Jain Spirit 2003 03 No 14

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

Page 10

GLOBAL NEWS
INDIA WOOS ITS DIASPORA
government's commitment to pursue closer ties with the Indian diaspora. Mr. Vajpayee emphasised that India would value these ties not just for economic reasons, but also for the opportunities to share experiences: "We do not want only your investment. We also want your ideas. We do not want your riches, we want the richness of your experience. We can gain from the breadth of vision that your global exposure has given you." There was much celebration as the Prime Minister announced dual citizenship for people of Indian origin in certain countries. Although there were concerns raised that this measure was not inclusive enough, it was an initiative that was generally welcomed. On a postive note, there were other announcements that demonstrated the Indian government's good intentions. For example, delegates learned that the Indian Parliament was already considering a Bill to establish a welfare fund for overseas Indian workers; and there was a plan to reserve seats in Indian educational institutions for the children of the NRIs in the Gulf.
T he essence of the Indian
government's message to the global Indian family lay in these words from the Prime Minister: "We would like to create an environment in India which will make you want to return, not just for sentimental or emotional reasons, but in the conviction that you can excel in this country as much as you could anywhere else in the world." There was much networking and discussion over the three days and a general sense of bonhomie amongst the delegates. Everyone left feeling hopeful about the better ties with India in the future if all that was said and promised by the Indian government was indeed implemented
The Indian government, in a drive to fortify links with the vast global Indian diaspora, designated 9-11 January 2003 as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or India Day. The three-day meet in New Delhi was billed as the largest ever gathering of the global Indian family, and the 9th of January was chosen to begin this seminal event as it marks Gandhi's return to India from South Africa. The decision to host such an event was taken by the Indian government following the recommendations made by a High Level Committee on the Indian Diaspora chaired by the prominent Jain Dr. L.M. Singhvi.
After welcoming non-resident Indians and people of Indian origin from all over the world, Prime Minister Vajpayee invited them to share the vision of taking India into the new millennium. Almost 2000 delegates from 60 countries had gathered for this event, and on the whole they were cheered by the Indian
Dr. L.M. Singhvi, Chair of the High Level Committee on the Indian Daispora, was the chief architect of the India Day event
A CELEBRATION OF NATURE AND HUMANITY WITH THE QUEEN In August 2002 the British interfaith wars and visible physical acts of violence Alpa and Paarul, supported by Punit, an organisation, the Alliance for Religions but to violence in the hearts and minds of accomplished young tabla player and and Conservation (ARC) held in London human beings, their lack of concern and Shilaben on tanpura, performed both the its biennial assembly of the leaders of compassion for their fellow humans and English recitation and the Gujarati member faiths in the presence of HM for the natural world. Ancient Jain texts rendition. Shilaben was presented to HM Queen Elizabeth II as part of her Golden explain: violence is not defined by actual The Queen who graciously discussed Jubilee Celebrations. The purpose of the harm, for this may be unintentional. It is Indian music with her. All five members assembly was to highlight the vital role the intention to harm, the absence of perform regularly at the Young Jains that faiths play in discovering our place compassion, that makes action violent. 'Sweet Harmony' monthly evenings in in existence and contribution to conser- When violence enters our thoughts, we London. vation. The event was celebrated on 13 remember Tirthankara Mahavir's words: The Jain community's 'sacred gift' November at the splendid Whitehall "You are that which you intend to hit, to humanity was the building of a new Banqueting Hall, with Jainism being one injure, insult, torment, persecute, torture, village, 120km south west of of the ten faiths represented at the event. enslave or kill."
Ahmedabad. The village of Ninama was The Jain community was The Institute's message continued totally destroyed in the Gujarat represented by the Institute of Jainology, with the recitation of an English earthquake two years ago when its 1500 which promotes Jainism through art, translation of the song Maitri Bhavnu inhabitants became destitute overnight. culture and education. The Institute's Pavitra Zarnu, followed by a classical Eight London-based Jain organisations address to ARC and HM The Queen was rendition of the same song in Gujarati. and Shishukunj UK pooled their based on the Jain principles of The song was written by prominent Jain resources and raised funds under the compassion and non-violence. The first writer and speaker Shri Chitrabhanuji, banner of Gujarat Earthquake Relief part of the address was a passage from and is based on Verse 6 from Chapter 7 Fund (GERF) to help alleviate the the Jain Declaration on Nature: "The of the Jain scripture Tattvarthasutra. sufferings of the earthquake victims. teaching of ahimsa refers not only to Three talented young Jain singers, Palvi,
March - May 2003 . Jain Spirit
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