Jain Spirit 2005 12 No24

SR No.: 529004
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains
Publication Year: 2005
Total Pages: 102
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, UK_Jain Spirit, & UK
File Size: 21 MB

Page 49

FEATURES
he vast distance between India and Africa is bridged by the Indian Ocean. When in 1899, Hirji Kara and Devji
Kara travelled to Kenya in a dhow, little did they know that they were to start a whole revolution in the migration of Jain culture and values. It is as if a vast bridge was built for culture to travel inward and further outward to the West, via the channel of Africa. Even in the UK today, the majority of Jains are from East Africa. To me this vividly demonstrates that the only thing that lasts is culture, and the Karas certainly were the pioneers of a unique legacy. The challenge today is for us to use the media technology of the twenty-first century to take this culture global. And we have the means to do it - let us build the will and march forwards positively and proactively.
One of the greatest success stories or this migration has been economic - this is true of most Jain migrations anywhere in the world. Success in any field requires discipline, hard work and integrity. These qualities come naturally to Jains. Also commerce is one of their key professions, so it was commerce which helped them to succeed economically. In those early days, the community was at the centre of all activity, and hence mutual support in business was commonplace-it was almost as if everything was done collectively. The fact that basic quality infrastructure for education and medical care did not exist, brought Jains together to work for a common cause and build and manage these institutions for future generations. Some of these schools and hospitals that were built then are today top in the country, thanks to that early vision and dedication.
giving women tremendous importance - something which is rare today even in the UK and North America where the wives of leaders are not visible on stage.
The port town of Kenya, Mombasa, is a beautiful island in the Indian Ocean with coastal reefs and lovely views of the sea. In the early 20th century, the hinterland was not developed so it was here that the first settlers arrived and stayed. It was also here that the first authentic temple was built in the heart of Mombasa town in 1963. When the new temple at Oshwal Centre in London was completed this summer, it will have also completed a generational transfer in heritage and culture, not from the shores of India, but from the continent of Africa. Far from becoming diluted, it is amazing to witness how the Jain culture has renewed itself outside India without losing any of its authenticity. It demonstrates that in-built in this is the timelessness and borderlessness of the Jain religion.
As a child growing up in Africa, I was fortunate to be exposed to eminent lecturers from India, the most prominent of which were Gurudev Chitrabhanuji. Prof. Ramanlal Shah and Dr. Taraben Shah, Mr. Shashikant Mehta, the music of the late Shantilal Shah, the late Babubhai Kadiwala and many others who continued the connection with the homeland. Community leaders of that time were bold and visionary, and passionate about keeping the culture alive even among the young generation. The main temple in Nairobi was built much later in 1981, and therefore my peers at that time missed out on this early foundation in culture. It is only now that Nairobi is experiencing a revival of interest in our culture, thanks to the pioneering work done by young people keen to transfer culture and values to their children - the Young Jains.
I visited Mombasa in May 2005 and went to the temple on a Sunday. It was almost as if I had never left it. The whole place was buzzing with activity, with a jaap in the upstairs prayer room, a pathshala for children next door, worship and pooja being done by regular worshippers in the temple, lunch being prepared in the ambelshala by women volunteers, elders meeting at the entrance having a casual conversation. The photos alongside this article demonstrate this spirit - many readers who originate from Mombasa will be flooded with old memories when seeing these.
I was fortunate to be one of the grandsons of this temple, which became a focal point of a whole new revolution in Jain knowledge, lifestyle and wisdom. Daily poojas, the celebration of every festival, lectures by eminent scholars and even pathshalas for children brought the whole community to this complex on a regular basis. They came for peace and inspiration and carried this with them to faraway places. Even in terms of multi-faith dialogues, this temple was pioneering with visitors from different faiths and public events open to all the residents of the town. Looking at some old photographs, I was astonished to see my mother on stage at major community events, accompanying my father who was a community leader. Here again, the Jains were very liberal,
Today, there are altogether some 10,000 Jains in Kenya. Over one hundred educational, charitable and spiritual institutions have been founded and are still being managed by them. The 21" century poses new opportunities and new challenges. Education is the greatest asset and can help transform the community to new levels, provided it is put to selfless use. Unfortunately, modern education manages to convert people into selfishness, egoism and materialism, and we need to deal with this. Perhaps our progress has been more material and less spiritual, and in studying our past we will understand the endurance of spiritual wisdom. Let us learn to draw from it and live by those ancient timeless values.
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Atul Shah is the Executive Editor of Jain Spirit. This spread was designed by Chris Brook.
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