On 16th April 2011, the Jain Network celebrated Mahavir Janma Kalyanak at the new premises:  Jain Centre, 64-68 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5DR with traditional and contemporary programmes.

The programme started with devotional prayer with beautiful music, Welcome by Dr Natubhai Shah (Chair) and Dr Sonali Mehta (Master of Ceremony). Nemish Mehta narrated the background, describing Mahavir Bhagwan’s  previous lives explaining that even Bhagwan Mahavir soul was not exempt from the effects of Karma. It set the scene in how Mahavir’s soul became the Tirthankara , after transmigrating the lives as human being, heavenly being, animal and hellish being depending upon his Karma. The children from Jain School (Arhat Touch) depicted Trishala Mata’s 14 dreams by wearing meaningful costumes that narrated the meaning of it. The confidence of children won the hearts of the audience of more than 400 people including Mr Padamsi Mehta and his spouse from Belgium, who got the honour of acting as Mahavir’s Father and Mother (King Siddhartha and Trishala Mata).

 

 

When Ramanbhai Shah described the Birth of Bhagwan Mahavir, the audience became joyous and participated in the celebration by dancing and singing. A symbol of baby Mahavir was put in the cradle. The swinging of the cradle was performed by Dr Natubhai Shah and Mrs Bhanumati Shah. It was followed by the members from the audience. The representatives of the London Borough of Barnet, Brent and Harrow including Chief Guest: C.B. Patel (Editor Gujarat Samachar), Mr Jagdish Kumar (on behalf of the High Commissioner of India), Cllr Andrew Harper (Deputy leader of the Barnet Council), Cllr Harbhajan Singh (Mayor of Brent), Cllr Mrinal Choudhary (Deputy Mayor),  other prominent guests including Cllr Navin Shah, Cllr Alison Moore and Jain Network Board members lighted the lamp as symbol of knowledge passed on by Bhagwan Mahavir.  The celebration continued with a beautiful dance by Anusha Subramanyam and her group and an excellent skit by four young persons narrating the universal message of Bhagwan Mahavir led by Bijal Shah.

 

 

 

The Chair Dr Natubhai Shah briefly described the Jain Contribution to Global community and the development of Jain Centre, London. He requested the above representatives to launch the Heritage and Cultural Academy. The launch of this academy for Pathshala, Dance, Drama, Music, Art and Yoga and Meditation was applauded by the audience.

 

 

The Chief Guest Mr C.B.Patel mentioned his personal experiences of the global contribution of the Jain Community and motivated the people to support the development of the Colindale Jain Centre in his charismatic style. The programme concluded with Vote of Thanks by the Secretary Mr Dilip Mithani, Aarti and Mangaldivo and delicious dinner.