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EIGHT MEN, ONE ROOM
JAN GOODEY and MONICA PERDONI report on the outcome of this year's G8 summit
n 5-8 July 2005, just outside Edinburgh, in Gleneagles, Scotland, the G8 was held: billed as the most important to date. Leaders of the top eight industrial powers came together to discuss the global economy. This year, UK Prime Minister Tony Blair found himself in the chair and addressed fellow leaders on climate change and world poverty, focusing on aid needed in Africa.
KENYA WOMAN OF STEEL
uring my recent trip to Kenya, I had the good fortune to meet this unique Jain. Kanchanben told me that she really wanted to show me her book. I wondered what it would be, and she took me to her car to present me with a copy. It was the souvenir of the new Jain temple in Kisumu, Kenya, which was primarily sponsored by their family. At the age of eighty, she published her first book - and was
INDIA
PRESIDENT CONSULTS ACHARYA
ndian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Jain spiritual leader Acharya Mahapragya have been closely associated for six years. On their first ever meeting the Acharya advised the president, who is known as the architect of India's nuclear missile development programme, to devote the rest of his life to preparing 'peace missiles', according to a release issued by the Jain leader's office. From then on the President has kept a watchful eye over the programme, bringing a real heart to India's highest office. He is now looking towards stamping out
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African poverty was at the top of the agenda, thanks to the international LIVE 8 concerts and the Make Poverty History campaigns held world-wide in support of fairer trade and an end to the misery of hunger and related disease. Sir Bob Geldof, the figurehead for the Make Poverty History campaign, talked of the beginning of the end of poverty in Africa and an equal footing on trade.
Although only a small ripple when a sea of change is needed, the outcome achieved was widely perceived in the press as positive. The target of 50bn dollars for extra aid to poor countries was met, although that only comes into effect in 2010, and an end to agricultural subsidies was agreed in principle, although a firm date is yet to be set.
On the environmental front focus shifted to what would happen when the current Kyoto protocol comes to an
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so proud about it! She described the hurdles: getting good material, typesetting, design, pictures, printing-we in Jain Spirit know how hard all this is, but she did it from scratch and on her
corruption within the economic system and once again he has turned to Acharya Mahapragya.
The Acharya has recently arrived back at his South Delhi Ashram after a 5000 km Peace Yatra, which covered several states. This is where Kalam visited him on 4 July, to coincide with the week of his 86th birthday. Their 40-minute discussion included the Acharya entrusting him with the daunting task of reforming the faulty system of modern economics by preparing a complete action plan.
His description was that "the plan should be based not only on the principles of modern economics but integrated with inter-disciplinary research in diverse branches like science, sociology, psychology, philosophy and religion." He went on to say that "unless a new concept of development replaced the 'lopsided
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end in 2012. Even though new targets for cutting carbon emissions were not yet set a hugely missed opportunity - America has at last come to the climate change table along with other countries outside the Kyoto Protocol including China, India and Brazil..
Razorlight, performers at LIVE 8, spreading awareness of the cause. Ray Burmiston/Comic Relief.ltd.
own and produced something quite remarkable. Of course, she is also very famous for her determination in helping the poor in her neighbourhood with her personal hands. She also drives a car at this age and is very independent. It seems that everyone in Nairobi knows her and she knows everyone. She seems totally driven by her Jain values and is truly selfless and determined. Despite being a multi-millionaire, there is no ego and she is determined to help people in every which way whilst she is alive.
It is such stories which really inspire the Jain Spirit team to keep listening, travelling, connecting and writing. Keep up the good work all you Jains out there! - and to our sponsors: please continue your support and encourage others to support this unique magazine.
PS Kanchanben is effectionately known as 'Handbag Kanchanben'.
ATUL K. SHAH, Editor
materialistic' one, there could be no solution to the problem of corruption."
Kalam and Mahapragya have been associated for many years with the Foundation for Unity of Religion and Enlightened Citizenship as benefactors. They are jointly writing a book on healthy individuals and noble nations.⚫
Achary Mahapragya Amit Mehra.
Indian president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Dinodia.com
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