains and Hindus to work on interfaith issues

The Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) has expressed interest in working with Hindu statesman Rajan Zed on interfaith issues.

Dilip V. Shah, JAINA President, replying to a communiqué of Zed, who is the president of Universal Society of Hinduism (USH), wrote, "…I welcome your thoughts on need to work together. I am with you on the need to work together…"

Initiated in 1981, JAINA is the umbrella organisation of 62 Jain organisations in USA and Canada representing over 100,000 Jains, whose purpose is to preserve, practice and promote Jain Dharma.

Jainism is an ancient sramanic religion whose aim is to liberate the soul by following a course of purification and discipline demonstrated by the tirthankaras.

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion followers. USH seeks to provide worldwide Hindu identity, enhance understanding of Hinduism, and foster interreligious dialogue.