Jain Spirit 2003 03 No 14

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

Page 17

GLOBAL NEWS
LONDON WARMS TO TALES OF GUJARATI ROOTS
Jain Spirit and an eager audience at the London School of Economics warmly welcomed Mira Kamdar, the acclaimed author of Motiba's Tattoos, as she launched her book in the UK on 21 October 2002. Mira had the audience enthralled as she read selected extracts from Motiba's Tattoos, a book which the British had already been given a taste of through its serialisation in Jain Spirit. The book takes the reader on a fascinating journey into the past as the author traces the history of the Gujarati side of her family, starting from the era in which her grandmother was a young girl. The curious audience, many of them members of the British Gujarati diaspora community, gladly took the opportunity to ask Mira about her bicultural background and the experience of going back to her Gujarati roots as she researched this book. Jain Spirit is pleased to report that the event was a resounding success, with rewarding interaction between Mira and the audience who also took this chance to have their own copies of Motiba's Tattoos signed by the author herself.
NEW ADDITIONS TO THE TEAM Falguni Patel from Manchester has just been appointed as a Director. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about Indian culture and the U.K. voluntary sector. She has a Master's degree from the School of Oriental and African Studies. She has already been involved as News and Youth Editor of the magazine, and will be the Guest Editor for Issue 15, which comes out in June 2003.
James Maturin-Baird, a photographer and designer, has joined the team as freelance Photo Editor. He replaces Alison Kent, who did a wonderful job in improving the quality of pictures and the layout of the magazine. James is embarking on a photo tour of India in February 2003 with the Executive Editor. Gordon Woods continues as Graphic Designer.
14 Jain Spirit March May 2003
SCOTLAND PROMOTES INTER-FAITH RESPECT
The campaign to promote 'Respect among Britain's faith communities, originally launched by HRH Prince Charles in Birmingham, received a new boost in Scotland on 29 October 2002. The project was officially launched at the Signet Library in Edinburgh in the presence of Dr. Jonathan Sacks, the Chief Rabbi who spoke eloquently of the need for tolerance and respect to all peoples and cultures in today's turbulent times.
INSIDE JAIN SPIRIT
Nearly 300 entrepreneurs and professionals from all walks of life participated in the third annual Chopda Poojan at the Oshwal Centre in London. The event is always held on Diwali Day and there is a strong emphasis on educating participants on the meaning and significance behind this ancient ritual. Aimed at appeasing the gods to bring prosperity, it also encourages participants to elevate their life and use the prosperity for the betterment of society. Originally initiated by Jain Spirit, this annual event
BUSINESS ETHICS ENCOURAGED
He expressed his delight at the involvement of the Jains in this campaign. His latest book, The Dignity of Difference, is having a significant influence on inter-faith dialogue and the importance of religion as a moral guide in today's society. Over 100 people representing a wide range of organisations attended the event, which was covered on radio and in newspapers. The Jains in the UK were represented by Dr. Atul K. Shah, Editor of Jain Spirit.
has now become a regular feature of London's spiritual life where Young Jains and the Oshwal Association are copartners. The Poojan was conducted and translated by Mr. Sobhag Shah. For the Chopda Poojan of 2003, book your diary for Diwali now and prepare to elevate your life! The event clearly
demonstrated that when Jain culture is explained and events are professionally co-ordinated, lasting results can be achieved.