Westminster, UK, 24th April 2024:
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Highlights – One Jain Awards 2024
- Excellence in the Community Award – Mrs Sonal Mehta
- Young Persons Award – Dr Suraj Bafna
- Highly Commended Award – Mr Chandrakant Shah. MBE
- Special Lifetime Achievement Award – Mr Nemu Chandaria. OBE
- Restitution of Wellcome Jain Manuscript collection to the Jain community
The Institute of Jainology (IOJ) and the Jain All-Party Parliamentary Group celebrated the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir at the House of Commons. Known as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, this day celebrates the birth of the 24th and last Jain Tirthankara (enlightened teacher). This year’s event was particularly significant, marking not only the 2,550th anniversary of Lord Mahavir attaining Nirvana but also this year marks the 10th anniversary of OneJAIN – which represents 30 UK Jain community organisations.
The event commenced with Jain prayers led by Paarul Shah, who also sang and explained the meaning of a beautiful melodious Jain Stavan, expressing the joy felt by the parents and all the people when Lord Mahavir was born.
Dr. Mehool H Sanghrajka, the Managing Trustee of the IOJ, warmly welcomed the attendees, emphasising the milestone anniversary and its importance to the Jain community.
Due to ill health, The Hon Gareth Thomas MP, Chair of the Jain APPG was unable to attend. Padma Shri the Hon Bob Blackman MP Vice -Chair of the Jain APPG extended warm welcome in his own special style. He highlighted and appreciated the contributions of Jains, especially in charity and spoke briefly about his work in eradicating homelessness. He also spoke of his determinisation to ensure Jain APPG continues to grow.
Padma Shri the Hon Bob Blackman MP presented the annual OneJAIN awards, the highlight of the evening, which honours individuals for their significant contributions to the Jain community. This year’s OneJAIN awards included:
Excellence in the Community Award 2024 – Mrs Sonal Mehta
Mr Kumar Mehta, IOJ director in his citation stated that Mrs Sonal Mehta, who is a Trustee of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur UK and head of the Manchester Centre, had dedicated herself to serving the Manchester community for the past 32 years, with the past 12 years on a full-time basis.
He further stated that “her dedication and effectiveness in helping the vulnerable, bringing communities together, and promoting Jain values, demonstrates exceptional leadership, and the ability to take a broad and inclusive approach to community service.”
Click here for Excellence in the Community Award 2024 IOJ Citation for Mrs Sonal Mehta
Young Persons Award 2024 – Dr Suraj Bafna
Mr Amit Lathia, IOJ director introduced Dr Suraj Bafna as the recipient of this year’s Young Persons Award. In his citation, he stated that Dr Bafna was a remarkable individual who exemplified the values of selflessness, dedication, and service that lie at the heart of the Jain community. His contributions are vast and varied, including impactful work on health initiatives within the Jain community, fostering collaboration among numerous Jain organizations, lead role in the Jain Network Pratistha as well as volunteering his expertise as a physiotherapist at various health camps.
Click here for Presentation of the Young Persons Award 2024 IOJ Citation for Dr Suraj Bafna
Highly Commended Award – Mr Chandrakant Shah. MBE
Mr Chandrakant Shah, Executive Committee Member of Mahavir Foundation received this award for his extensive community service and involvement in several Jain organisations over the years.
All the above award winners graciously acknowledged receipt of their awards and the support of the community. They all encouraged everyone to serve the community, in whatever capacity they could.
Special Lifetime Achievement Award – Mr Nemu Chandaria. OBE
A special Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Nemu Chandaria. OBE, the current Chairman of the IOJ, for his pivotal role in raising the profile of Jainism in the UK and his 36 years of dedicated work & passionate service, earning him a well-deserved standing ovation
Mr Jaysukh Mehta, IOJ director had the honour to announce and read the citation for the award. In his citation, he stated that Nemubhai is well known within the Jain and interfaith communities both nationally and internationally and has almost become synonymous with Jainism in the UK. He briefly outlined the beginning of his business life in Ethiopia, the move to UK in 1972 and start of his involvement with Jain faith and community. In the citation, he went on to highlight many of his accomplishments under his leadership, including Jain Declaration on Nature, publication of ‘THAT WHICH IS’ Tattvarthasutra, Jain Art from India Exhibition in 1995, Jain Manuscripts collection, Jain presence at Multi Faith events, Ahimsa Awards, formation of the OneJain organisation.
Click here for Special Lifetime Achievement Award IOJ Citation for Mr Nemu Chandaria. OBE
Mr Nemu Chandaria, in his heartfelt acceptance speech announced his retirement from the day-to-day activities of the IOJ and said was delighted to accept instead the title and duties of ‘Chairman Emeritus’
He acknowledged and thanked Royalty, National leaders, Jain Sanghs, the Government of India, Heritage Grants in the UK, spiritual and community leaders, Jain scholars, and many eminent Jain Community members, past and present IOJ teams in UK & India as well as IOJ Patrons.
Nemubhai outlined the important milestones in history of the Institute of Jainology.
He concluded by thanking his wife Meena and children Asha, Rony and Amit and the extended families who always stood by him supporting the work.
Click here for full text of Mr Nemu Chandaria.OBE Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance speech.
A special message from Baroness Scott of Bybrook , Minister of Faith, was read, reflecting the legacy of Lord Mahavir and supporting Jain communities.
The evening also included an announcement by Samir Juthani, who is currently analysing the 2021 UK Census data to better advocate for the Jain community’s needs in regions with significant Jain populations. Sonali Shah, a celebrity known for her role in the TV series “Pilgrimage” and as a presenter on “Escape to the Country,” spoke about her personal spiritual journey within Jainism, highlighting how her understanding and acceptance of Jain values have deepened over time.
A pivotal moment of the event was the announcement and symbolic restitution of the Jain manuscripts held by the Wellcome Collection, represented by Dr Adrian Plau, to the IOJ. Wellcome have confirmed their intention to restitue their entire 2,000 plus rare Jain manuscripts to the IOJ. This gesture was described as an effort to “right a historical wrong”, with Katherine Knowles discussing the care and preservation needs of these manuscripts. The IOJ announced a long-term loan of these manuscripts to the University of Birmingham, thereby enhancing its role as a premier Jain research institution outside of India.
University representatives, led by Professor Charlotte Hempel, provided insights into their ongoing research and innovative educational programs designed to engage the community with the Jain manuscripts. They assured the audience of their commitment to preserving and promoting these valuable cultural artifacts.
The evening concluded with remarks from the Mayor of Harrow, Ramji Chauhan, who spoke passionately about respect, unity, and diversity as foundational to fostering peace and harmony. Lastly, Niraj Sutaria of the Mahavir Foundation announced an upcoming OneJAIN large-scale celebration of the 2,550th anniversary of Mahavir’s Nirvana, expected to attract around 2,000 participants, demonstrating the vibrant legacy of Lord Mahavir and the unity of the Jain community.
Photographs By: https://www.sheenasabharwal.com/
Posted 26 April 2024
By Kishor B Shah