Category Archives: UK News

Jains and Christians unite to promote ahimsa and peace

Institute of Jainology highlights the role of ahimsa and interfaith dialogue in building a more compassionate world Harrow, 20 October 2026: The Institute of Jainology (IOJ) brought the Jain principle of ahimsa, non-violence in thought, word and action, to the centre of a Jain–Christian conference at the Blue Room Venue in Harrow, exploring how faith[…]

Indian Government Recognises Historic Restitution of 2,000 Jain Manuscripts

Jain Manuscript

Indian Government Welcomes Historic Agreement to Safeguard Over 2,000 Jain Manuscripts India’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, has congratulated the Institute of Jainology (IOJ) on a landmark agreement for the restitution of more than 2,000 historic Jain manuscripts from the Wellcome Collection. In a message recognising the significance of the achievement,[…]

Together in Prayer and Dialogue for Peace A Jain Reflection

On 17 October 2026, faith representatives gathered at Westminster Cathedral Hall, London, to affirm a shared responsibility for peace. The Jain community was represented by Institute of Jainology Trustees Mehool Sanghrajka, Dilip Shah, Amit Shah, Usha Shah and Kumar Mehta. For the Institute of Jainology, the gathering offered an opportunity to bring Jain teachings on[…]

Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs in Europe: Interfaith Conference in Rome

Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs in Europe: Building Fraternity through Dialogue and Collaboration The Institute of Jainology is pleased to support and participate in the upcoming interreligious conference “Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs in Europe: Building Fraternity through Dialogue and Collaboration”, taking place in Rome on 23–24 June 2026. This important gathering will[…]

Mahavir Janma Kalyanak Celebrations at House of Commons 2026

The MOU was then signed by the three partners: Mark Henderson for the Wellcome Collection, Dr Mehool Sanghrajka for the Institute of Jainology, and Marie-Hélène Gorisse for the University of Birmingham

London, UK – 14th May 2026 Parliamentary addresses, museum partnerships, community awards and the signing of a landmark agreement to return over 2,000 Jain manuscripts from the Wellcome Collection. The Institute of Jainology held its annual Mahavir Janma Kalyanak celebrations at the Palace of Westminster on 14th May, bringing together parliamentarians, scholars, museum leaders and[…]

Wellcome Collection To Return 2,000 Historic Manuscripts To Jain Community In Landmark Restitution Framework Agreement

Wellcome Trust announces a landmark commitment to the Jain community to return what is believed to be the largest collection of Jain manuscripts outside South Asia. The return of the collection of more than 2,000 manuscripts, held at Wellcome Collection, London, for more than a century, is the result of several years of open dialogue[…]

Celebrating a Divine Life – Param Pujya Acharyashri Chandanaji (1937–2026)

With deep reverence, the Institute of Jainology shares the news that Param Pujya Acharyashri Chandanaji (Padma Shri), affectionately known as Pujya Tai Ma, passed away peacefully on 22 April 2026. Acharyashri Chandanaji was a remarkable spiritual leader whose life exemplified compassion, forgiveness, and selfless service. Through her vision and tireless efforts, she brought the teachings[…]

Youth in Dialogue: Jain Delegation – Turin March 2026

The Institute of Jainology is extremely grateful to have been invited to the Youth in Dialogue Conference, hosted by the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. The conference was hosted at the historic Arsenal of Peace (Arsenale della Pace) in Turin, Italy, from March 6 – 8, 2026. Delegates from around the world were invited to present[…]

IOJ Represents Jain Community at Government Interfaith Iftar Reception

The Institute of Jainology was honoured to represent the Jain community at a major interfaith Iftar reception held at Lancaster House in London on 4 March, during the holy month of Ramadan. The event, hosted jointly by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, brought together more[…]