Jain Spirit 2000 03 No 03

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 23

FEATURES
JAYU SHAH
Children can be encouraged and supported such that they radiate joy wherever they go.
HUMILITY ENRICHES LIFE
An interview with Mrs. Kusum Vinod Shah, MBE
L
rare leader in the UK Jain community and winner of a Queens Award, Mrs. Kusum Shah talks to Atul Shah
a bout her experience, suggesting ways in which women could be encouraged to take an active role in the promotion of Jain values. Where were you born? I was born in a small town in Kenya called Kitui in 1948. I lived there until the age of twelve and it was a wonderful childhood. The majority local African population were very warm, and there was a tremendous spirit of peace and community. We then moved to Mombasa where I did the rest of my schooling. I went to India for four years to do a BSc degree, and returned to Kenya where I got married, finally settling in England in 1974. On what grounds were you awarded the MBE from the Queen in 1998 Ever since I arrived here, I have been working in the civil service for the Department of Health and Social Security, where I am currently an Executive Officer in the Finance Department of the Benefits Agency. There are ten people who report directly to me. My Award nomination was sent by my employers, based on the quality of my work, and any other community service.
I have been involved with the Gujarati School in South London since 1983, where I am the Headteacher. About 200 children have so far graduated with GCSE O levels in Gujarati. We also teach about Indian culture, festivals, art, music and
stories and literature. Students also perform plays and write their own songs. There are about ten teachers who work closely with me. I feel teamwork is vital to anything. We cannot clap with one hand - both are necessary. To create a team spirit in community work is not an easy task, as often there are a lot of frictions. You clearly have been very successful. What is your secret? With any new tasks, there will be problems at the beginning. I also think it is very important to listen to others and hear their viewpoints. In this way, everyone feels respected and a part of the team. I feel through unity, a lot can be achieved. How has Jainism influenced your life and success? Ahimsa and Anekantvada, love and tolerance, are principles at the core of my life. There is a respect for the views of others and a sense of peacefulness and friendship. Jainism gives us very positive practical guidance to happy living. My parents were never dogmatic, and they had respect for all religions. My late mother was always teaching us how best to live life with a respect for God. Jainism is in essence a non-discriminatory tradition. However in practice, there is discrimination, especially in community activities, where it is usually men who are in charge. Also in Jain homes, women still often serve quite tradition roles. You are a rare exception, in that you have been both a professional employee and a community leader.
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Jain Spirit . March - May 2000
Jain Education Interational 2010_03