Jain Spirit 2003 03 No 14

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

Page 11

GLOBAL NEWS
DYNAMIC SPIRIT: SCIENCE, SOCIETY AND GLOBALISATION
On 6-8 December 2002, NHSF (UK) in London presented a unique and innovative conference entitled "Dynamic Spirit' on the themes of science, society and globalisation. The conference aimed to act as a catalyst for today's youth to start and take an active and constructive role in shaping the future of our world. Dynamic Spirit offered a refreshing new approach to some of the challenges
that lie before humanity by considering them not only from a political but also a spiritual and holistic perspective.
The conference drew on the ancient wisdom of Hindu scriptures that are not only religious works but also rich mines of academic and philosophical discourses on things such as science, the environment, politics and sociology. It attracted a wide range of speakers - writers, academics and international experts from different parts of the world. Speakers included Brother Reuben Thuku from the Theosophical Society of East Africa; Dr Gautum Sen, lecturer in Politics of the World Economy at the London School of Economics and a senior consultant to the UN; Professor Raman Gokul, a consultant and medical expert at the University of Manchester who has lectured widely on science and alternative medicine; Dr Bhan, a key adviser to the British Government on inter-faith issues and religion; and Dr. Atul Shah, Executive Editor of Jain Spirit. The conference addressed topical issues such as the war on terror, genetic engineering and biotechnology through lectures, interactive workshops, discussions and debates.
NHSF (UK) inaugurated the
Rt. Honourable MP Barry Gardiner in conversation with conference delegates Dynamic Spirit conference at the House of Commons and attracted a full house of 175 delegates. They also enjoyed an entertaining play based on the Bhagavad Gita, performed by the members of the Bharatiya Vidhya Bhavan at Imperial College London on Saturday evening. The concluding lecture on Sunday was delivered by the freelance scholar and columnist, Dr Koenraad Elst at Brent Town Hall in north west London, home to a large Indian diaspora population. Dr. Elst has written on a variety of topics such as multiculturalism, Hindu revivalism, ancient Chinese history and philosophy, comparative religion and the Aryan invasion theory. For more details, visit www.dynamicspirit.com
Delegates registering for Dynamic Spirit weekend
MUMBAI MESSENGER OF PEACE FÊTED IN NEW YORK On 16 September 2002, the Chair of the Jain Confederation (WJC). The WJC culture of peace. He stated that the World Jain Confederation Board of aims to promote non-violence globally, time had come to begin a worldwide Trustees, Mr. Pratap Bhogilal and Mr. Pratap Bhogilal emphasised Jain movement, such as is being addressed an audience of prominent that Jains and people of other faiths facilitated by the WJC, in order to build Jains in New York on the need for must join hands in achieving a global a better world for future generations. concerted efforts to promote
Mr. Pratap Bhogilal is a a culture of peace and non
prominent Indian industrialist violence. Mr. Pratap
who has made valuable contriBhogilal and his wife
butions to commerce, charity, Bhagwatiben from Mumbai
education and religion. His were warmly received at a
contributions to society were dinner meeting organised by
officially acknowledged by the Arvind and Ila Vora from
Honourable Anthony Santino, New York. He spoke to the
who presented him with a assembled members of the
Certificate of Recognition on New York Jain community From left to right: Mr. Arvind Vora, Mrs. lla Vora,
behalf of the Town of about the work of the
Mrs. Bhagwati Bhogilal, Mr. Pratap Bhogilal and Hempstead, New York. recently established World
Anthony Santino. 8 Jain Spirit . March - May 2003