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ACTIVITIES OF JAIN SAMAJ
from 8-8-92 to 16-8-92 at Leicester. Sunandaben has been specially invited for the Shibir, week end sermons and Paryushana at Jain Centre.
In July 1991, the Samaj successfully celebrated the chovisi aaropan ceremony. The Annual General Meeting was held on 1st September, and a new Executive Committee was elected then. Paryushana, Diwali, and other occasions were all observed in the traditional devotional way. On Ist November, we welcomed His Excellency Dr L. M. Singhvi, High Commissioner for India, for an official visit to the Jain Centre. On 2nd November, a reception for Dr Singhvi was jointly hosted by us and the Lord Mayor of Leicester at the Jain Centre, where various distinguished guests, including all Leicester MPs and prominent councillors and citizens, attended.
To promote Jainism, a seminar on "Reverence for Life" was organised at the Jain Centre on 13th October 1991; students from Cambridge University and other interested people from Leicester attended. Mrs Barbara Butler, Revd Dr Eric Lott, Dr Paul Marett, HH Bhattarak Charukirti, and Dr Natubhai Shah all made presentations. A lecture on "Jain and Christian Scriptures" was arranged at the Jain Centre in January; Revd Michael Ipgrave gave a resume of Christian scriptures, and Dr Natubhai Shah gave details of Jain scriptures and their contents. Also in January, a Jain perspective on "Faith and Earth - Environmental Issues" was presented by Dr Natubhai Shah at Mayflower Methodist Church; a large number of people from different faiths attended and took part in the discussion.
This is a unique chance to learn more about Jainism. Why not take advantage of it? For further particulars, enquire at the Jain Centre, or telephone Dr Natubhai Shah (0533-891077), Dr Ramesh Mehta (0533 702773), Kumud Mehta (081-204-2803), Anant Mehta (081-360-5849) or Jayu Shah (081-907-2041).
Jain-Christian Conference A conference with the theme 'Reverence for Life' is being organised by the Jain-Christian Association at the Jain Centre, Leicester on Saturday 27th June 1992. Guest speakers will be His Grace Dr John Habgood, Archbishop of York, and His Excellency Dr L. M. Singhvi, High Commissioner for India; Pujya Shree Bhattarak Charukirti of Moodbidri will also be participating. The speakers will make presentations in the morning; for those wishing to stay for further discussions / workshops in the afternoon, lunch will be available (prior booking necessary - £5 per head; please contact Administrator, Jain Centre - 0533 543091) On Friday evening (26th June), the Lord Mayor of Leicester will host a reception for the Archbishop and the High Commissioner.
Jain Museum
The Bhagini Kendra and the Youth Group have organised many programmes for our members, and remained active. We were also proud that Bhagini Kendra of their own accord organised a presentation on "Kidney Donors and Transplantation" by Prof Peter Bell at the Jain Centre - this was a very interesting talk, and a substantial donation was made to this very worthy cause.
From 1st April 1992, Amritbhai Kavia will be working as part time Administrator at the Jain Centre, as well as being project worker for the Gujarat Hindu Association in Leicester. Our former Administrator, Michael Ipgrave, will continue to be linked to Jain Samaj Europe as part-time Rescarch Officer. Both these posts are grant aided. Jain Samaj Europe also employs Mr Mohanbhai Rawal (Pujari), Mrs Laxmiben Rawal (Bhojanshala and general help). Mr Jagdishbhai Bhatt (Part-time relief pujari/clerk) and Mr Robert Grect (cleaner/care taker).
Sunandaben Vora's teaching tour A two-week shibir has been organised by the Jain Samaj Europe to study Jain Philosophy, rituals, meditation, and way of life, from Saturday 1st August to Sunday 16th August. The Shibir will be first week from 1-8-92 to 7-8-92 at London and second week
A Jain Museum is being developed at the Jain Centre, to explain Jain history, philosophy, cosmology, way of life. The models and other artefacts are being prepared in India at Veerayatan. The museum is expected to open in early autumn 1992; building work is now finished. The Jain Centre, although not yet being actively promoted, is increasingly being recognised as a major tourist attraction: we have been receiving visitors from all parts of Britain and from Germany, Russia, other parts of Europe, India, Africa, Thailand, Japan, America, and other countries. They include people of all ages and backgrounds. The Chief Executive and all the Chief Officers of Leicester City Council visited the Jain Centre on 3rd December, and held their monthly meeting here; all were impressed by the Centre, and promised to help with the development of its activities.
A New lamp is Lit On Fri 1st Nov 1991, in the presence of people of many different faiths and backgrounds, Dr L.M. Singhvi launched 'I ascon' by lighting a small lamp: in a speech, he predicted that from small beginnings this could grow into a global movement.
For its first project of 1992, Lascon has decided to hold a prize competition. Ali Leicestershire school students and teachers will be invited to take part in submitting entries; the winners will receive a beautiful trophy and a cash prize.
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