Jain Digest 1986 11 Vol 04 No 04

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 17

NEWS FROM ABROAD! NEWS FROM ABROAD!
FOUNDATION LAID FOR
KALYAN NIKETAN
Shikarjee, Bihar. Under the spiritual inspiration of Acharya Kalyan Sagar, Kalyan Niketan Complex, a major Jain Religious Renaissance centre at Shikahrjee consisting of Jain Siddhant school, Namokara Mantra Bhavan, Lord Parswanath Hall, an industrial training center, fine arts building and a hospital for cattles and birds, had been on the planning. The task has now moved one step further.
The foundation stone laying ceremonies were recently held for Kalyan Niketan. Mr. Nirmal Kumar Sethi, President of Jaina Mahasabha, was on hand to lay the stone. In this connection a 4-day celebration consisting of Namokar mantra chanting, flaka Dhiksha, Kshulika Dikhsha and other cultural events were organized.
WORLD CONFERENCE ON AHIMSA - ANIMAL PROTECTION - NUTRITION
Delhi. An International Conference on Ahimsa-Animal Protection-Nutrition was held in Delhi for 5 days. India's Minister of Health, K. C. Panth, Dr. D. C. Jain, Gurdev Chitrabhanu and delegates from different corners of the globe participated in the conference.
Gurdev Chitrabhanu's theme of the address was, "Toward a More Humane Existence." In his address, Gurdev explained of how holyness will be felt when visits are made to the Temple or piligrimages undertaken but fail to realize that life itself is holy. "Consciousness" Gurdev said, "is what we do to fellow beings, human or otherwise, and this basic truth Lord Mahavira preached centuries ago in favour of love and compassion is still true today". He concluded that our civilized choice in favour of love and compassion takes a leap Toward a More Humane Existence.