Jain Spirit 2004 06 No 19

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

Page 11

Vision 2005 Organised in Rashtrapati Bhavan:
Indian President Praises Ahimsa
In announcing details of 'Vision 2005' to be organised at Rashtrapati Bavan, the President of India, His Excellency Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam referred to his invitation of Acharya Mahapragya. The President believes that the Jain leader's insights and experience will prove useful in finding common ground between assorted interest groups. Dr. Kalam said that the main reason for violence and terrorism is imbalanced development. Balanced development is possible when the moral and spiritual values are developed along with the physical development. This is a theme that Acharya Mahapragya has explored in his writings and his public talks.
Dr. Kalam praised the doctrine of ahimsa, central to Jainism but shared by the Hindus and other faiths. The
Because of lack of space, only around half the photo collection could be
Photo Exhibition in London
The nuns of Jain Vishwa Bharti in Cricklewood, North London, have very kindly agreed to host the Jain Spirit photography exhibition at their centre. The photographers, Jain and non-Jain, depict a variety of aspects of Jain life in India, Britain and around the world. Dr. Atul K. Shah, Executive Editor of Jain Spirit, said of the exhibition: "This is very good news. It looks beautiful and we would like to encourage all Jains and friends of Jainism in the London area to go and see it."
displayed and so Dr. Shah and the nuns decided to concentrate on the UK photographers and their work. The Jain Vishwa Bharti is situated just South of London's well-known North Circular road. It is open to the public by appointment and welcomes families and non-Jains. The samanis are having a strong impact on Jain life in London and are involved in a wide range of social and educational projects. Their names are Pragbhapragya (Head of the JSB), Jinpragya, Pratibha Pragya and Shuklapragya.
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idea of ahimsa makes educational initiatives and training in non-violence possible, which will prove far more effective in opposing terrorism in the long term than mere counterviolence. Acharya Mahapragya has devised training programmes, which reach across religious boundaries to be relevant to a wide range of social organisations.
The President also said that every Indian should feel proud of the increasing importance of India as a global player. India has a strong scientific tradition, both in the traditional science of Ayurveda and in modern science, where it is making rapid progress and winning global recognition. Science can be used to find non-violent solutions to the world's problems, including poverty and disease. Jainism has always taken a positive view of scientific scholarship.
Photo: James Maturin-Baird