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JAIN DIGEST
especially those species which are in danger of dying out. 5. Jainism and ecology should become part of basic eduction for children and young people.
6. A campaign to explain the interdependence of trees, other living beings and humanity would encourage people to act with more care and respect for nature.
7. Active participation in the movement to stop all slaughter-houses operating during Jain holy days will not only save animals from slaughter but also promote the ideal of ahimsa and vegetarianism.
8. A structure to implement these ideas.
Jain Delagate to the Palace, Ahmedabad, India Coordinating-Committee
H.R.H. Prince Philip being introduced to International Jain leaders In Buckingham Palace. Prince Philip is shaking hand with Mrs. Sharayu Daftary (Bombay).
Jain Education Intemational
Declaration gives Jainism place of honor.
he presentation of the Jain Declaration on Nature to
THRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, at Bucking
ham Palace in London was an event of great historical importance and far-reaching social signifigance.
The presentation and discussion of Jain ecology with HRH Prince Philip, who is the International President of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), signalled the entry of the Jain religion into the Network on Conservation and Religion. The Network was established in 1986 on the occasion of WWF's 25th anniversary because WWF recognised that its highly successful conservation work with governments and national organisations was not enough to solve the global crisis. It needed the committed co-operation of the general public everywhere. This could be best achieved by inviting religious leaders and their communities to actively participate in a Network on Conservation and Religion. In joining this Network, the Jain faith becomes its eighth member-faith alongside the Baha'i faith, Budhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism. For the first time in history eight religions of the world have categori
cally stated in a Declaration on Nature that their beliefs lead them to conservation.
The alliance has given the Jain religion a distinct place of honour among the major religions. It offers a rewarding opportunity for the international Jain population to play a prominent role in the conservation of nature in accord with the principles and code of conduct clearly laid down by our ancient and practical religion.
It is very gratifying to find that this distinctive position of honour and opportunity for Jainism has been achieved mainly through the imaginative leadership and efforts of the Oshwal and Navnat Vanik Associations of the UK and the Bhagwan Mahavir Memorial Samiti of India.
The constructive but difficult work involved in this achievement was conscientiously and persistently carried out by the devoted, experienced and capable members of the Co-ordinating Committee: Shri Nemu Chandaria of the UK, Professor Padmanabh Jaini of the USA and Dr Kumarpal Desai of India. The necessary guidance and help to the Coordinations Committee was continuously and willingly provided by Mrs Kerry Brown, the enlightened and efficient consultant of the World Wide Fund for Nature.
The work of drafting the historic Jain Declaration on Nature was ably carried out Dr L.M. Sighvi, president of the Indian Supreme Court Bar Association; Pujyashri Atmanandji, spiritual head of Shrimad Rajachandra Kendra at Koba; Dr N.P. Jain, former Indianambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg; Professor P. Jaini, Chair of Buddhist Studies at Berkley, University of California; Dr N. Tatia of the Jain Vishva Bharati currently lecturing at Harvard Divinity school, Professor D. Malvania of Ahmedabad; Acharya Shri Tulsiji, and Maha Paragayaji.
Jains all over the world will, no doubt, remain forever grateful to these distinguished organisations and personalities for their services in securing international status for Jainism and in planning the participation of Jains in solving the grave modern day problem of ecological discord and the destruction of many forms of life in the world.
It is also a credit to the various Jain associations and prominent Jain personalities in the UK to have not only organised the fine and dignified presentation of the Jain Declaration to HRH Prince Philip but to have also organised a programme of associated events including:
*The lunch, informal gathering, religious rituals, cordial send-off and hearty welcome back from Buckingham Palace at Shri Nemu Chandaria's spacious residence on October 23.
*The dinner and celebratory function at the Oshwal Centre, Hertsfordshire, on October 24.
*The visit to Leicester, reception by the mayor of Leicester and welcome of international delegates at the Jain Centre, Leicester, on October 27.
*The radio broadcasts by the BBC World Service, London Broadcasting Corporation and Sunrise Radio.
*The documentary film show and welcome at Kingsbury High School on October 28.
In all these programmes, the presence and discourses of Pujyashri Atmanandji Atmanadji created a sacred and auspicious atmoshpere. At the same time the contribution of the Page 29
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