Palace of Westminster, London — 16 October 2025
The Institute of Jainology (IoJ), together with the Jain All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), celebrated the 22nd Annual Ahimsa Day at the House of Commons on Thursday 16 October 2025. The evening brought together Members of Parliament, leaders from Jain and other faith communities, academics, and dignitaries from major institutions to reflect on this year’s theme — “The role of faith during a time of multiple existential crises – with specific reference to Nostra Aetate.”
The occasion coincided with the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the landmark Vatican document that called upon Catholics to recognise, preserve, and promote the spiritual, moral, and cultural values of other faiths through dialogue and collaboration.
This year’s event was honoured by two distinguished Christian leaders: Msgr. Santiago Michael, representing the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, and His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain.
The celebration opened with a warm welcome from Dr Mehool Sanghrajka, Managing Trustee of the IoJ, followed by a serene recitation of the Navkar Mantra and verses from Maitri Bhavanu by Paarul Shah, invoking peace, compassion, and friendship among all beings.
Dr Sanghrajka then welcomed Matt Turmaine MP, newly appointed Chair of the Jain APPG, and expressed gratitude to him for taking on the role following Gareth Thomas MP, who has long supported the Jain community in Parliament. Mr Turmaine thanked the IoJ for its continued work in promoting Ahimsa and interfaith dialogue, and reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the work of his predecessor. He also reiterated his full support for the IoJ’s long-running campaign to secure a dedicated “Jain” tick-box in the next UK Census, recognising it as an important step toward ensuring proper representation for the community. He concluded by reflecting on the historical significance of the Committee Room in which the event was held and its symbolism as a place for dialogue, inclusion, and shared purpose.
A heartfelt tribute was then paid to the late Nemubhai Chandaria, former Chairman of the IoJ, who passed away in September. Dr Sanghrajka acknowledged his pioneering role in establishing Jainism as a recognised faith in the UK, while Asha Chandaria Gower offered a moving personal reflection on her father’s humility, compassion, and lifelong dedication to service.
Kumar Mehta, Trustee of the IoJ, read the official citation for Dr Sohan Lal Gandhi, recipient of the IOJ Ahimsa Award 2025. The citation celebrated Dr Gandhi’s lifelong dedication to promoting non-violence, peace, and interfaith understanding — tracing his journey from education to his global leadership of the Anuvrat Movement and his advocacy at the United Nations and other international platforms. His collaborations with Acharyas Tulsi, Mahapragya, and Mahashraman, and his ongoing work through the Vardhaman Centre for Global Non-Violence, were recognised as a testament to a life devoted to Ahimsa — compassion, truth, forgiveness, and service.
A message from Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, was delivered by Msgr. Santiago Michael. The Cardinal congratulated Dr Gandhi and paid tribute to the late Dr Harshad Sanghrajka and Mr Nemubhai Chandaria for their role in nurturing enduring Jain-Christian dialogue. Reflecting on Nostra Aetate’s 60th anniversary, he emphasised that humanity’s shared origin and destiny call for unity through dialogue, compassion, and faith — the moral compass that must guide civilisation in an age marked by conflict, inequality, and the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence.
Archbishop Nikitas offered a deeply philosophical address, reflecting on religion’s central place in human life. Without faith, he said, the world would be a body without a soul. He urged self-reflection as the first step — to turn inward, recognise the divine in others, and overcome inner violence through acceptance and understanding. By transforming our “inner cosmos”, he said, we can transform the world around us. Emphasising the shared virtues of humility, harmony, and love between the Jain and Christian faiths, he called on parents and communities to plant and nurture these values in the hearts of children.
In his acceptance speech, Dr Sohan Lal Gandhi expressed profound humility and gratitude. He lamented the violence and suffering in the world and reminded that all wars begin in the mind — and so must peace. Through meditation and right thinking, he said, individuals can cultivate non-violence both inwardly and outwardly. True strength, he added, lies not in domination but in restraint. He dedicated the award to all who strive for non-violence and paid tribute to Nemubhai and Harshadbhai for their contributions to this shared cause.
Dr Sanghrajka provided an update on the progress being made in the restitution and study of Jain manuscripts, highlighting the IoJ’s collaboration with the Wellcome Trust and the University of Birmingham to make these invaluable materials accessible for scholars and the community. He also congratulated the university for enrolling 150 students and researchers into Jain Studies programmes.
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks from Ajay Punatar, IoJ Trustee, who acknowledged the contributions of all speakers and guests to a memorable and inspiring celebration of Ahimsa — the timeless ideal of peace through compassion and understanding.
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