Dr. Surendra Singhvi
Jain Radiance On The Western Horizon
[12] Migration Of Jams To Britain And North America In The 1960s
With a few notable exceptions we have so far told a story of books and scholars. In the 1960's because of certain social and economic factors in India, an opening up of Commonwealth immigration into Britain and the removal of iniquitous and unfair measures against Asia into the immigration legislation of the U.S.A. and Canada, a slow and steady migration of Jains to Britain and North America took place till today and there is a sizable Diaspora. The need to provide pastoral ministry for these folk and teaching especially for their children has been acute. Also the need to teach inquiring Canadians and Americans who are not of Indian descent has been gradually recognized.
This is entirely because of their own needs and request. It becomes obvious to anyone who knows conditions in the west and gains some knowledge of Jainism that the Jains have valuable things to say about questions very much on the minds of sensitive people. These include a facing up to bad deeds done in the past and some practical hints on how to begin to make reparation and the overcoming of the bad Karmas produced. Here the treatment of the environment, the Native Americans, women, Blacks and Hispanic Americans (among other things) comes to mind. A way of life built on war, violence, neglect of the family and the inner life of the individual and society also ask questions where Jainism may help us towards answers. This is not to imply a proselytization Mission but a recognition of the duties of being privileged to know something which appears to be hidden from others, a sharing of truth but without coercion, bribery or the use of force, something done and lived out, humbly and with love. Work towards these aims has been begun and carried forward by a number of organizations and people.
(Please note: This report was done in the 90s - an update is announced. [Editors])