H E Cardinal Tauran Chairman of the Pontifical Council for Inter Religious Affairs visited UK recently specifically to meet the Jains, Sikhs and Hindus in their drive to build closer relationship with these religions. He visited the Shikharbandhi Jain temple at the Oshwal Centre Potters Bar. His party was hosted by both the Institute of Jainology and the Oshwal Association of the UK. He addressed some 300 Jains gathered for the occasion He said; “….The rise of religious fundamentalism and the increase in the instances of inter-religious tensions in different parts of the contemporary world seem to make the sceptics of religions blame religion for all the ills affecting society. Let there be no doubt that religions are the cause of love, unity and peace and if any religion teaches the contrary, is no religion at all.” His talk was followed by an exchange of views from both Roman Catholic and Jain perspectives on theme of non violence as a contribution to peace. Prof Nalini Balbir gave the Jain perspective and Father Barnes the Roman Catholic.
Jain International Trade Organization (JITO) has taken an initiative to see our Jain community as a united, powerful and the most respected community. The community is in the need for very strong leadership for the directions and the vision for very long term future. The community is becoming smaller and smaller and further getting fragmented. As on date, different Jain sects are having divergent views on many important issues involving all the Jains in general, for example – minority status of Jains as a community, atrocities heaped on Jain sadhus and sadhvis, damaging of Jain Tirthankars Statues (recent case of Narlai) and other burning issues such as celebration of Jain festivals. JITO hosted Jain Conclave on 14th April, 2013 in Mumbai.
NTU University of Singapore offers an excellent opportunity to a doctoral graduate to join an international university in an environment that is favourable to Jains.
We have from time to time published details of the new stamp releases with a Jain theme. Mr Pradip Jain, an avid philatelist from Patna, India thought his collection of issues of Jain stamps since 2009 may be of interest to our readers. Two sheets of his collections are detailed below, we thank Shree Pradip[…]
President of India inaugurated Seminar on “Solution of Global Challenges through Mahavira Philosophy”in Rashtrapati Bhawan Auditorium “Ahimsa, Anekanta and Aparigraha can provide answers to many modern day problems” – President New Delhi, 22nd April 2013:HonrablePresident of India Shri Pranab Mukerjee inaugurated the seminar on ‘Solution of Global Challenges through Mahavira’s Philosophy’on the occasion of Bhagwan[…]
A public address with the above title will be delivered by Dr Harshad Sanghrajka on 12th May 2013. Time: 10am to 12 pm Venue: Oshwal Mahajanwadi 1 Campbell Road Croydon Surrey Open to all This lecture is presented with the aid of Powerpoint slides in English. and discussion in English peppered with Gujarati where essential.[…]
Dr Harshad N Sanghrajka was appointed by the Directors of Institute of Jainology to represent the JAIN community world-wide at this ceremony. It is the long standing relationship of the Institute with The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue [PCID} at The Holy See, Vatican, which is the reason we are invited at all their international[…]
Institute of Jainology has established itself as a representative Jain organisation in the UK and world-wide over the past 25 years. The first important event was the Jain delegation which presented the JAIN DECLARATION ON NATURE to HRH Duke of Edinburgh at the Palace when Jainism became formally recognised as the ninth religion in England. […]
A vast treasure trove of ancient Jain monuments, sculptures and artwork in and around Madurai, existence of which is unknown to most Jains is being made more accessible by the Tamil Nadu Jain community. The local community in Tamil Nadu got together and raised sufficient funds and have built a Heritage Centre in Madurai at[…]
21st October 2012 The Institute of Jainology and JAINpedia team were delighted to attend the Yorkshire Jain Foundation’s annual Swami Vatsalya Bhojan on the 21st of October, to mark the eleventh anniversary of the inauguration of their Murti of Lord Mahavira. The programme began with a gracious welcome to all by Hemant bhai and Preeti ben,[…]