OneJAIN's Formation and Impact on UK Jain Community Unity
Summary
The UK Jain community, comprising approximately 65,000 individuals and 33 organizations, represents a small minority (0.1%) of the population. To enhance recognition and unity, OneJAIN was established on 28th September 2014, consolidating 29 Jain organizations under a single voice to advocate for Jainism’s values and causes. This initiative was proposed during a historic meeting that also introduced annual Mahavir Janma Kalyanak celebrations in the House of Commons and the Ahimsa Award, recognizing individuals embodying compassion. The Institute of Jainology (IOJ), serving as the umbrella body for the UK Jain community, coordinates the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), which facilitates government and inter-faith engagement. The IOJ also manages Jainpedia.org, a digital resource with over one million annual page views, and confers the prestigious Ahimsa Award. Mehool Sanghrajka, Managing Trustee of the IOJ since 2018 and its Trustee for over 20 years, oversees these initiatives. He is also the founder and CEO of Learning Possibilities, a global educational technology company. The pandemic has further emphasized OneJAIN’s role in coordinating community efforts and maintaining visibility in parliamentary and inter-faith contexts.
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Conclusion
The formation of OneJAIN in 2014 marked a pivotal moment for the UK’s Jain community, uniting 29 organizations under a single voice to enhance representation and advocacy for Jainism. This consolidation has strengthened the community’s ability to engage with government and inter-faith dialogues, exemplified by the establishment of the Jain All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) and the annual Ahimsa Award, which highlights compassionate leadership. The pandemic further underscored OneJAIN’s role in coordinating efforts and maintaining visibility. Over two decades, the Institute of Jainology, under Mehool Sanghrajka’s leadership, has amplified the community’s presence through initiatives like Jainpedia.org and parliamentary debates. These efforts collectively enhance the recognition and understanding of Jainism, fostering unity and ensuring the community’s voice is heard in public and political spheres.