Jain Spirit 2003 12 No 17

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

Page 11

GLOBAL NEWS
dharma through non-verbal communication. In a play titled Without a Script, the Houston-based Shunya theater group enacted the moral dilemma in daily life faced by the young generation and actress Goldie Hawn addressed conference participants via live video conference. The Shanti-Shanti Sisters stole the hearts of everyone with their melodious chanting of mantras and particularly inspired the Indian American youth to learn more about their heritage. The ShantiShanti Sisters are of American origin and are the only Sanskrit rock band in the world. They kept the audience cheering till 1 a.m. in the morning.
The first-ever Global Dharma Conference came to an emotional close as key conference organisers and advisors shared their own sentiments and commented on the success of the conference. Conference Public Relations director Nikuni
Trivedi, in his vote of thanks urged all attendees to act dharmically, quoting from scriptures and speaking in Sanskrit: "Those who protect dharma, dharma will protect." In his concluding comments, Dr. Mahesh Mehta, a well-respected community leader and conference advisor, congratulated the youth on taking charge of tomorrow's leadership. Kanchan Banerjee, coordinator of HSC and chairman of the Dharma Conference Committee, offered "that the gathering of youth in the Dharma Conference would create a momentum that would have a global impact." While the Global Dharma Conference 2003 came to an end on 27 July, it was obvious from the excitement and motivation of the youth volunteers and organisers that such another event is certainly in the near horizon.
CHILDREN'S PARYUSHAN IN LONDON
ROM 24-30 AUGUST, JAIN children in London | donned theatrical costumes and presented the skit to the R enjoyed a journey into spirituality to mark Paryushan, adults, eagerly showing off their acting skills.
the Jain festival of self-renewal. Four Jain organi- On the last day there was a recap session on what sations - Young Jains, Jain Vishwa Bharti, Jain Association they had learnt over the past few days and it was a UK and Shravika Satsang Mandal came together to celebrate real success. On that last day, they learnt how to say and to give the children a taste of Jainism. The children Michchami Dukadam - meaning "forgive me for anything I listened to short stories on subjects like anger and greed as may have done to hurt you." The children thoroughly well have discussions with them on these topics. This opened enjoyed participating in the events. Ten-year-old Jaina Shah, up their minds and they started to give their opinions and "It's enjoyable. I really liked drawing with the artist and also views.
the meditation, because it was relaxing." Rajvee Punatar, a On the second day, renowned Jain artist Shanti Panchal mother of three who came with her children, was pleasantly was invited to lead a session with them. Through art and surpised: "My son never sits still for a moment but it was drawings, he explained Paryushan and the various aspects of surprising how he was disciplined during the yoga and Jainism. The children responded to the visual stimuli enthusi- exercises." Shaileen Shah's experience demonstrated just astically and were visibly having great fun. The next day, how quickly the children had picked up the salient points, Jain Spirit's Editor Dr. Atul Shah taught them how to learning while having fun: "My little nephew Khush came perform pooja, using rice. Focusing again on learning by home and started teaching all of us the way in which one doing, the children were asked to perform a little skit on the should do Michchami Dukadam with the appropriate 14 dreams that Lord Mahavir's mother had. The children actions."
Acting out the 14 Dreams
Carrying a 'dream"
Children performing aarti
Learning through play
PHOTOS: JAYESH GUDKA
December 2003 - February 2004 • Jain Spirit
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Jain Education Interational 2010_03