Jain Spirit 2004 03 No 18

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

Page 11

NEWS 09
Media Breakthrough: BBC Launches New Website
Photo by Joyesh Gudka
Manchester Jain Centre
The award-winning BBC website, BBCi, with the address www.bbc.co.uk has launched a new website on Jainism. Jain Spirit cooperated actively with the BBC in the research and images for the website, and encouraged them to do an official launch at the newly built Jain Centre in Manchester on 7th December 2003. The local community and the Young Jain Students at Manchester University, led by Amil, Rajul and Roshnee, worked diligently for one month to produce a beautiful variety show and over 400 guests attended this beautiful event.
Mr. Alan Bookbinder, the Head of Religion & Ethics at the BBC, was very pleased that the ancient tradition of Jainism was now reflected in this new site, alongside Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam and other major religions. Madhvi Dalal, a highly accomplished dancer, performed some beautiful dances, with a tabla accompaniment. Samani Pratibhapragya from Jain Vishwa Bharti, London, conducted an excellent meditation session, showing that this is a very simple and practical way of practising ahimsa. Jain Spirit took the Photo Exhibition, 'Jainism - Ancient Tradition, Modern Values' to Manchester, and this was the first time it was shown in the UK. The Jain community in Manchester led by Mr. Jayendra Patel was an excellent host, working in unity, and provided a delicious home-cooked meal and warm hospitality.
Dr. Atul Shah, editor of Jain Spirit, gave a keynote address on the urgency of marketing Jain culture. He explained that today, many people ask us how to spell the word Jain, as they know nothing about it, despite the fact that the values are more relevant than ever. Even within the community, a large number of young Jains in the West know little about the religion and are either negative or apathetic about it. In today's age, media is influential and we need to embrace modern methods of marketing' the timeless values of Jainism. Jain Spirit has taken on this bold mission on an international scale, and achieved a huge amount in a short time. Apart from publishing the magazine, we have built up strong relationships and networks all over the world, which keep on growing. Jains all over the world have a wide range of skills and abilities, and a good medium would connect, inform and help unite them in a positive way.
We are honoured by the partnership with the BBC and look forward to developing this in the years to come. Mr. Alan Bookbinder, and the Website Editor, Jennifer Redmond, have been very cooperative. The result is that in future, when people ask us the most common question of all - What is Jainism?' - we can guide them to the authoritative new website. Journalists are now also more likely to relate to Jainism for all kinds of broadcasts relating to ethics, lifestyle, cultures, art, environment, India, etc. Dr. Shah encouraged Jains all over the world to cooperate with Jain Spirit as this is the only media office for Jainism in the Western world. As the BBC is widely respected as an authoritative resource, people from all over the world are more likely to trust this website and use it. The event itself was a great show of unity.
Alan Bookbinder, BBC Head of Religion and Ethics
The new website can be found on www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/jainism/ It is reviewed in the inside back page.
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