This year is 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and it is being commemorated by several Indian communities in the UK during this year by holding a variety of programs and events. OneJAIN, the union of UK Jain communities are proud to announce a ‘Planting for Peace’ flagship tree-planting project to celebrate the life of Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary by creating Ahimsa Peace Forest and Peace Garden in Kenton Harrow.
This project, which will be celebrated by all Jain organisations together has been initiated by Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur (SRMD), a OneJAIN member during the National Interfaith Week in November. The project is supported by the Harrow Council and the Indian High Commission. The project in the first phase will involve the planting of 1500 trees in November and is likely to cost between £15,000 and £18,000. The second phase will be the creation of Peace Garden commencing next spring.
It is hoped the providing a permanent Ahimsa Peace Forest and Peace Garden in the midst of an urban area will promote non-violence, one of the cardinal principle of Jain faith.
The funding for the project will be raised from the community by encouraging sponsorship of planting the trees at a cost of £10 per tree. Jain families and organisations are expected to contribute to the bulk of the funds but other communities will also be encouraged to participate.
Young children have already taken up the sponsorship enthusiastically with the prospects of ownership of a tree and an opportunity to care for it while it matures. Visit Virgin Money Giving ‘Planting for Peace’ campaign.
Leaders of the Jain organisations in London had gathered at the Kenton Road Jain temple on Sunday 25th August to commence the planting project symbolically. First two trees were planted by Mr Nemu Chandaria, Chairman, OneJAIN and Mr Mayur Mehta, Chairman SRMD. Dr Vinod Kapashi, Chairman, Mahavir Foundation recited the verses from the Upanishads for the universal peace. President of Oshwal Association, Mr Nilesh Shah, Secretary, Navnat Vanik Association Mr Amit Lathia along with leaders from Veerayatan, Shree Raj Saubhag, Navug Pragati Mandal and Vanik Association were also present. That small gathering also collected the first sponsorship funds for over 250 trees.
