Jain Digest 2015 06

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

Page 25

JAINS IN UGANDA (1860-1972)
The Indian immigration to Uganda started around 1860s and the first Jain Ghar Derasar' was started in 1914 in Kampala. Among the pioneers who started 'Ghar Derasar' were Mithalal Devchand Mehta, Jesang Kalidas Mehta, Amulakh Dahyabhai Mehta and Mulchand Popat Shah around circa 1914. This was the first generation of Jains who sowed the seeds of Jain Dharma in Uganda and predominantly in the capital Kampala. This continued for about 20 years until the second generation of Jains became leaders and the increasing number of Jains felt the need for a proper place of worship. The first Jain Pathshala was started in 1942 with the help of three teachers who took the lead, they were Babulal Ratanshi Mehta, Maganlal Sanghvi and Ramniklal Ratanshi Mehta.
Around 1945-46, a 2400 sq.ft hall was acquired in Godinho Building in centre of Kampala. This was used for Pathshala and other Jain activities. In 1946, Shree Sthanakvasi Jain Sangh was established by group of trustees which included Virchand Mithalal Mehta, Hematbhai Amulakh Mehta, Jesang Popat Mehta and Harilal Harakchand Vora. A place of worship was acquired on Sne Bin Amir Street near Sanatan
Mandir.
As the years progressed, the Jain Pathshala became more active. Paryushan was regularly celebrated with great devotion and included evening pratikramans, numerous Tapascharya and children's programs. Aymbil Ori were conducted twice a year and women participated in increasing numbers.
The 1972 exodus of all Indians put a damper on Jain presence in Kampala. The military government confiscated the Jain Upashraya and converted it into a school. There were no Jains left in Uganda after 1972.
Around mid 80s, the change in Uganda government resulted in influx of new Jains from India. They worked hard towards a new place of worship and in 2012-2013, a new Shikarbandhi Derasar was opened in Kololo suburb of Kampala.
JAIN DIGEST
I have put the following account by talking to small clutch of surviving Jains from Kampala and some of the surrounding small towns in Uganda. They are in their nineties with fading memories.
Jain Samaj - Uganda (1990 onwards)
SHREE JAIN SAMAJ Uganda, In 1994, a small group of Jains came together and embedded with a view to start some social and religious activities, especially during Puryushan. These few Jains who came together were from all the three sects of Jainism (deravasis/ Sthanakvasis and Digambers), they started celebrating Paryushan/Das-Lakshna in all the three ways, celebrating a total of 18 days of Mahaparva.
In order to maintain Jain religion, 14 years ago a Gruh Mandir was established. In 2000 two Pratimajis were brought from India (Mahavir swami and Shree shantinath) and one came from Eldorate, Kenya(Shree Adeshwar dada). All these pratimajis are Anjan Shalaka Pratimas. Members of Jain Samaj perform daily pujas, weekly bhavanas and other religious activities. They continued old tradition of celebrating Paryushan in all the three different ways to maintain unity among sects. They organize Cultural Shows to raise funds for causes like School at MUKONO, food and clothes distribution to Sanyo baby house and other orphanages, medicines, television and clothes to MULAGO Hospital.
In a short span of time with few members, today Jain Samaj Uganda, has built a New Jain Complex in Naguru Hill, Kampala, Uganda, which they are pleased
to declare as the first of its kind in Africa. This one of its kind monument will consist of a Shwetamber Derasar,
Canada
Compiled by Dr. Mahendra G. Mehta, Toronto, Sthanakvasi Upasharay, Digamber Mandir, and Aaradhana Bhuvan together with a community hall, making it a very unique, monumental and wondrous structure here in Kampala.
by Devang B. Shah E-mail id-devang_b_shah@yahoo.com
25I MAY-JUN 2015