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MAHAVIR JAYANTI CELEBRATIONS

WASHINGTON - The 2608 th birthday of Lord Mahavir,  was celebrated by Jain Society of Washington Metro area at High point High school in Beltsville Maryland. Community Affair Minister of Indian Embassy, Mr. Sanjay Sinha, was the chief guest, who was representing Indian Embassy and Mr. Parag Mehta, a member of Obama transition team was special guest. More than 700 members of the community were present in colorful Indian dresses to witness this grand occasion. 113 children performed cultural program based on Mahavir's life, principles and Jainism, which included skits, play, dances, songs and Ras- Garba. Chief guest Sanjay Sinha in his address told the audience that Mahavir's principles of non-violence and forgiveness are universal and are the essence of peace, happiness and harmony.  Parag Mehta told that Mahavir's principles are the necessity in today's world to maintain world peace and to reduce terrorism.  Prakash Mehta did a presentation about future temple expansion. Sharad Doshi distributed trophies to all the participants. The privilege of Aarti and Mangal divo went to Jaysingh - Sumangala Bhandari and family for their highest biding. Shown in the picture are Chief guest Community Affairs Minister Sanjay Sinha, Mrs. Rasmi Sinha, Sumangala Bhandari and Public relations chairman Washington Jain Society, Jay Bhandari.

MANCHESTER - The Jain community of Manchester organised a two day event on 18th and 19th April at their splendid community centre. Nitin Mehta of the Indian Vegetarian Society was a keynote speaker on the 18th. Amongst the other speakers were Gaurakrishnadas of Manchester Hare Krishna society, Mukesh Pancoli of the Brahma Kumari organisation and Marion Hussenbux of the Quaker Concern for Animals. Nitin spelled out the ecological and the health cost of a meat diet.   A Mahaveer award was presented to Leslie Tarleton who for the last 30 years has dedicated her life to animals kept at the two sanctuaries she runs in Liverpool and Wales. The award was given away by Jayendrabhai Patel who is an active member of the Jain Samaj. On the 19th around 300 people attended the celebrations of the birth of Lord Mahaveer. In his talk Nitin urged Jains to revive the message of Ahimsa as preached by Lord Mahaveer. We have inherited a priceless culture, we must protect it and nurture it well. The president of Manchester Jain Samaj Piyush Mehta, on behalf of the Jain community presented Nitin with a memento for his tireless efforts in promoting vegetarianism.  The Vegetarian Society of UK has it headquarters in Manchester and there were thousands of vegetarians in Manchester area as far back as the 1870's.  Courtesy: Nitin Mehta,

APOWA CELEBRATES MAHAVEER JAYANTI 2009 -APOWA (Action for Protection of Wild Animals) conducted the MAHAVEER JAYANTI  programme in a grand manner on 7th April 2009 at USAK High school, Arua Kadaliban. Mr. Ashok Bal, Head master, USAK high school presided over the function. Mr. Manoj Ku Satapathy, teacher in charge, Karuna Club, USAK delivered the  welcome address and introduction of the programme. The programme was started with the school prayer and karuna prayer. Mr. Bijaya Ku Kabi, Director, APOWA and Honorary Animal welfare officer, Animal Welfare Board of India delivered an inspiring speech on "Ahimsa through Non-violence". He explained the various activities of APOWA and karuna clubs. He explained the five freedoms of animal welfare. He suggested the teachers to adopt compassion, love and sympathy towards the students while teaching. He also insisted to show kindness towards all living creatures. He also explained the nutritional values of vegetarianism. His speech was followed by Mr. Somanath Mohapatra, teacher, USAK. He insisted the students to be compassionate towards animals and nature. Among others Mr. Amulya Ku Pardia, teacher USAK spoke about animal welfare. His talk was interesting and interactive. Among others, Mr. Manamohan Kundu, coordinator, APOWA, Mr. Prasna Ku Mohanty, teacher, Mr. Rabinarayan Nanda, teacher, Miss Satyabhama Das, teacher were attend as the resource persons. APOWA ,At-Hatapatana, Po-Kadaliban, Dist-Kendrapara,Orissa,Pin-754222,India.