Jain Spirit 2003 03 No 14

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

Page 18

GETTING CONNECTED TO
INDIAN CULTURE
Young Jains UK were one of the major | November in Birmingham, Britain's participants in 'Get Connected', a high- second city. The Diwali Mela in profile extravaganza showcasing the Birmingham showcased various Indian sub-continent's rich culture, aspects of young Indian lifestyle in lifestyle and spiritual essence, which Britain today. The visitors enjoyed a took place on 26-27 October 2002 at wide range of activities and presenLondon's Alexandra Palace. A group of tations relating to meditation, yoga, singers from Young Jains UK Ayurveda, food, faith, culture and performed a devotional song (stavan) entertainment. The Mela was attended about universal love. The song was by Clare Short MP, the British then expanded to incorporate all faiths, Secretary of State for International in order to show the commonality Development. between all religions. The Young Jains UK team also gave a presentation on compassion and service in the community and how these values can be put into action to make a positive difference in people's lives. If you are interested in finding out about the Young Jains UK service projects please contact Sohin Shah by e-mail on sohinshah5@yahoo.co.uk
'Get Connected' received much support from a number of faith-based organisations, and British Prime Minister Tony Blair wrote a personal letter to the organising team endorsing the initiative.
'Get Connected' is an initiative that brings together faith-based and cultural youth groups of the Indian diaspora community in the UK, with the aim of encouraging a better understanding of Hindu and Jain spirituality as well as Indian culture amongst the people of Britain. In addition to the London event, 'Get Connected' also held a similar event to celebrate Diwali on 16
Getected.
Young Jains Singers (from left to right): Anil, Adarsh, Jatin, Sohin, Punit, Kala, Jyoti, Ranjan and Sunanda
SINGING OUT FOR PEACE
www.peace-not-war.org is an international network of musicians raising funds for the global peace movement, putting music out there to inspire people towards nonviolent action against the 'War on Terror'.
On 9 December 2002, the network released a double-album entitled Peace Not War, featuring pro-peace and anti-war songs, including contributions by top artists such as Nitin Sawhney, Public Enemy and Ms. Dynamite. Lyrics and streaming audio are being made freely available on www.peace-not-war.org. Peace Not War is a diverse collection of songs from different genres and cultures - mass protest is making a difference around the world and these musicians can inform and motivate people to stop the war. Peace Not War is available in record stores in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada. It can also be ordered from the web site. In all cases the proceeds from selling the compilation will go to the UK-based Stop the War Coalition and other peace groups internationally to fund their protests, educational and musical
events.
GLOBAL NEWS
OBITUARIES
Mrs. Nayana Surendra Haria died on 30 October 2002, in London, aged 47. She was a keen student and teacher of art, especially in Rangoli, participating in demonstrations and workshops including the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum in London. Nayana inspired many children through her art classes.
Mr. Chirag Chandra Shah,
a
highly successful young investment banker, passed away suddenly in December 2002. Thousands of people attended his memorial service. He was very well respected by young people throughout the community. His employers, Goldman Sachs expressed their appreciation for his significant contribution to the firm in a short span of time.
Mr. Babubhai Kapadia died in November 2002, in Manchester, aged 83. Babubhai was the highly respected President of Jain Samaj Manchester, and a pioneering leader who has left a great and lasting legacy to his community. He was a gentle, personable man, who led by example and will be held dearly in the memories of all who knew him.
Mr. Somchand Shah died in London in November 2002. He lived most of his life in Nairobi and was a dedicated leader and community patron, having inspired many organisations and individuals in Kenya and all over the world. He was a successful businessman, who was very religious and concerned about the spiritual upliftment of humanity.
March May 2003 Jain Spirit
15