Jain Digest 2015 06

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

Page 18

JAIN DIGEST
THE HISTORY OF Dar es Salam
he Jains started to migrate into Eastern Africa in the later part of 18th century mainly to Uganda and Zanzibar and later to Tanganyika. Around 1885 some people started to arrive in Dar es Salaam. By 1930 the population of Jains reached 100 and on 15th August, 1930 the Jain Sangh was officially established.
As the influx of Jains continued the desire for more and more religious activities became stronger culminating in renting a building in 1940 to carry out the religious and social activities. Initially a portrait of Lord Mahavir was placed in the building.
place at one place. Having this idea in mind the Sangh purchased a building in 1950 along Jamhuri Street which was later disposed off.
In 1957, two plots were acquired along Menden Street for building a Derasar, Upashraya and Social halls. The foundation stone of the Sangh Building was laid by Shah Fulchand Kalyanji Bhanji on 13th October, 1957. The Jains of entire Eastern Africa including Zanzibar contributed generously towards this historical project. The prominent elders of the time worked tirelessly to make this historic project materialize and in 1958 their dream came true. On 3rd August, 1958 the present Jain Sangh Building was officially opened by Late Shree Ramji Kara Shah.
By the year 1950 the population of Jains reached 500 mark and the stalwarts of the Sangh thought of having their own Mahajanwadi, housing Derasar, Upashraya, Social Hall, Pathshala, etc., so that all Sangh's activities could take
The auspicious Pran Pratistha Mahotsav was conducted on 27th August, 1958 and idols of Shitalnath Bhagawan, Ajitnath Bhagawan and Sambhavnath Bhagawan were installed in the Derasar.
18 I MAY-JUN 2015