Jain International Trade Organization - JITO USA - kicked off its New York Launch Event on Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan (NY). The presence and participation of a packed audience on such short notice made this truly memorable evening a grand success and allowed JITO USA to convert the New York Prelaunch into an official Chapter Launch, with 15 Founding Benefactors/Chief Patrons and 41 Patrons, who pledged over $425,000 in less than 30 minutes.
The JITO USA NY Event was attended by over 250 Jain Professionals and Business Leaders, from diverse industries and backgrounds, from the New York Tri-State Area and across the USA. The audience’s enthusiasm and positive energy about the mission of JITO was inspiring and motivating to everyone. The organizing committee for the event included Mr. Prem Jain (California), Mr. Sanjay Lodha (India/Dubai), Dr. Sushil Jain (Virginia), Mr. Kamlesh Mehta (California), Mr. Dipak Doshi (Illinois) and Mr. Rajeev Pandya (New York).
Distinguished & Motivational Speakers for the event included: Mr. Naveen Shah (New York), Mr. Ashok Sancheti (New Jersey), Mr. Sandeep Shah (New York), Dr. Raj Bhayani (New York) and Dr. Ajay Lodha (New York).
Event Details:
JITO New York was organized at Rockefeller Center, with over 300 guests invited specially for this grand ceremony. The Program started with the Navkar Mantra, followed by the opening remarks given by Mr. Rajeev Pandya on importance of JITO for the US community and the impact JITO USA can have for future generations of Jains in America.  Mr. Kamlesh Mehta, Senior Vice President Worldwide Engineering - Virsec Systems, introduced Mr. Sanjay Lodha - Chairman of the JITO International Wing who travelled all the way from India for this event.
During his speech, Mr. Sanjay Lodha covered the journey and achievements of JITO in India and abroad, over the last 10 years, making it the largest Jain Trade organization in the world.
Mr. Lodha explained how JITO would help all Jains in America to be united in achieving economic empowerment, via global synergy and networking, while citing the example of the Jewish Community’s significant achievements in America through the Art of Giving and the Jewish culture of helping each other.  
Mr. Lodha also covered a number of initiatives for economic empowerment under JITO such as JBN (Global JITO Business Network) and Incubation Centre for Start Ups.  He also briefly covered the recent London JITO event, which was attended by participants from 24 countries, making it one of the largest Jain gatherings under the JITO International Wing. He concluded the launch event with a pledge to all the Jains to join the JITO organization, which was well received.  
Mr. Prem Jain, CEO and Founder of Pensando and Dr. Sushil Jain, CEO and Founder of Refractive Surgical Center covered why they joined JITO, the benefits of a JITO membership, various activities JITO is planning in the US, and how Jains will be able to leverage JITO in their future success.
Mr. Naveen Shah (New York) spoke about the Power of Networking.  Mr. Ashok Sancheti (New Jersey) spoke on “Be Connected and Stay Connected for Life”, using examples of how Jewelry businesses are keeping families happy and united. Mr. Sandeep Shah (New York) covered the topic of “International Trade and Opportunities” driven by his vast knowledge of the diamond industry over the last 3 decades.  Dr. Raj Bhayani (New York), the renowned ENT and facial Plastic Surgeon, spoke on “Becoming Politically Engaged! Why, Where and How?” and importance of Indian Americans to stay fully engaged in the political spectrum. Dr. Ajay Lodha, a Physician of Internal Medicine, covered the topic of “Progress of Indian Physicians in USA” and their significant contribution to the Medical field in USA. Dr. Lodha expressed that JITO should open a Medical Wing for Jain doctors to communicate and share their experiences in this global forum.
Following the speeches, all the new members took the oath of JITO from Shri Sanjay Lodha.  The event concluded with a networking dinner, and closing remarks that were spoken by Mr. Dipak Doshi, Founder and CEO of Protocol Link and Saga Global Staffing in Chicago. This event was sponsored by ASHI DIAMONDS, NY and The PANDYA JAIN Family Foundation (NY), and media coverage was provided by TV Asia and India Abroad.
JITO USA New York Launch Event Volunteer Committee included the following members: Mr. Rajendra Bafna, Mrs. Kalpana Gandhi, Mr. Aashish Shah, Ms. Jinal Avlani, Mr. Rajat Jain, Mr. Alok Jain, Mr. Sachin Nahta, Mr. Avinash Jain, Mr. Vijendra Rathore, Mr. Abhay Purohit, Mr. Mayank Patni, Mr. Rajesh Tiwari, Ms. Shrija Pandya and Mr. Paras Pandya. They worked tirelessly and diligently to put this program together in less than 4 weeks.
Event Vendors and Suppliers included the following: 3 West Club (Venue); Tandoor (Catering); Sweet Temptations by Neelu (Desserts); Sarigama International (Photo & Video); Paradise Flowers (Florist) and TV Asia and India Abroad (Media).
Our deepest Gratitude to all the New JITO USA Members for making this event successful!