World Jain Conference 1995 6th Conference

Author(s): Satish Jain
Publisher: Ahimsa International

Page 18

The three day Asian Jain Conference organised by the Jains at Singapore in March 1989 was equally successful. It was addressed by leaders of Singapore and other countries. It was attended by over 700 participants daily. Shri.Nagindas J.Doshi a wealthy businessman and President of Jain Sangh of Singapore alongwith his colleagues put their heart and soul for its success. The efforts of Acharya Shri Sushil Kumar Ji, Ahimsa International and World Jain Congress in initiating the first ever such Jain Conference in Singapore were highly appreciated.
The stress in all these International Jain Conferences has been on promotion of brotherhood, understanding, peace, vegetarianism, involvement of women and youth in constructive programmes, exchange of scholars, publication of literature and preparation of audio- visual material. At all these Conferences the women and younger generation participated with enthusiasm and gave evidence of their faith and active involvement in the religious, social and welfare work which was amply expressed by their public addresses and progress reporting.
Ahimsa International initiated with the Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University to establish an independent department of Jainology and Ahimsa. After persuing this matter very actively persistently the Delhi University agreed to establish the department which is, however, held up for reason of inadequacy of funds with the Delhi University.
Ahimsa International has at various important occasions presented cultural programmes of high standard. During the 2500th Nirvan year of Bhagwan Mahavir in 1974-75 the programmes presented by Ahimsa Internationl before the large audience won spectacular popularity. It presented devotional music in its classical character with aesthetic fervour. The rendering of dance sequences by famous artists on the life and philosophy of Tirthankaras and the Buddha and the bhajans of great poets have been arranged at various places.
A significant achievement of Ahimsa International has been the production of Ballet on Bhagwan Mahavir by Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, a renowned dance and music institution of the country. It was presented on three days- November 27,28, & 29, 1974 in Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi and again on the pressing demand on December 26 & 27, 1977. The press and the public appreciated the lyric verses and superior performance of the artists, and also the choreography, music and light effects. A bold venture, it opened new dimensions for presenting religious themes in appealing classical style which hitherto were considered unstageable. On the pattern of this Ballet many associations and institutions have prepared and presented the Jain ballets. World Jain Conferences :
The main objective of organising the World Jain Conferences is to develop a strong World Jain Forum to promote Jaina activities in the wider world, exchange of ideas in the Jain community on International level on maters of common interest and to propagate the principles and high ideals of Jainism including non-violence, love and respect for all living beings, mutual understanding, promotion of vegetarianism, culture and line arts.
The Ist World Jain Conference was held in New York in U.N.Plaza, in 1981, 2nd in London (U.K.) in 1983, the 3rd and 4th in New Delhi (India) in 1985 and 1987 and the 5th in Siddhachalam, New Jersey State (U.S.A.) in 1991. Three Regional Conferences viz. Indo-American, Jain Conference at