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HAESSAGE TROM
TIIE PRESIDENT- JANI SW17, EUROPE
July 1998, thronged with memories of the past and throbbing with significance for the future, is a golden moment in the history of the Jains of the world. The Jains of Leicester and the United Kingdom are joined by Jains from India, East Africa, Europe and America and other parts of the world, as well as by non-Jain well-wishers, in commemorating the fact that 3,652 days (allowing for a couple of leap years) have passed since the holy images were installed and the flag was raised over the Jain Centre. Throughout India the long red and white flag is the symbol that marks a temple where the Jina is worshipped, and we are proud that our flag was raised over the very first Jain temple with consecrated images in the western world and the first, except for two in East Africa, in the whole world outside India. Each year, on the anniversary, we have renewed the richly embroidered flag with stately, religiously and Joyous Ceremony. As we celebrate the tenth anniversary the minds of many present will go back to that moment in 1988 when the holy images, consecrated in India in time - hallowed rituals which give them a special sanctity, were reverently carried the few feet from their temporary resting place to their permanent station in the garbha griha, the innermost shrine. Worshipper today reverence them there, the image of Lord Shantinath in the centre, flanked by Parshvanath and Bhagwan Mahavira. If I live to be a very old man, all my life I shall regret that I was unable to be there on that auspicious occasion, but I feel blessed that I can join with the many thousands who have worshipped in the Jain Centre over the past ten years, and particularly that I can join in the tenth anniversary celebrations. On this auspicious occasion I recall glorious participation of the countless men and women and express our gratitude to all those who gave so much labour to make the dream of the Jain Centre come true. This centre is a forerunner in bringing together under one roof all branches of the Jain faith, Deravasi, Sthanakvasi, Svetambara, Digambara and devotees of Shrimad Rajchandra. We must thank all those who have supported the creation and continued work of the Jain Centre by generous donations. Some of those who made contributions in work and money have passed from the present life. In thanking them we assure them, wherever they are now, that we are keeping the faith as they did before. The notable achievement has made Dr. Rameshbhai Mehta the natural choice for the chairmanship of 10th anniversary pratistha celebration. It would be difficult to think of anyone better to take on this challenging task. I am sure that by the grace of Shantinath dada, Dr. Rameshbhai with the help of Executive Committee, 10th anniversary committee, trustees and all members will make this celebration a big success. My heartiest congratulations to all of you who have been involved in this 3 days grand celebration of 10th anniversary Pratistha Ceremony, As we stand at the threshold of the new century we can look back with a sense of satisfaction at the achievements of Jain Samaj Europe. We do not only look back. The past is over and it is the future that beckons to us now. The Jain Centre is for the future. For Jains of the present and Jains yet to come. For the children of our flourishing Pathshala and for their children of the future and their children's children. The Jain Centre is not only for Jains but for non-Jains as well. It is a beacon in Britain showing the light of the message of Lord Mahavira to all, the message of non-violence, of tolerance, of truth and honesty and non-acquisitiveness. The challenge before us, as we enter a new millennium is to give our children and youth new opportunities, new hopes and new challenges. All these require hard work, discipline and unity of purpose and faith in the future of the Samaj. Jain Samaj Europe, with its base in our Jain Centre, Leicester is a vibrant living organisation expressing the ancient faith of the J nas for the years, the decades, even the centuries, to come. I am proud to be President in this tenth anniversary year and it is my privilege to extend to all of you, my heartiest greetings and felicitations on this historic occasion. And I wish you all every success and happiness for the future.
Jain Jinendra Sharad Bakhai President - Jain Samaj Europe.
Jain Education Intematona
2010-03
www.jainelibrary.org
