Jain Spirit 2003 10 No 16

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

Page 10

GLOBAL NEWS
MAJOR EXHIBITION BRINGS INDIAN SPIRITUALITY TO LONDON
having an innovative and evocative approach to the watercolour medium, his tableaux are characterised by the earthy spice tones associated with the agricultural landscape of Gujarat and with the Indian vegetarian cuisine. The strength of Shanti Panchal's work lies in his ability to depict a wide range of experiences, influenced by vivid memories of the people and the colours from his own past. He regards his memories critical to his creativity and succeeds in sharing them through the characters of his paintings, who are often transfixed in moments of high drama, tension and tragedy.
Shanti Panchal, acclaimed Londonbased figurative painter and Jain Spirit Art Consultant, enjoyed a major solo exhibition of his work during the month of June. The exhibition, hosted by the MP Birla Millennium Gallery in London at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, included his most recent watercolours.
Executing only a few paintings per year, Shanti Panchal combines an Indian spirit and a Western form in his work. Though he no longer paints the Gujarati village life of his childhood, his work is still pervaded by the spiritual intensity of India. As well as
AHIMSA MIGHTIER THAN NUCLEAR WEAPONS
PATHIRACING Zife
Jalmandir temple at Pavapuri in the northern state of Bihar, a site sacred to Jains as it was where Lord Mahavir attained nirvana. Dr. Kalam's visit was an historic occasion as it was the first time that an Indian President had been to Jalmandir. Moreover, the visit was arranged at the special request of the President himself, who listened with great interest as the significance of the site was explained to him by Pradip Jain, a prominent member of the Jain community. The President was said to be particularly moved by the experience of praying at Jalmandir. At a special
President Kalam with Pradip Jain
On 30 May 2003, Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam enjoyed a red carpet welcome when he visited the
Jain Vishwa Bharti, an international organisation based at Ladnun in Rajasthan recently opened a new centre in London. They already have centres in Houston, Orlando, New Jersey and various parts of India. Shramanis Pratibha Pragya and Jina Pragya have been sent on a full-time basis to promote Jain learning and practice. Shramanis take all the vows of a Jain nun except for the restrictions relating to travel and food. They are both well-trained and keen to make a difference. In the few months that
8 Jain Spirit September November 2003
Shanti Panchal and his work
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NEW JAIN CENTRE OPENS IN LONDON
Shramanis Pratibha Pragya and Jina Pragya have been in the UK, they have also visited Jain communities outside London. The London Centre hosts regular classes on yoga, Preksha Meditation and Jain scriptures, and personal consultation is also available by appointment. The centre is located at 22 Oxgate Gardens, London, NW2 6EB. Shramanis Pratibha Pragya and Jina Pragya can be contacted via telephone on (+44) 020 8452 0913 and via email on: jvblondon@yahoo.co.uk
Shramanis Pratibha Pragya and Jina Pragya
अभिन्दन
पावापुरी
INLEY
Welcoming the President to Pavapuri ceremony to mark his visit, the President stated that the power of ahimsa (non-violence) is mightier than that of nuclear weapons.