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    First time in Houston

    Jaina convention meets for networking and, maybe, marriage?

    Ruchi Mukherjee
    Jul 6, 2011 | 6:58 am
    • Opening procession at the 16th Annual Jaina 2011 Convention at the George R.Brown Convention Center
      Photo by Ruchi Mukherjee
    • Samniji chant prayers
      Photo by Ruchi Mukherjee
    • Sarika Sanghvi, left, and Sona Sanghvi
      Photo by Ruchi Mukherjee
    • Ami Domadia, left, and Heena Domadia
      Photo by Ruchi Mukherjee

    More than 3,000 people from all parts of the United States and India gathered over the weekend at the 16th Annual Jaina 2011 Convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center. They met to network and take part in religious, business, and health care activities. Also high on the list: find a Soulmate with a common background.

    One of the oldest religious sects of India, Jainism has existed side by side with Hinduism throughout its long history. With more than 750 Jain families in Houston, the convention demonstrated its remarkable tenacity and endurance and made an attempt to exert an influence far beyond its small numbers.

    "One of the main purposes of the convention is to provide a platform for young Jains and try to connect them with suitable prospects for marriage."

    Jainism derives from a Sanskrit word meaning 'follower of the Jina, or conqueror' that was established in the sixth century BC by the Indian sage Mahavira. This community is the oldest continually surviving monastic community in the world with a very strict practice of vegetarianism and non-violence.

    It was the first time the convention was held in Houston.

    "Our biennial convention has a long and proud history of bringing Jains together for networking with religious leaders, academic scholars and researchers," said Houston-based entrepreneur Swatanra Jain, fundraising committee member of the Jain Convention. "One of the main purposes of the convention is to provide a platform for young Jains and try to connect them with suitable prospects for marriage."

    With the theme, "Live and Help Live," the convention kicked off on Friday at the Hilton Americas-Houston with "Swagatam," a welcome program by the Jain Society of Houston that included a talent competition, Garba and Bhangra dances and Bollywood performances. Early morning weekend sessions included a strict Jain breakfast with yoga, meditation and Zumba and Bollywood-inspired exercises.

    A spectacular temple-like structure was created inside of the convention center where the visitors witnessed a grand temple procession of dignitaries, Jaina presidents and spiritual leaders from the Jain center.

    The age group of those participating in the convention ranged from early teens to the late 70s. More than 300 young Jains took part in a vibrant program organized by Jain Networking Forum coordinator Arpan Shah and Dr.Vijay Mehta that encouraged them to seek out their life partner amid other Jain singles. Sona Sanghvi, 24, who participated in the forum, said that several activities were designed for Jain singles who are looking to meet others for friendship and marriage.

    "Vijay Uncle made the sessions very interesting with icebreakers, along with lectures on what they should do when looking for a partner, with topics that ranged from relationship discussions, career development, and ways to apply Jainism in our modern society," Sanghvi said.

    While there are no statistics to show who clicked with who at the convention when it ended on Monday, Sanghvi said that the convention was a great way of making new connections, providing a variety of dating options within the Jain community.

    Ruchi Mukherjee is a lifestyle feature journalist for TV Asia and host of online magazine Lights Camera Action that covers Houston Indo-American society news.

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    Casual River Oaks restaurant closure leads our top stories this week

    CultureMap Staff
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    Photo by Alex Montoya
    Eloise Nichols has updated its interior.

    Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week, which is full of restaurant and bar tidbits. Two Houston-area chefs get big victories, while a River Oaks restaurant says goodbye. Get the details on our most popular stories below, then visit this guide for some weekend fun.

    1. Casual River Oaks restaurant will shutter after 10 years. A neighborhood restaurant near River Oaks will soon serve its last meal — for now. Eloise Nichols is set to close after service on Sunday, June 29.

    2. Houston chef Tristen Epps dishes on his Top Chef victory — and what's next. For the first time, Houston is home to a Top Chef winner. In the final episode of season 22, chef Tristen Epps earned the title and a $250,000 cash prize.

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