Dr Vinod Kapashi OBE has lived in the UK for more than 50 years. He is a Civil Engineer but retired early to pursue social, charitable, and religious activities.
He has written 21 books on Jain and non-Jain topics. His PH. D. thesis on Nine Sacred Recitations was widely acclaimed by critics. He is an Executive Committee Member of the World Congress of Faiths. Vinod was the president of Mahavir Foundation for 22 years and has provided a temple for the local community. He has presented his papers in four assemblies of the Parliament of the World’s Religions held in Chicago, Barcelona, Melbourne and Capetown.
Vinod is also a trustee and Vice-president of the Navjivan Vadil Kendra, which is working for the betterment of senior citizens. He has also written several plays and short stories besides two novels in Gujarati.
Vinod was awarded the prestigious honour of OBE in the Queens Honours List in 2018.
Questions:
Which place or city or country do you most feel at home in?
I feel at home in England. This country has given me my bread and butter and much more. I have been able to pursue charitable, social, and religious activities freely in this country. There are no significant socio-economic and other problems in this country. India is the place of my birth and I like Indian cultures too.
What are your proudest achievements?
My achievements are as follows: I have taken keen interest in religious and non-religious literature and have studied most holy books in quite a detail. I, with the help of others, have established a Jain temple for the local community. I am a founder trustee and past president of the Mahavir Foundation. I have done many charitable activities and have collected money for the various causes. I have gained Ph.D here and have published 21 books. I am working for the betterment of senior citizens and received many awards. Have received OBE from H M the Queen besides other awards in India and the UK.
What inspires you?
Something inside me keeps guiding and keeps advising me to work and work for others. The good books and the lives of many people inspire me day and night. I feel that I have been rewarded when I see the smile on people's faces after I help them. This is one of the biggest satisfactions.
What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
Not many obstacles but we have to be patient. Nothing happens overnight and we have to pursue hard. Sometimes you feel that people around you do not understand or appreciate you but that is the way of life. Perhaps our Karma!
Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My wife and of course biographies of some past great personalities. Work carried out by great people inspire me and I think that I have not done enough. But I have also learned that one can only do certain things as he has been guided (or restricted) by lots of other forces.
What is the best aspect of your current role?
I still lecture on various subjects. I am also working for the Navjivan Vadil Kendra (Senior Citizens club) and keep our seniors occupied and help them. I provide the benefit of my knowledge and experience to various organisations including the Institute of Jainology (OneJAIN)
And the worst?
Minor health issues prevent me from working hard and sometimes the attitude of few people here and there takes you back in terms of enthusiasm.
What are your long-term goals?
Keep serving people. Keep doing social-charitable activities I also want to write few more books and travel more. But I will not be disappointed if these do not materialise.
If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
Well, very difficult question but I can say one thing. I will try to be recognised as the common men's (and women's) Prime Minister. Will be frank, sincere, and approachable. Not saying that present PM lacks these qualities. These are just my views.
If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
I would like to spend my time with Mahatma Gandhi and would learn few more things from him. He was a good environmentalist and good saint cum political figure. This will give me a good opportunity of understanding him more.
