Know | Engage | Evolve your community by applying the tools of leadership
Join us for a transformative weekend dedicated to leadership growth, meaningful community engagement, and crafting impactful strategic initiatives.
APRIL 10 – 12, 2026
FACILITATED BY:
Jain Center of Northern California
722 S Main St, Milpitas, CA 95035
AGENDA
To reimagine Jain Centers as vibrant communities of belonging — where shared values, service, and spiritual growth unite generations and strengthen our collective identity.
Across North America, there are approximately 30 Jain temples (Mandirs) and 72 Jain Centers that serve as the spiritual and cultural heart of the Jain community. Yet, levels of community engagement vary widely. This forum seeks to explore and redefine what community engagement truly means within the Jain context — beyond religious attendance — encompassing belonging, service, connection, and shared purpose.
Agenda: Friday, April 10, 2026
Venue: Jain Centre of Northern California, Milpitas
Welcome & Registration
Welcome Note
Dr. Dipak Jain
Former Dean of Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management.
Ice Breaker Activity
A fun and interactive way to connect, spark conversations, and build energy as we begin our journey together.
Aarti
Welcome Address for JLF Attendees
Dr. Dipak Jain
Hear from Dr. Dipak Jain and his inspirational stories of change from across the world.
Agenda: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Venue: Jain Centre of Northern California, Milpitas
Breakfast & Prayer
Opening & Intent Setting
Dr. Manoj Jain
A moment to reflect on our shared purpose—strengthening our Jain community, inspiring leadership, and shaping a meaningful future for the next generation.
Welcome Message – Jain Center of Northern California
Jyoti Vora, Rakesh Shah
A warm welcome from the Jain Center of Northern California as we come together to connect, collaborate, and inspire collective action for the future of our Jain community.
Knowing Our Organizations: YJA, YJP, JAINA
Vanshika, Aran, Mannan, Apurva, Atul
Discover innovative initiatives and impactful programs led by YJA, YJP, and JAINA that are engaging communities, empowering youth, and shaping the future of Jain leadership.
Foundational Workshop: Beyond Attendance – What Does Engagement Mean?
Khushali Shah, Shilpa
Explore what true community engagement looks like—moving beyond attendance to meaningful connection, participation, and belonging.
Break
Academia & Theological Perspective on Community
Prof. Cogen Bohanec
Gain deeper insights from academic and theological perspectives on how communities form, grow, and thrive.
Insights from Research
Shilpa, Kinjal
Discover key findings and insights that help us better understand our community and guide future action.
Lunch
Psychology of Belonging in Faith Communities
Nikhil Jain
Explore how a sense of belonging shapes stronger, more connected faith communities.
Intergenerational Dialogue: Bridging Generations, Building Futures
Khushali Shah, Shilpa
A conversation bringing together different generations to share perspectives, strengthen understanding, and shape the future of our community together.
Break
Guest Speaker: Success Stories from Other Communities
Ajay Sheth
Learn inspiring lessons and practical ideas from successful community initiatives beyond our own.
Sharing & Collective Vision: From Ideas to Action
Start to build a 90 day action plan.
Closing Reflection & Commitment
Prem Jain, Dipak Jain
A moment to reflect on our learnings and renew our commitment to strengthening our Jain community together.
Dinner
Community Open Session
Moderator: Khushali Shah
An open forum to share ideas, voices, and perspectives as we collectively shape the future of our community.
Agenda: Sunday, April 12, 2026
Venue: Indian Community Center, 525 Los Coches St, Milpitas, CA 95035, United States
Breakfast & Networking
Gathering at ICC
Vision 2040: Beyond Building the Temple
Manoj Jain, Yogen Jain
Reimagining Jain centers as vibrant communities—going beyond buildings to create spaces of belonging, learning, and meaningful engagement for future generations.
Updates on 2025 Projects
Viral Shah, Manoj Jain
A look at the progress, impact, and learnings from the initiatives launched in 2025.
Closing Remarks
Prem Jain
Final reflections and appreciation as we conclude the forum and carry forward the inspiration and ideas into action.
Box Lunch & Networking
Hotel Accommodation – Jain Leadership Forum 2026
Participants are encouraged to book their stay at Embassy Suites by Hilton Milpitas Silicon Valley, where a special discounted rate has been arranged for Jain Leadership Forum attendees from April 10–12, 2026. Please reserve your room early to take advantage of the special rate.
For further details and to receive the booking link for the discounted rate, please contact Yogesh Bapna (650-996-2418)