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Activities of Jain Religion in the Last Century
abode. About 75 to 80% of Jains residing in the UK have migrated fiom East African countries for permanent settlement. There are 20 to 25% of Jains who have come here from India. The Jains, who came to the UK from Africa, brought with them their own life-style. Most of these Jains belong to the Oshwal community. Their origin is in Halar (Jamnagar) district. About 60% of the Jains in Britain are Oshwals. Their organisation is, therefore, the largest one. Probably there are 15 to 18 thousand Oshwals in the UK. The Oshwal Association believes in preserving the root values of the Oshwal community. They are proud of their Oshwal origin and rightly so. Oshwals have purchased a site of 84 acres in a village north of London. They are planning to build a temple and Mahajanwadi. There it is certain that this dream will come true in course of time.
The Jain Samaj of Europe founded in Leicester is the organisation which accepts all those who are interested in the spread of ideals of jainism. The Jain Samaj of Europe is trying to establish itself as a Jain body which can be regarded as the true centre of jainism outside India. The Jain Centre in Leicester is lucky to have the first magnificent temple in Western countries. Jain Samaj publishes an excellent quarterly magazine called 'The Jain'.
The speciality of the centre is the recognition of various factions of the Jain community. The Jain Centre has Shwetambar and Digambar temples, a Sthanakvasi Upashraya and other facilities for all minority sects. Some non-Oshwal Jains and other Vaniks in East Africa formed an organisation called the Navanit Vanik Associations. This Association exists in Britain as well. The Navanit Vanik Association in Britain undertakes marvellous activities. They organise religious and social functions, provide social help in finding a suitable match
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