22nd January 2015
All photos from the event can be seen and ordered from here: http://www.oshwal.tv/hrhvisit/
Marking the Institute of Jainology’s 25 years, a special Ahimsa Anniversary Award was presented to The Prince of Wales during his first-ever visit to the UK’s largest Jain Temple in Potters Bar.
Chairman of the Institute of Jainology, Nemu Chandaria OBE, and Rex H Shah President of Oshwal Association UK greeted HRH The Prince of Wales.
Arshna Sanghrajka, an expert on Jain Temple architecture, then took HRH The Prince of Wales on a tour around the magnificent and unique Jain Temple.
Thereafter, a reception was held in the newly refurbished Assembly halls of the Oshwal Association UK, where HRH The Prince of Wales met members of the community, inter-faith representatives and other distinguished guests such as the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Mayor and Mayoress of Welwyn Hatfield and the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, amongst others.
HRH The Prince of Wales was then presented with the Ahimsa Award. The Award is presented annually by the UK Jain Community at an event celebrated as ‘Ahimsa Day’, at the House of Commons in October to commemorate the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. It is given to individuals who show compassion and tolerance to humanity, animals and the environment. To see HRH The Prince of Wales’ speech click here.
Dr Mehool Sanghrajka from the Institute of Jainology (Executive Director of the JAINpedia project), said:
“For so many years you have emphasized the critical importance of taking better care of this interconnected and increasingly fragile world. You have been a resolute champion of the natural environment and have been unwavering in your appeal for action for a sustainable future, while yourself advancing a range of practical initiatives to further this goal.
The Ahimsa Award also recognizes the contribution you have made to encourage interfaith dialogue, a greater mutual understanding amongst adherents of the world’s faiths and acceptance of religious diversity.
Your words and actions have resonated with us and we wish to acknowledge and encourage them.” To see his full welcome and citation click here.
HRH The Prince of Wales finally commemorated the visit by unveiling a special plaque and being presented with a book from the Institute of Jainology portraying on this landmark visit.
Mr Chandaria OBE of the Institute of Jainology, which represents all Jain organisations in the UK, was delighted and said that:
“There are 30 Jain community organisations in the UK, and we are all united under the ‘One Jain’ banner; with the Institute of Jainology representing Jains in government and inter-faith matters. Indeed, we are proud to have had so many faith leaders, and now HRH The Prince of Wales visit the Dersar at Oshwal Centre, UK.”
The Institute of Jainology was founded with a goal to spread awareness of the Jain philosophy and values through the disciplines of art, culture and education. At the heart of Jainism is the belief in compassion and non-violence towards all living beings.
The Institute of Jainology
The Institute of Jainology (IOJ) was founded in 1986 with a goal to spread awareness of the Jain philosophy and values through the disciplines of art, culture and education. At the heart of Jainism is the belief in compassion and non-violence towards all living beings. In 2014, the IOJ was elected by UK Jain organizations to lead on all Government and inter-faith matters.
www.jainology.org
Oshwal Association of the UK
The Oshwal Association of the UK (OAUK) is a registered charity and the largest Jain Organisation in the UK. Established in 1968, it now has 15,000 members and its base in Potters Bar is home to the Jain Derasar as well as recently refurbished community Assembly Halls which His Royal Highness will officially open.
www.oshwal.co.uk
Jain Derasar
Jain Derasar in Potters Bar is the largest Jain Temple in the UK and was completed in 2005. It is the only Jain Temple in Europe to be built using the ancient Indian architectural style. The Temple is a collaboration of Indian Architecture working in conjunction with British architects and engineers. Built in a traditional style based on beams and counter balance, the structure is free of steel. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and set in 80 acres of green belt land it is a place of peace and beauty. The Temple attracts visitors from schools and interfaith communities as well as worshipers.
The Ahimsa Award
Ahimsa Day publicly identifies Jainism with the concept of non-violence and has been celebrated by the UK Jain Community since 2002. The annual event usually takes place at the House of Commons in October to commemorate the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi and includes the presentation of the Ahimsa Award in recognition of individuals who show compassion and tolerance to humanity, animals and the environment. To mark the Institute’s 25 years, a special Ahimsa Anniversary Award will be presented to The Prince of Wales for his work encouraging inter-faith dialogue and greater understanding of different religions, his passion for protecting the environment and nature, and his commitment to the creation of sustainable communities for future generations.
Photo Credits: Ravin Mehta
For further information contact:
Bansri Mehta, Institute of Jainology.
bansri.mehta@jainpedia.org