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JAIN DIGEST
At the beginning of the last century, 1910-1925, young Oshwals started migrating to Thika, Kenya from India. By 1935, population had grown to 280. They worked tirelessly, to get established. In 1934, community formed Shree Visa Oshwal Gnati Mandal. Many worked in small retail businesses. The first factory "Kenya Tanning Extract Co. Ltd."was started by Meghji Petharaj and others. Jain Pathashala started in 1942. First Ghar Derasar was opened in 1952, with 3 idols, mulnayak Mahavir Swami, Shree Dharmanath and Shree Neminath.
24I MAY-JUN 2015
In 1963, Kenya became Independent. Between 1990 -1998 community worked to make shikhabandhi derasar. With the help of the Jinchandraji Maharaj. Pratistha Mahotsav took place on 3rd Feb. 1998. Shree Parshvanath and Aadinath Bhagawan Idols were added. In 1998, Chandan Vidyapith Pathashala and adult classes began and continued. Upashraya, hall building opened. For last few years Tapovan scholars have been invited to share their knowledge of Jainism. Almost 300 Jain families are in Thika.
Visa Oshwal community, Phone 254 773498989, info@thicaoshwal.org
Compiled with the help of Hitesh M. Dhanani
