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TENTH ANNIVERSARY
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
The Jain Centre in Leicester celebrated the installation of the Jina images on 20th July 1988 with the help of Jains from all over the world. It was a golden day in the history of Jainism in Europe as a first place of worship and study for all sects of Jains was established.
Ten years from 1988 to 1998 have been marked by many activities and changes. Dr Natubhai Shah was honoured by giving a maan patra for his outstanding services in the completion of the Jain Centre.
In addition to the ever increasing traditional activities, a three day celebration in July 1991 culminated into a procession of 2000 Jains and installation of past, present and future chovisis (statues of twenty four tirthankaras) making history again. In 1992 for the first time a dance drama Mahavir Darshan was successfully performed with major participation from London. The beautiful glass mosaic work was completed in 1994 and has beautified the upper foyer, Digamber Jinalay and he Guru Mandir. A grant from the Leicester City Council and artefacts from Veerayatan under the guidance of Acharya Chandanaji resulted into a beautiful artistic museum depicting stories of Tirthankaras, Acharyas and Jain values in 1995. The idol of Vir Manibhadradada was brought from India in 1996 and celebration of its Entrance Ceremony and Darshan brought joy to all. 1996 was the year when Prime Minister John Major not only visited the Jain Centre but was also presented with the statue of Bhaghwan Mahavir for 10 Downing Street. The installation of the Chairlift in 1997 was possible by fund raised by our Youths and Bhaginis in a 10 mile charity walk.
The Jain Centre has become a place of pilgrimage for Jains and a centre for promotion of Jainism to the schools, colleges, R E teachers and other groups. On an average about 125 groups visit the Jain Centre annually. The visitors include politicians such as Rt. Hon. John Major, the then Prime Minister of U.K., Shri Kesubhai Patel the Chief Minister of Gujarat, saints such as Pramukh Swami, Morari Bapu, Swami Satyamitranand, Atmanandji, Ladakchandbhai, Acharya Chandanaji, the Archbishop of York Rev. Hebgood, all Lord Mayors of Leicester, all the Indian High Commissioners of India, film stars such as Padmini Kohlapuri and Vijayantimala and many other dignitaries from all over the world.
The Jain Centre has been able to promote Jainism via the Interfaith Network, Television ("Believe it or not" and "Not on Sunday"), Radio (B.B.C. and Sabras) and arranging lectures in London and Leicester. A book by Prof. Mardia "Scientific Explanation of Jainism" was launched from the Centre. A Jain Prayer was the lead prayer at the Remembrance Day Service and was broadcasted live on Radio.
The preparation for the 10th Anniversary celebration are near completion. Pujans during the three days and a Rath Yaatra have been planned. A publication of Souvenir magazine is near completion. The untimely loss of three of our past committee members Shri Lalchandbhai Mehta, Shri Vipin Vora and Shri MZ Shah have created a void which is noticeable in our preparation for the celebration. They will be missed and remembered for years to come.
I would like to thank our committee for nominating me as the Chairman for this celebration. My task was made easy by the help I received from all Jain organisations, individuals and specially the past Vice President Shri Ramanbhai Shah, the celebration committee, our President Shri Sharad Bakhai, committee members and Trustees.
It has been a great satisfaction for me personally for being involved in the Jain Centre project from its conception and specially the last ten years during which I had the opportunity to serve the community for four years as President and Chairman of the 10th Anniversary celebration committee.
Let us hope that when we celebrate the silver Jubilee of this centre in the year 2013, there are other centres for Jain worship and promotion in all major cities of the U.K.
Jai Jinendra.
Dr Ramesh Mehta.
fain Education Latera bna 2010-03
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