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measuring about 1000 sq. meters and built a two-storey building. The hall on the second floor was used for religious functions and had an office and library. The ground floor consisted of an open hall, built up kitchen, store, parking lots and open spaces. Any Jain, speaking any language, regardless of creed could become a member and carry out Jain religious activities. In 1995 a new modern building was constructed. It had a fully air-conditioned prayer hall a Sthanak on the second floor. First floor has all the amenities for cooking facility of up to 1000 people. A Temple was added recently on the second floor. Jain scholars are regularly invited for Paryushan observation. Today the Jain population in Singapore is estimated to be about 1000. Singapore has a huge population of Tamils and thus also has a small community of Tamil Jains. The Tamil Jains in Singapore congregate under the banner of Singapore Tamil Jains Forum. The Government has recognized Jainism as one of the ten official religions of Singapore.
Japan : Jains started arriving in Japan in mid 1950's for the pearl trade. In 1985 they built a first Temple in Kobe. There are two more Jain Temples in Japan. The estimated Jain population today is about 400 families.
Australia : Jain Population in Australia is about 1,000. Jains are concentrated in big cities like Sydney, Perth, Canberra and Melbourne. Since early 2000 many students arrived for higher studies and many chose to stay. There are Jain Temples in Sydney (Simandhar Swami Temple), in Canberra (Mahaveer Swami Digamber Temple) inside a Hindu Temple and a Swetamber Temple in Melbourne.
When we look at the overall picture, we see Jains have made their homes in almost 40 countries and have generally prospered. Initially they left their homeland for business or higher education but now they have settled in those countries. Many have diluted their ties to the JANMABHOOMI. Less than 30% of them are now traders. Many of the current generation have now turned professionals - Doctors, Engineers, Software Designers and Diamond Dealers. They have tried to pass on their Jain heritage to their children and grand children by building Temples but failed to get the youth involved in JAINISM. This may be because so many of the first generation of Jains are ritual oriented, Quest for education and their JAINATVA has placed them in high positions in their various KARMABHOOMIES. But sadly, something is
lacking.
There is not one united JAIN DIASPORA. We are all divided into shiny, tall silos as if there were scores of Diasporas.Living safe and satisfied with our successes but in our own cocoons and distant from each other. Various Diasporas like Jewish Diaspora or Greek Diaspora were solidified because of their fears - fear for their lives and their cultures. It is true that Jains are not
