Jain Spirit 2002 03 No 10

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

Page 11

GLOBAL NEWS
CITIZEN SOLDIERS
Dr Sushil Jain, who serves in the US Army
The tragic events of September 11 followed by the "war on terrorism" drew the attention of Indian Americans across America. Half a century ago, when Indians started immigrating to America, loyalties were divided between their homeland and their country of residence. However, the new generation of American born Indians are proud of their identity as Americans. Dr. T.G. Patel, a retired Navy Captain and nephrologist, recalls that he volunteered because "...it would give me a sense of belonging to this country". Capt. Patel was in his forties when he took the decision to join the forces. He now feels patriotism comes to him easily after so many years in service.
Among the many Indian doctors who are serving in the American Armed forces are Brigadier General (B. Gen.) Ravindra F. Shah, a Jain, who three years ago was promoted to Commander and Battalion Surgeon of the NY State Air National Guard, and Navy Captain Sushil Jain who is serving as an eye care consultant to the former and current U.S. President, Senators and Congressmen. Captain Jain is also currently serving in the honorary capacity as Vice President of the Federation of Jain Associations in North America, Many think that people like B. Gen. Shah and Capt. Jain, who volunteered for service, probably do not see any action. "Not so," says B. Gen. Shah, "you serve in various capacities and not everybody is in combat. We could be asked to serve anywhere including deployment to the front, to support in combat right opposite enemy lines or in armed forces hospitals hundreds of miles away from the action."
The U.S. born Indian-American Jains have a very different
approach as compared to the older generation. Their reasoning is that they joined the services because they were intrigued by the adventure, the possibility of seeing real action and fighting for a good cause. Jains in the armed forces have made significant contributions in practising their religious beliefs, including establishing a dehydrated combat Meal Ready to Eat (MRE) without meat, eggs, onions or garlic. The emergency kit for the last rites on death include the Jain scripture, Tattvartha Sutra, and other necessary items. Jains had a tough time getting a waiver from "drafting" during the Vietnam War. However, Jains now have the opportunity to declare their religious objection regarding bearing arms and handling other weapons.
MADONNA RISKS FRIENDSHIP
RSCPA DIRECTOR SUPPORTS CRUELTY
Fashion designer Stella McCartney is angry with her once best friend Madonna after the pop diva confessed of her new found "hobby" of pheasant shooting. McCartney, designer of Madonna's wedding dress is a vegetarian and avid animal rights activist. Stella recently bought a million pound estate in England where she banned any form of hunting on the premises." wouldn't be surprised if Madonna is banned from the estate as well," said a friend of McCartney.
The animal rights group Viva! have called upon the council of the RSPCA to sack its director general, Peter Davies, after he claimed that intensive 'factory' farming was necessary. International director of Viva! Julliet Gellately said in response: "This is a statement of unparalleled ignorance and stupidity which directly encourages the worst kind of farming practices and mass animal abuse." The spokeswomen then went on to say that intensive farming for meat was destroying the global environment, impoverishing the developing world and damaging human health.
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Jain Spirit . March - May 2002