Dr. Sushil Jain from Washington, DC, metropolitan area has received the 2009 “Award of Excellence” from International Jain Sangh (IJS) of New Jersey at the Mahavir Jayanti celebration program on April 19, 2009. Each year IJS honors an exceptionally worthy person, who has visibly and verifiably demonstrated a great service to further the teachings of Lord Mahavir including peace, nonviolence, education, and compassion either by practice or by influencing public policies, media coverage or through interfaith programs. Instituted in 2001, the former recipients of this prestigious award were Mr.Bawa Jain, Dr. Dhiraj H.Shah, Mr. Arvind Vora, Dr. Tansukh Salgia, Mr. Pravin K.Shah, Dr. Sulekh Jain; and Mr. & Mrs. Mahendra and Asha Mehta from Mumbai.
Mr. Naresh Jain, IJS Award Committee Chair, JAINA Interfaith Co-Chair, and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Parliament of World’s Religions, Chicago; introduced Dr. Jain to the several hundred people and dignitaries gathered in this 2608th anniversary celebration held in Piscataway, New Jersey. According to him, this Award has now become unique as well as prestigious in the global Jain community and has received wide media coverage.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Sushil Jain shared experiences of educating the main stream America about nonviolence in Jainism, drafting several policy statements for media including Jaina Code of Ethics & Conduct; Faith based Charity, Gun control, Racial Profiling, and Affirmative action. He has written to many newspapers and magazines correcting misinformation published regarding Jainism and helped develop a dehydrated Hindu/Jain vegetarian meal for soldiers in combat environment. Dr. Jain also known as Captain Jain, an Optometric Physician and retired U.S. Naval Captain volunteered in 18 eye camp missions around the globe; and organized Jain Prayer in the U.S. Congress, as well as in Virginia and Maryland General Assembly. He was a key organizer for Jain Pilgrimage exhibit at the Washington Smithsonian Museum. Dr. Jain is currently in private practice including providing consultative services to the nation’s leaders at the White House and the U.S. Capitol. He has also received many military awards and honors including a Meritorious Service Awards Signed by President Clinton and a Legion of Merit signed by President Bush.
The day long Jayanti celebration started with Mahavir Swami Puja followed by religious presentations by Saman Ashwini Pragya Ji, Prof. Gary Francione from Rutgers University, Dr. Barbara Velazquez from Spiritual Unity Network; and a Pledge for Mutual Respect and Nonviolence by all attendees. After this a grand cultural program and Rath Yatra depicting the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir were presented by 100 local youth and children hosted by Ritu Jain. Large Palm and OM symbols were prominently displayed in the celebration hall.