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SPECIAL REPORT
special report
NAIROBI: CAPITAL OF HOPE
LORD PARSHVANATH AT THE EXHIBITION
here East meets West, where the equator runs right through the heart, where Jains
have lived for over a century, is Kenya, an oasis of hope for the future of Jain culture. 'Living Tirthankar Mahavir's Values' was the title of a unique 3 day conference hosted at the beautiful new Oshwal Centre in Nairobi. 700 delegates, of whom 150 came from different parts of the world got together to learn, discuss, see and most importantly feel the hope that lies here. Unbeknown to the world, the Young Jains in Nairobi. have built a solid foundation for the regular study of Jainism through their Patshala classes for children and adults which have been running for nearly ten years now. A dedicated 'peace army of 40 teachers regularly teach these classes voluntarily and connect Jain culture and philosophy to the modern world. The event involved nearly 300 volunteers, and was organised jointly by the Jains of Nairobi' bringing all different sects together. The Visa Oshwal Community of Nairobi hosted the event for free, and donors from the community made sure that noone incurred any costs. Every foreign delegate was offered home hospitality, which gave an added dimension to the whole experience, enabling people to really get to know one another. An outstanding exhibition of Jain culture, regular variety performances every evening, lectures and workshops, and the goal of creating an action plan for global unity gave all present a unique and varied experience. Many of the founding pillars of the Kenyan community, the forefathers who sacrificed all to build the institutions of education, social welfare and medicine that exist there today were present at the event. Speakers included Acharya Chandanaji and all the Sadhvijis from Veerayatan, Dr. L. M. Singhvi, Dr. Rupaben Mehta, Dr. N. P. Jain among many others. Jain Spirit Editor Dr.
in Education
www.jainelibrary.org
