The Institute of Jainology held its annual Patrons’ Dinner on Monday 12th May 2025 at Everest Abercorn in Stanmore, Middlesex. Around 100 invited guests attended the evening, which celebrated the Institute’s work and explored the evolving relationship between the UK and India.
This year’s theme, “UK and India: Strengthening Trade and Innovation”, was especially timely. Just days before the event, the UK and India signed a landmark free trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs, increasing investment, and encouraging collaboration between both countries’ technology and manufacturing sectors.
Professor Jaideep Prabhu, Jawaharlal Nehru Professor of Indian Business and Enterprise at Cambridge, described the agreement as a historic juncture—the most significant bilateral trade deal for the UK since Brexit, and the most comprehensive that India has ever signed. He set out the wider geopolitical context of the agreement, noting the shift in global trade and supply chains and how the deal aligns two innovation-driven, start-up-focused economies.
Professor Prabhu also cautioned that the full benefits of the deal would emerge gradually. He emphasised the importance of supporting SMEs and entrepreneurs to ensure they are not left behind in the implementation phase. He engaged directly with business leaders in the audience, inviting their views on the practical implications of the agreement and the opportunities it might unlock.
The Hon Gareth Thomas MP, Minister for Exports at the Department for Business and Trade, highlighted the deep ties between the UK and India. He congratulated the Institute for raising the profile of Jainism in public life and thanked all patrons and supporters for their continuing contribution. He also acknowledged the important role of the Jain community in strengthening business links between the two countries.
Lil Bremermann-Richard, Group CEO of Oxford International Group, addressed a major development from earlier that day—the release of a new immigration white paper by the Labour Government. The proposed policy changes could have far-reaching implications for the education sector, particularly for institutions dependent on international students. Lil offered a preliminary analysis, highlighting both the potential risks and opportunities, and urged the sector to prepare for change while seeking new models for sustainable growth.
The evening also featured a surprise appearance by Peter Tabichi, the Kenyan science teacher and 2019 Global Teacher Prize winner. A recipient of the Institute’s Ahimsa Award in 2020, Peter gave an inspiring presentation on his current work in Kenya, focusing on teacher well-being, motivation, and the development of practical teaching tools to improve educational outcomes in under-resourced communities.
The evening was chaired by Dr Mehool H Sanghrajka, Managing Trustee of the Institute, who thanked guests for their support and reflected on the Institute’s role in promoting Jain values and facilitating dialogue on issues of national and global significance.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the depth of insight shared during the evening and the Institute’s ongoing commitment to community leadership and public engagement.
Photo Gallery
