Jain Spirit 2001 12 No 09

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

Page 18

GLOBAL NEWS
Mahavir in Leeds
For nearly 25 years, the Yorkshire Jain Foundation under the leadership of Prof. Kanti Mardia have been organising regular community gatherings and seminars. This year was a crowning glory when a statue of Lord Mahavir was installed inside the local Hindu temple. On Sunday 7th October Jains from all over the country congregated in Leeds to celebrate this major achievement. H.E. Dr. L.M Singhvi, the former Indian High Commisioner to the UK opened the event with an outstanding speech on the unique contribution of Jain and Hindu dharma to the history of India. Coach loads of Jains came from London, Leicester and Manchester to participate in the celebrations and pooja.
Dr L.M. Singhvi making a point to Mr Suresh Shah and Prof. Mardia
Celebrates Mahavir's Ideals
The Rashtiriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) devised six resolutions during their Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) held in Delhi earlier this year. The first resolution was for all Shvayamsevaks to participate in the anniversary celebrations of Lord Mahavir. The Hindu organisation strongly believes in the ideals and beliefs embodied and shown in the life of Lord Mahavir and they strongly urge Shvayamsevaks to draw
14
Jain Spirit December 2001 February 2002
ENRO
Young Ashwin next to the new Mahavir Statue
A young volunteer at the event
inspiration from the last Jain Tirthankara. The fifth resolution titled "Cow Protection" was drafted due to the increase in the number of cattle slaughtered every year. As a result, the number of cattle per 1000 people has dwindled from 430 in 1951 to just 50 today. The ABPS have urged farmers and villagers to come forward to protect and promote the cause of the cow. The RSS is a unique grassroots movement which educates young people about character and values all over the world. Many Jains are active in Sangh and some are senior leaders.