Sunday 8th May 2016 marked a landmark event in London that honoured the rich heritage of different cultures, the spirit of solidarity, and the universal goal of love. On this day, at the historic Union Chapel in Islington, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur UK (SRMD UK), organised a unique multi-faith concert, ‘Amazing Grace’, celebrating 50 glorious years of Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai, a spiritual visionary and the founder of this Jain organisation. Echoing His beliefs of universal love and peace, this event commemorated interfaith harmony through a beautiful candle-lighting Unity Ceremony, where Faith representatives stood in solidarity side by side, followed by a glorious display of performances and spiritually uplifting music.
Faith Leaders After Lighting the Candles for Universal Peace
A 600-strong audience comprising of faith leaders and members of nine of the world’s great faiths – Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Sikhism, Islam, Zoroastrianism and Baha’i – all convened to celebrate unity in diversity. Over 60 artists from across these faiths were brought together to host an astounding evening of inspirational music and poetry.
On this auspicious occasion, a charitable campaign to uplift underprivileged children in India by Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care, an initiative of SRMD for service to society, was supported raising over £50,000.
Mayur Mehta, President of SRMD UK commented, “We are delighted that all major nine world faiths united in the spirit of togetherness and peace to celebrate Pujya Gurudevshri’s 50th year. Each faith expressed their devotion in their unique manner with a beauty that captivated and enthralled the rejoicing multi-faith audience. At a time of rising conflicts, this was an important event to show that love and understanding are eternal values of all faiths.”
Special Guest speakers included Mr Navin Shah (London Assembly Member for Harrow & Brent), Deacon Reverend Jon Dal Din (Director of Westminster Interfaith) and Respected Samaniji Unnat Pragyaji (Jain Vishva Bharati).
There was a strong representation and support for this historic event from the Jain community with leaders from the largest Jain organisations attending the landmark occasion, thrilled that the cornerstone Jain messages of Ahimsa (love and non-violence) and Anekantvad (multiplicity of viewpoints) were highlighted in such a unique manner to a broad public multi-faith platform.
Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur is a global movement with over 80 centres, that endeavours to enhance the spiritual growth of seekers and benefit society. The Mission Statement is ‘Realise one’s True Self and serve others selflessly’. The inspiration for the Mission, Shrimad Rajchandraji, was the spiritual guide for Mahatma Gandhi and greatly influenced his philosophy of non-violence. Aligned to this is the message of tolerance, peace and love.
Unity Ceremony Faith Representatives: Representatives of the 9 major world faiths stood side by side in unity for a beautiful candle-lighting Unity Ceremony, spelling out the words ‘Love’ and ‘Peace’:
Jainism: Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai, Founder, Shrimad Rajchandra
Mission Dharampur
Christianity: Reverend Karen Stallard Minister of Union chapel London
Hinduism: Jai Nitai Das Edwards ISKCON London Radha Krishna Temple
Islam: Khalid Oumar Trustee & Secretary Finsbury Park Mosque
Buddhism: Venerable Galayaye Piyadassi Founder, Sri Sadhatissa
Buddhist Centre International
Sikhism: Gopaljeet Bhachu, Harrow Sikh Association
Judaism: Vivian Wineman, Past President, Board of Deputies of British
Jews & Co-chair IFN of UK
Bahai: Lina Mar Baha’i UK
Zoroastrianism: Malcom Deboo, President, Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe
Faith Performers: Representatives for different Faiths included:
| Jainism | Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur & Jain Vishva Bharati |
| Christianity | The B.I.G Choir |
| Hinduism | Kirtan London (ISKCON) |
| Islam | Mehboob Nadeem |
| Sufi | Breath of Poets |
| Buddhism | Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre |
| Sikhism | Raj Academy |
| Judaism | Jewish Music Institute |
| Unity Ceremony | Ashvini Kane |
| Finale | Art of Living Foundation UK |
Jain Organisations present: Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur UK, Oshwal Association of UK, Navnat Vanik Association, Mahavir Foundation, Jain Vishva Bharati UK, Institute of Jainology, , Jain Network, Veerayatan UK, Young Jains, Shree Raj Saubhag Satsang Mandal, Bhakti Mandal, Digambar Jain Visa Mewada Assoc, Jain Sangh East London & Essex, National Council of Vanik Assoc, Navjivan Vadil Kendra, Navyug Jain Pragati Mandal, Kutchi Oswal Jains UK, Young Indian Vegetarians.
For further information contact Manthan Taswala, SRMD UK email manthantaswala@gmail.com