OshwalNewsI - Oshwal Centre

EDITORIAL ...
Kishor Bhimji Shah
Media & Communication
Chairperson
Editor - Oshwal News
Jai Jinendra
Pranam & Namo Arihantanam
As we come to the end of Year 2006, it is not only a time to reflect on the past twelve months but
also to look ahead with vigour, hope and confidence for the New Year. Personally, this year seems
to have just flown by - in terms of community/voluntary work, at the beginning of the year, I was
very busy preparing the major Jain Exhibition for, and as one of the organisers of, the first ever
Jain Awareness Day in the U.K, which took place at the Oshwal Mahajanwadi on 28th May 2006—a
important milestone for the Jain community. In April, I was elected onto the Executive Committee,
with responsibility for Oshwal News and our website.
It is very pleasing to note that the last two Issues have been very well received. My sincere thanks
to the many who have taken the time to contact us, to say how much the whole family has enjoyed
reading the Issues.
In the New Year, all Areas will be forwarding their AGM Notices. I would urge all to attend, as AGMs
are an opportunity for members to acknowledge the sterling work done by all Area Committees as
well as give constructive feedback and ideas for the betterment of our Association.
This Issue contains a message from our President, reports from the Areas, including the splendid
Diwali Celebrations and some very interesting and thought provoking articles.
The Stern Report stated that it is down to our generation to take responsibility and action to
combat global warming and environmental damage, otherwise the consequences for future
generations will be dire. During the last decade, many of the major faiths, including Jains, have
made declarations/statements on the environment and human responsibility towards it.
Mahavir stated a profound ecological truth when he said “ One who neglects or disregards the
existence of earth, air, fire, water and vegetation disregards his own existence which is entwined
with them.”. Jainism is, in essence, a faith of ecology and conservation, of a sustainable lifestyle
and of reverence for all life forms. The solutions to the ecological crisis facing the Earth are
contained in the age old Jain concepts of ahimsa, aparigraha, anekantavada and jiva-daya and the
Jain Way of Life.
In a sense, as Jains, we have been entrusted with the task of protecting the world we live in. As
the largest Jain community in the UK, we should actively pioneer, promote and encourage
environmental activities within our Association, not only for our community but also set examples
for the global community.
Welcome to the ‘Winter 2006 & New Year’s Issue. I hope you enjoy reading this Issue.
Once again, Best Wishes for Year 2007.
Jai Mahavir, Jai Oshwal
Kishor Bhimji Shah
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Oshwal News - Winter 2006 & New Year’s Issue
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