World of Conquerors

SR No.: 007722
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Natubhai Shah
Publisher: Natubhai Shah
Total Pages: 427
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 8 MB

Page 86

Birmingham. It is estimated that there are about 30,000 Jains in the United Kingdom, approximately 25,000 in London, 1,000 in Leicester and 500 in each of the cities of Manchester and Birmingham. By the mid 1990s, the community could muster 28 organisations, three of which are of particular importance: the Jain Samaj Europe, the Oshwal Association of the United Kingdom and the Navnat Vanik Association (UK). The Young Jains have also organised themselves and are working to promote Jain values, including vegetarianism.
Typical of Jain activity in the United Kingdom since the 1980s, is the establishment of places of worship and community activities. The Oshwal Association has established an Oshwal Centre comprising a temple and two modern purpose built halls with dining facilities, in an attractive setting at Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, just north of London. The Navnat Vanik Association has acquired a communal property in Harrow, close to areas where large numbers of Jains reside. The Jain Samaj Europe has established a Jain Centre in the city of Leicester. This centre is a major symbol of Jain unity, the first centre of its kind to embody co-operation among Jain groups by including in one building a Svetambar temple, a Digambar temple, a Guru Gautam mandir, a Sthanakvasi upashraya and a Shrimad Rajchandra jnaan mandir and an educational beautiful museum. Its fine Jain architecture, including elaborate interior and exterior carvings, has made it a major tourist attraction and place of pilgrimage for Jains. The Jain Samaj Europe has published books and a journal on Jainism. Jains are seeking to widen their activities through the creation of inter-faith' links such as the Jain-Christian Association, the Jain-Jewish Association and the Leicestershire Ahimsaa Society for the Care of Nature.
Jains are increasing their involvement with academic institutions through the Jain Academy, founded in 1991. The 1994 academic year saw the launch of the first undergraduate courses offered as part of an U.K. University degree programme. Based at the De Montfort University in Leicester, students are able to pursue studies in Jain history, literature, languages, society, philosophy and religion. The Jain Academy has also taken its first steps in forging international links and a 'Jain Academy Educational and Research Centre' has been established in the Department of Philosophy at Bombay University.