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10 NEWS TEATURE
Photo: James Mote Baird
Samanis Jina Pragya, Punya Pragya, Shukla Pragya
Dandia (stick dancing)
Going from Strength to Strength
Jain Nuns come to bless Jain Spirit's new studio
2004 has already been a rollercoaster ride for Jain Spirit. Our fifth year began with mixed emotions; we have said a fond good bye to members of staff but also welcomed some fresh faces to the team. As one of those newcomers, I can say that there is an exciting feeling of change. I have joined at a time with a real buzz in the air; the magazine is growing and progressing to bigger and better things. And it is not only the magazine that is finding its feet and stretching its legs: Jain Spirit as an entity in its own right seems to be developing. One of the most significant factors in this is our move to a new office. The magazine spent its formative years being edited and created in one small room, which progressed to two small rooms and we now have our very own 'studio', where people come and explore our bookshelves and view our Jain photography. We can now also hold children's art workshops and do lunch with our business and social guests. Yes, Jain Spirit is all grown up!
To mark the occasion we thought we would celebrate in style, with a
visit from the entire population of Jain arrived at the Jain Spirit office, which nuns in Europe. Colchester was treated was decorated especially for the to a wonderful display of colour and occasion with a little help from the music when Jain Spirit held a traditional | Editor's children. The Samanis sang Indian procession outside the Cowdray and recited prayers, wishing the Centre on Thursday 11th March 2004. magazine continued success and peace This song and dance was to welcome to the world. In line with ancient the four Samanis who came to bless custom, they were then presented with and visit the new office, where the a coconut by ten-year-old Jaina Shah. only global magazine on Jainism is put Among those who attended the event together. The Samanis are from a were the town's Mayor and members particular order who have taken
of Jain Spirit's Board of Directors. Local unique vows, which allow them to radio, television and press covered the travel freely to spread awareness of event and Samani Pratibha Pragya was Jainism and its values. They are
also interviewed by a popular Asian thought to be the first ever Jain nuns radio station, Sunrise Radio. to visit Essex and Jain Spirit gave them It was a two-day stay in Colchester an extra special welcome.
for the nuns, who also paid a visit to A crowd of local families dressed in three local primary schools, teaching traditional Indian outfits, performed yoga positions to fascinated children, some vibrant Dandia stick dancing to throwing in a little Sanskrit lesson too. announce their arrival as they walked After their stay the Samanis returned along a Colchester pavement. Co- to their present home at the Jain workers looked on as Indian music was Vishva Bharati centre, in London. It heard ringing out across the Cowdray was an extraordinary event, which we Office Centre, accompanied by two were all very honoured to host. These young drummers, Meeray Shah and are exciting times for Jain Spirit, so Nikesh Shah. Many from nearby watch this space! buildings stopped to watch as the lively procession passed by. The group
Rebecca Hoh, PA to editor
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