OshwalNewsI - Oshwal Centre

Happy Diwali - Oshwal News
Editorial ...
Kishor Bhimji Shah
Media & Communication
Chairperson
Editor - Oshwal News
Jai Jinendra
Pranam & Namo Arihantanam
It gives me great pleasure to present the Diwali 2006 Issue of Oshwal News.
Diwali, the Festival of Light is one of the most celebrated festivals on Earth. Uniting all members of
the Indian community, whether they are Hindu, Sikh or Jain, young and old, rich or poor, the
lighting of the lamps represents our commitment to living the values that bring us closer to
divinity. Diwali, which leads us into Truth and Light will be celebrated this year on 21 October
2006. In this modern world, Diwali is a timely reminder for us all to uphold the true values of life.
We as Jains celebrate Diwali to mark the passing into Nirvana of Bhagwan Mahavir. Mahavir said
that you have to kindle the light within you first. Diwali reminds us to illuminate our minds, body
and soul so as to eliminate the darkness of ignorance, greed, jealousy, lust, anger, ego and sloth.
Lighting the lamps also reminds each one of us to light the lamp of love within our hearts. This is
what Bhagwan Mahavir did.
Diwali, also serves to bring about the message of maintaining harmony and peace within the world
and ourselves. It is an opportunity to spend some time on self-reflection, as human beings, as
Jains so that we may make resolutions to bring about the changes we wish to see.
Thank you to all those who took time to phone or sent emails with their very positive comments for
the Paryushan Issue. We have had several requests for the magazine to be mailed overseas!!.
This issue contains a message from our President, various reports as well a wide range of articles,
including one from Pujya Jinchandraji Maharaj, who had such a profound effect on all who heard
him during the Paryushan Festival. During the festival, It was quite evident that there is growing
interest within our community to learn more about our faith and the Jain Way of Life. We have
spent countless hours in the planning and preparation of this Issue and hope that all who read this
Issue finds something of interest.
Finally, during the Diwali Festival, let us all dive deep within the ocean of compassion and open our
hearts to the doors of non violence, understanding, non possessiveness, peace, love and harmony
with all living beings and nature.
On behalf of my family and myself, I wish everyone ‘ A Happy Diwali and best wishes for a peaceful
and healthy New Year’. May the Light of Diwali last you throughout the coming year.
Welcome to the Diwali 2006 Issue.
Jai Mahavir, Jai Oshwal
Kishor Bhimji Shah
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