Interfaith Contributions

Celebrating Independence Day: Acharyashri Vidyasagar Digambar Jain Charitable Trust’s Inspiring Participation in London’s Multifaith Event

We are delighted to share with you the highlights of our recent participation in the grand Independence Day celebration organized by the High Commission of India at the Navnat Centre, Heys, London, on August 24, 2024. This event brought together a vibrant assembly of various communities and organizations to celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage and its journey to freedom.

We were especially honored by the presence of Brahmchari Vijay Ji, whose attendance added a special spiritual dimension to the event. His presence was a source of inspiration and made the celebration even more memorable for everyone involved.

Our participation was led by Santosh Jain, Head of the Legal and Interfaith Department, with significant contributions from the Mahila Mandal under the leadership of Smt. Pooja Jain. Together, they played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this event. This occasion provided us with a unique platform to share the core principles of Jainism and spread the teachings of Lord Mahavir to the diverse communities present.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Mr. Mukul Jain Ji, whose generous sponsorship covered all participation expenses for our Trust. His unwavering support was vital in enabling us to showcase our activities and messages on such a prominent platform, significantly contributing to the success of the event.

We were honored with a dedicated tent, where we served a delightful Semolina dried fruit dessert and savouries (Namkeen Gathiya) to over 1,500 visitors. Our stall was a popular spot, attracting the attention of many, including the High Commissioner of India, Mr. Vikram Doraiswami, who personally visited our stall. He expressed his appreciation for our active participation and presented us with a cherry tree sapling, which will be planted in our temple premises as a symbol of this memorable occasion.

The success of our participation was made possible by the dedicated efforts of many Trust members and volunteers. We extend our special thanks to Shweta Ji, Garima Ji, Rekha Ji, Hiral Ji, Namita Ji, Alankar Ji, Avinash Ji, Abhiraj Ji, Vivek Ji, Abhinesh Ji, Ajit Ji, Pulin Ji, Ruchi Ji, and Saurabh Ji. Your hard work and commitment were essential in making this event a success, and we deeply appreciate each of your contributions.

As part of our engagement, we conducted several activities:

1. Brochures: We distributed informative brochures highlighting Jain principles such as non-violence, compassion, and sustainability, alongside details of our Trust’s charitable initiatives.
2. Visual Displays: We showcased Jain art, symbols, and literature to create a visually engaging experience that sparked interest in Jain culture.
3. Interactive Session: We hosted a discussion on the contemporary relevance of Jain principles, emphasizing non-violence, peace, and interfaith harmony. The session highlighted Lord Mahavir’s teachings, promoting a message of compassion and inclusivity in today’s world.
4. Face Painting for Kids: We organized a face painting activity to engage children while subtly introducing them to Jain principles in a fun and creative manner.
5. Photo Booth for All Ages: Our photo booth, featuring a beautifully designed frame with national and Jain values messages like “Vande Mataram,” “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” “Live and Let Live,” and “India Nahi Bharat Bolo,” was a hit among attendees, allowing them to capture their memories of the event.
6. Promoting Our Trust and Charitable Activities: This event provided an excellent opportunity to showcase our Trust’s charitable work, raising awareness among the wider community about our activities and the upcoming temple.

We are thrilled to have been part of such a significant event, where we not only promoted the timeless principles of Jainism but also enhanced our visibility within the broader community, fostering interfaith dialogue and mutual respect.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to sharing more of our journey with you in the future.

Few clicks from the event:
Trust members and volunteers with HCI Mr. Vikram Doraiswami