1993 & 1999 Parliament of the World’s Religions
The IoJ played a crucial role in the Jain attendance at the Parliament of World’s Religions, arranging to have all Jain delegates under one umbrella, preparing information leaflets on Jain art, literature, festivals and Jainism in the modern world. A special display was also created to commemorate the attendance of the first Jain representative (Virchand Raghavji Gandhi) at the first Parliament in 1893.
1995 Peaceful Liberators: Jain Art from India at the Victoria & Albert Museum
The first ever international exhibition of Jain art and the only European showing. The exhibition co-ordinated by the IoJ was attended by oer 55,000 visitors and presented Jain art as a vital element in India’s rich cultural heritage. Before this, Jain art had never recieved extensive coverage. Over 120 works of art spanning over 2,00 years was on show. The exhibition was an eye-opener, as little if anything was known about Jainism in the West. For the curators and co-ordinators it was a labour of love. For the thousands who visited it was a rare visual and spiritual treat. The remaining funds from the exhibition formed the ‘Jain Art Fund’, which has been part of an ongoing project by the V&A and the IoJ to increase the understanding of the Jain faith and its heritage.
2000 Millenium Dome
The Faith Zone in the Millenium Dome was a significant part of British celebrations marking the new millenium. Over two years the IoJ managed and co-ordinated with several British Jain organisations for the Jain section in the Faith Zone. Approximately 6.5million people visited the dome during the year 2000.
Ahimsa Day
The presentation of the Ahimsa Award takes place during the annual Ahimsa Day event, which the IoJ established in 2002. The IoJ invites speakers on non-violence, education and other themes in line with Jain principles. This London event is hosted by MPs who have large numbers of Jains in their constituencies or who have an interest in or connections with India.
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