02 Jul, 2025 - Jito Youth Exchange Program 2025
JITO Ahmedabad in association with Jito International Wing, Jito USA and Jaina USA proudly facilitated the participation of bright young minds in the Jain Youth Exchange Programme (JYEP) 2025 — a life-changing initiative that brings together youth from across the globe for cross-cultural learning, leadership development, and community building.
After multiple stages of rigorous selection — including written assessments, group discussions, and Zoom interviews — 12 outstanding students, aged between 18 and 23, were chosen from around the world for this year’s cohort. Their mission: to represent Jain values, engage in meaningful exchanges, and immerse themselves in a journey of personal and collective growth in the USA.
This programme was made possible through the vision and dedication of the following committee:
- Rajendra Lunkar – Convener, JITO International
- Samir Sheth – Mentor, Knowledge
- Pravesh Mehta – Mentor, JYEP
- Ruchi Kankariya – Convener, JYEP 2025
On 2nd July 2025, the 12 participants met as strangers at Abu Dhabi Airport. Three weeks later on 25th July 2025, they returned home as family — bonded by shared experiences, cultural immersion, and life lessons that will stay with them forever.
Each city brought a mix of excitement for the next destination leaving behind the warmth of their host families. From New York to Atlanta, Washington D.C. to San Francisco, every home extended not just hospitality but love, care, and wisdom — making the participants feel truly at home despite being thousands of miles away.
The programme itinerary was rich and diverse:
- Cycling through New York City on e-bikes
- Touring the White House and U.S. Capitol
- Meeting U.S. Congressman Suhas Subramanyam
- Visiting several companies amongst Fortune 500 like Meta, Google, Cisco, Coke, Tesla, Crypto manufacturing
- Engaging with global leaders like Mr. Vimal Shah (BIDCO, Kenya)
- Attending the prestigious JAINA Convention 2025 in Chicago
- Learning at Stanford University about its influence on the global business landscape
Through every company visit, temple darshan and dinner conversation, participants absorbed valuable lessons in leadership, community, innovation and the seamless integration of Jain values into modern life.
One of the most inspiring observations was the unity of the Jain community in the USA. Across sects and traditions, people came together in temples and community events, reinforcing the belief that we rise by lifting each other.
From professional exposure to personal growth, from global networking to deep-rooted cultural pride — JYEP 2025 offered the participants a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to broaden horizons while staying anchored in values.
They returned with phones full of photos, hearts full of gratitude, and spirits filled with grit and determination. Indeed, JYEP 2025 has proven to be more than a programme — it was a transformational chapter in their lives.
JITO Ahmedabad congratulates all participants and thanks the organising committee, host families and well-wishers who made this journey possible.