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Jain Diaspora
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Oshwal Association of UK : Founded in 1968, OAUK is the largest Jain organization of UK founded by Halari Visa Oshwals. The population of Oshwals in the UK is estimated to be in excess of 25,000. The Association comprises of nine geographically defined branches. They have a beautiful Shikharbandh Derasar in Potters Bar, which is a major attraction for Jains and non-Jains from all over the world. Oshwal Mahajanwadi in Croydon serves the Oshwals of the south London and has a Ghar Derasar. Recently they have acquired and Oshwal Ekta Center in Kingsbury.
Institute of Jainology : Founded in 1983, the mission of the organization is to propagate Jainism and its values through art, culture and education. The institute has offices in London and Ahmedabad. Of the many laudable projects under taken by them, Cataloguing of Jain manuscripts in the British museum, Jain Pedia web site, ahimsa day celebration and awarding yearly Ahimsa Award
Jain Samaj Europe Founded in 1973 in the heart of the Leicester City, under the leadership of Dr. Natubhai Shah (former student of Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya) with the vision to establish a modern European center for Jains of all sects where they all work together in order to practice and promote the Jain doctrine. Funding for the project came from Jains from all over the world and a grant of £ 250,000 from Leicester city council and the central government. An old spacious church building was converted into a beautiful Jain Temple. Within the Jain Centre building, the upper hall provides appropriate space for the acts of communal worship and space for celebrating various Jain events. 10 magnificent stained glass windows illustrating events in the life of Mahavir from conception to liberation bound the hall. Access to these floors is gained via the stairs with elegantly finished wooden balustrades. Standing on the landing area, murals showing the life of the tirthankar Mahavir can be admired. From the top of the stairs Digambar Jinalay is accessed to the left and Gurusthanak is situated on the right. The upper foyer reveals on intricacy of amazing mirror work, carried out by famous artisans from India. The Swetambar Jinalay presents a magnificent piece of Jain architecture constructed from the yellow Jaisalmer stone of Rajasthan, India. This has 44 pillars, 13 arches, a beautiful temple dome and ceiling, all finished in intricate traditional Jain carvings. The Jinalay mirrored framed walls, concealed lighting and traditional door to the images enclosure (Garbhagriha). The center also has Shrimad Rajchandra Gyan Mandir and Sthanakvasi upashray. Requested by the 10, Downing street, the Prime Minister John Major did visit the Temple in 1994 so did senior members of the Royal family paid their respect in the year 2000.
The Jain Network. The newest organization in London - also founded by
