On Sunday 2 July, leaders of various Jain organisations of the UK gathered to celebrate the 10th anniversary of One Jain at Visha Oshwal's Ekta Centre in North London.
The main theme of this conference was to create awareness amongst the younger generation about Jainism, and its values.
Rumit Shah, President of Oshwal Association of the UK and the host of the event, inaugurated the conference emphasising the importance of 'One Jain' by saying, “It is a networking platform through which the identity and the contribution of the Jain community can be promoted to a wider audience.”
Dr Mehool Sanghrajka, Director of Institute of Jainology said, "Together we can inculcate the pride of being a Jain to the youngsters of our community and develop the ability to overcome the challenge of their identity." Considering the Jain population in the UK, there is a limited representation. Realising the importance of all this, we are committed to finding solutions within and outside the community which is imperative..."
Enumerating the achievements in the last decade by the establishment of 'One Jain', he added, “Unity prospered, and the unification strengthened the voice of our community. As a result, the Jain representation attained recognition on national level which is a significant achievement.”
Rajesh Jain of Jain Vishva Bharti said, “Samani Dr Pratibha Pragyaji and Samani Punya Pragyaji’s contribution to the community during their two decades in London was reflected in recent speeches during their farewell ceremony. Emphasising the importance of unity, Samaniji said that when we all work together, the possibility of achieving success increases.”
Sandip Shah of Oshwal Association, said that through advanced technology and English language if religious education is given to the young generation of the Jain community, it can reach wider audience.
Prof Ajay Shah from Jain Network invited everyone to attend the Pratishtha Mohotsav from 23rd to 27th August of the newly build Jain Centre in Colindale. Late Dr. Natubhai Shah's vision, guided to bring together all sects of Jains was recalled during the event.
Aditya Sanghvi of SRMD said that adding subjects like sports, service, holistic wellbeing, and philosophy will attract the young generation of the Jain community. He also shared the details of the Youth Festival which will be held in London by their organisation at the end of July. He also mentioned about the Shrimad Rajchandra Jain Maitridham Animal Hospital project inspired by Jain values, which has developed concrete work plan to build animal health facilities.
Amit Lathia, Director of IOJ made a significant suggestion, to compile important information on Jainism and create 'One Jain Resources Hub'.
Apart from this, Jaysukh Mehta, Dr Vinod Kapasi, Niranjan Sutaria and many others, reflected on the importance of 'One Jain' in their speeches.
