Dinesh Z. Shah
Jain Vishva Bharati London (JVBL) held a special programme on the theme of “Holistic living through non-violence” on Sunday, 2nd November 2008 at their centre in London. It was to commemorate the receipt by His Holiness Acharya Mahapragya the Institute of Jainology (IoJ) Ahimsa Award for the year 2008. The award was received from Lord Puttnam by the Samanijis and Smt Sayerji Choraria on behalf of Acharya Mahapragya at a function held on 15th October 2008 at the House of Commons in London.
His Holiness Acharya Mahapragya was chosen as the recipient of this award for propagation of non-violence including his “Ahimsa Yatra” through the length and breadth of India. Shree Jayshukhbhai Mehta, the trustee of IOJ was the chief guest at the JVBL function. During his speech Jayshukhbhai mentioned that the award committee was greatly impressed by Acharyashree’s actions in stopping the communal violence, which erupted in the state of Gujarat, India few years ago.
The programme started with the recitation of Namaskar Mahamantraby Samani Prasanna Pragya and Samani Rohit Pragya.
Shree Balwantji Maru, Chairman of JVBL welcomed all the dignitaries and the guests.
Shree Kaushikbhai Khajuria, a well-known singer sang in his melodious voice a hymn “Guruvar atma mein nav spandan bhara do”, composed by Maha Shramani Sadhvi Pramukha Kanakprabha.
Pandit Dinesh, another well-known musician and singer ably assisted by other artists to play tablaand other instruments, sung two hymns. One of them “Ayen ayen ham ayenapne ghar bhitar ayen”has been composed by His Holiness Acharya Mahaprgya. Meditation on “arham” mantra by the group left the audience spellbound.
A skit by gyanshalastudents conveyed a message on vegetarianism.
Other songs on the theme of non-violence were also sung in chorus. A song entitled “Shanti ka sandesh” had the audience electrified.
The keynote address for the event was given by Dr Vinodbhai Kapashi of the Mahavir Foundation on the subject of the relevance of non-violence in the modern age. At the outset Vinodbhai stated that non-violence is normally equated with negativity and its positive benefits are therefore overlooked. He concluded his talk by quotations from literary figures such as Victor Hugo, George Bernard Shaw and Leo Tolstoy.
Gyanshala Children
Shree Pareshbhai Shah entertained the audience particularly the children with his magic show.
Samani Prasaana Pragyaji gave a lucid talk on non-violence in our day-to-day life with particular emphasis on family. She said that families have to set good examples by practical implementation of the philosophy of non-violence.
Shree Manickji Choraria, Hon Secretary of JVBL thanked everyone for attending the function.
The programme was very ably compeered by Samani Rohit Pragyaji.
About one hundred fifty people attended the programme, which was followed by a delicious vegetarian lunch by the courtesy of Smt Mohiniji Choraria.
Jaysukha Mehta presenting the certificate to Dinesh Shah
On this occassion the Certificates were distributed to the participants who passed the exam of the "second initial preksha meditation training".