JITO USA launched its Miami Chapter at the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs at Florida International University. The inaugural launch and charter ceremony drew more than 100 guests, including community members, families, professionals, youth, and academic partners, and closed with the installation of the chapter's first Executive Committee and the JITO oath taken by its founding members.
Dr. Arpit Mehta, the chapter's Chairman, and Amit Lunavat, its Secretary, welcomed the guests, followed by the Navkar Mantra performed by the newly formed JITO USA Miami ladies wing. Sapan Bafna, Secretary General of JITO USA, served as master of ceremonies. President Kamlesh Mehta and Chairman Dr. Sushil Jain spoke to JITO's mission and work, with Dr. Sushil Jain delivering the JITO presentation.
Florida International University hosted the launch at its Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs. Dean Shlomi Dinar gave an enthusiastic welcome and called for a lasting partnership between JITO and FIU, pointing to how closely the two missions align. The Green School educates the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow and works to advance global understanding and international dialogue, a purpose that mirrors JITO's own aim of connecting its community across borders and serving as a bridge to the world.
The setting carried a particular resonance. The first endowed chair in Jain Studies in the United States was established at FIU through JERF, and Sapan Bafna, an FIU alumnus, had helped bring that chair to life during his tenure as JERF's President. With JITO Miami now taking its wings from the same campus, the evening closed a circle that began with his own education there.
A central theme of the evening was the shared spirit among the community's leaders and organizations. Sapan Bafna noted that this collaboration, and the example it sets worldwide of Jains acting collectively, carries real and lasting impact.
The evening also opened a conversation on inclusion. In an engaged discussion with community elders, Prem Jain and Sapan Bafna explored ideas for how families with members who have disabilities can find meaningful participation and a genuine voice within the community, an area the chapter intends to carry forward as part of its work.
A congratulatory audio message from Bharat Desai, co-founder of Syntel, was played for the gathering, extending his best wishes to the new chapter.
Young Jains showed up in high numbers, and the program drew an enthusiastic response from them. Youth wing leadership will be finalized and announced shortly.