LONDON, 10th May 2017. The Institute of Jainology (IoJ), the international Jain organisation promoting Jainism in government and inter-religious affairs, today launched the first Jain general election manifesto in the UK for the forthcoming election in June.
The manifesto, under the umbrella of OneJAIN – which represents all UK Jain organisations, was launched at the Oshwal EKTA centre by former Harrow MPs Gareth Thomas (Harrow West, Labour) and Bob Blackman (Harrow East, Conservative) who are Chair and Deputy Chair respectively of the Jain All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).
The manifesto set out five points seeking representation and recognition for Jains in civic life and government, and in national events and census. It also seeks to ensure that any caste legislation is not passed without a clear assessment of its impact.
The event was attended by over 150 Jain leaders and community members, and included Mr Sachin Shah (Leader of Harrow Council), Mr Navin Shah (Brent and Harrow Member of the Greater London Assembly).
Mr Navin Shah is standing as a candidate in Harrow East and has endorsed the OneJain Manifesto.
The evening started with both MPs signing the manifesto to show their support. Lord Navnit Dholakia, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords and Deputy Chair of the Jain APPG, was unable to attend, but wrote to say that he was also in support of the manifesto.
Mr Nemu Chandaria, IoJ Chairman, said “this is a manifesto for the Jain community in the UK. We are a part of the multicultural fabric that is modern Britain and contribute significantly to society, local affairs and the exchequer. We want to ensure that Jains play a full part in the future of our country.”
Mr Mehool Sanghrajka, Director of the IoJ, chaired the evening with the audience asking both MPs questions on both local and national matters including Brexit, Policing, NHS, education and care and access for the elderly.
The event ended with both MPs calling for Jains to become active in both campaigning and voting.
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About the Institute of Jainology
The Institute of Jainology (IoJ) was founded in 1986 and is an international organisation promoting Jain philosophy and values. It represents all UK Jain organisations in government and inter-faith matters under the umbrella OneJAIN.
Over its 25 year history, the IoJ has co-hosted the Peaceful Liberators exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum London, published the Catalogue of the Jain Collection at the British Library, and launched the Jainpedia.org encyclopaedia.
For more information see www.jainology.org and www.jainpedia.org
Press Contact:
Bansri Mehta
+44 (0) 20 8236 1018
bansri.mehta@jainpedia.org