Jain community leader Shri Jaysukh Mehta has been recognised in the Honours List released on the birthday of King Charles III.
He has been awarded the BEM (British Empire Medal) and the award has been conferred in recognition of his efforts to unify Jain organisations across the UK and establish 'One Jain,' as well as for his humanitarian work. Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, congratulates him on behalf of the entire Gujarati/Indian community for this honour.
Born in Uganda, he moved to London for further studies after completing his school education and earned an honorary degree in electrical engineering from Imperial College. After gaining work experience in Uganda and Nigeria, he joined the family business in London. In 1995, at the age of 53, he retired from the commercial world by selling the family business and dedicated himself to spiritual life and humanitarian activities.
Currently, he is serving as the Managing Trustee of Shree Raj Saubhag UK and since the past 25 years he has been a Trustee of the Institute of Jainology. For the last six years, he has also held the position of Trustee for the Navnat Vanik Association.
By nature, humble and soft-spoken, Jaysukhbhai and his wife Ilaben have been making significant contributions to charitable activities in both the UK and India for around thirty years. He has played a pivotal role in the establishment of 'One Jain.' His contributions to the recognition and representation of Jainism in UK society at both social and governmental levels will remain enduring.
Shree Raj Saubhag Ashram in Sayla has allocated substantial funds for large-scale humanitarian activities. These funds are utilised to benefit individuals living below the poverty line in both the long and short term. The establishment of a secondary school for girls, programs like teachers' training, youth empowerment, and organsing medical camps etc in Sayla have become integral parts of their service activities.
During the pandemic, with the support of the 'One Jain' team, he found joy and satisfaction in organising health seminars, programs offering advice and guidance in Gujarati with the help of expert doctors, distributing medical supplies, and assisting the needy. With full support from his family members in these activities, he is dedicating his time, energy, and resources to serving the community.
Social service and charitable work are invaluable legacies that he received from his mother. Responding with pride to receiving the award, Jaysukhbhai stated, “This award will encourage me to further promote Jainism and expand my charitable activities. I sincerely thank all those who have supported and guided me in my projects. Without them, I would not have been able to achieve this success.”
