Westminster, 5th March 2019
The Institute of Jainology (IoJ), the international Jain organisation promoting Jainism in government and inter-religious affairs, held its Jain All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) met at the House of Commons (HoC) to celebrate the birth anniversary of its 24th and last enlightened teacher, Lord Mahaveer.
The Jain APPG was organised as part of the IoJ led ‘One Jain’, representing the 30 Jain community organisations.
Harrow West MP, Gareth Thomas, Chair of the All-Party Group, welcomed everyone to the House to celebrate the Lord Mahavir’s birth anniversary. He also used the occasion with many Jain community leaders present to launch the petition for a Jain tick box on the 2021 census by Navin Shah, GLA Member for Brent and Harrow. This petition is supported by all parties in the GLA and all major faiths.
Deputy Chair Bob Blackman, MP for Harrow East, confirmed that the APPG had met with the Cabinet Office, and would continue to meet with ministers to ensure that Jains were properly represented in public service policy and funding decisions.
Lord Dholakia of Waltham Brooks, added his support to the campaign.
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth, Minister for Faith, added his welcome and noted how his department had played a major role in ensuring that Jains were represented at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday. He then awarded the 2019 OneJAIN Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr Harshad Sanghrajka MBE, for 50 years of service to the Jain community worldwide.
Mr Nemu Chandaria, IoJ Chair commented; “We were grateful to have had the opportunity to pay our respects at the Cenotaph to those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. We are now seeking to ensure that the Jain community, that shares the values of modern Britain, is fully represented in the 2021 Census.”
Other awards in the evening went to Mrs Sushila Shah (Winner – 2019 OneJAIN Community Award) and Mrs Shakuben Sheth (Highly Commended – 2019 OneJAIN Community Award).