Another First : Courses in Jainism in Singapore, Perth & KL

Malaysian Jain Sangha had expressed interest last year through Mr Bhaskarbhai P Chitalia in running the FOUNDATION IN JAIN STUDIES course there. This course has been on offer in London for many years. It did not happen that year but the interest was revived earlier this year and two more Sanghas became interested.

Eventually, the three coordinators from KL, Singapore and Perth worked out a time table which would allow the course to be delivered in all three cities in one tour lasting five weeks. Our Trustee and Hon. Secretary, Dr Harshad N Sanghrajka worked with the three coordinators and finalised the program. In all three centres seven day courses were arranged with a special two day course in Malacca. Two sessions were delivered each day, in Gujarati during the day and in English in the evenings.In all cases, extensive use of time was made on Saturdays and Sundays.

Additionally a One Day workshop was run in KL and Perth with selected new topics.

The grand success of the tour is easily summarised in the feedback received from Western Australia and Singapore. KL Sangha was also overwhelmed but is in the process of sending their feed back:

Mr Rakesh Shah, President of Western Australia Jain Sangha Inc wrote:

“Your clarity of thought, depth and lucid presentations with clear notes, and the veryprofessional standards, including the use of technology, precise timing and comprehensive broad coverage of all topics has taken the Jain Community in WA by a storm. We have never seen such a powerful commitment and regularity of attendance here, and it is clear that you gave what the public wanted. We are all proud to be Jains, but you showed us why and also brought back the missing link between us and our culture. For your information we had over 150 people everyday for a continuous ten days listening to you for 2 hours daily. In addition most of the people were present for the full day on Sunday too. For Perth this is a record.”

Mr Mayur Ghelani, President, Singapore Jain Religious Society wrote:

“We had been apprehensive during the planning phase of staging the courses as to the number of participants that would commit to attending an intensive 20hrs course across 7 days! However, we were most pleasantly surprised with the overwhelming interest & desire to learn; and the numbers attending speak for the excellent “engagement” of participants, garnering their commitment for the same.

Unanimously, ALL who attended found the sessions & overall course highly informative. They also acknowledged the extensive efforts in the preparation of the content & materials; as well as the knowledge and ability of the Instructor to keep them coming back for more ! “

The Hon. Secretary deserves commendation of all the Trustees for having excelled in carrying out this highly successful mission on behalf of the Institute and above all promoting the true understanding of Jain philosophy in the far flung corners of the world.

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