Ahimsa Times
AHIMSA & VEGETARIANISM
PLUNDER OF INDIA'S DIGNITY - KAMLESH SHAH
Money robbed can be compensated, but when one's dignity has been robbed it is irrecoverable and that's what has happened to India. None of our governments when in power have prevented the plunder of our cattle. Appeals have not been heeded, leading to so-called intellectuals advocating that this large-scale robbery be now legalized.
They argue our cattle are smuggled into Bangladesh any way. Abattoirs have been established along.the border in Bangladesh and they are flourishing with the help of Indian smuggler-suppliers who routinely lift cattle off the roads, transport them inter-state via road and rail, and criminally dispatch them at night across the Indo-Bangladesh border. Our citizens need to know in which direction our nation is heading. The shameful story of how our sacred cow is treated follows. As a nation, are we not losing our dignity by allowing our gaumata to be killed?.
Smuggling made Easy - To cater to Bangladesh's desire to eat beef, it is estimated that every year 15 to 20 lakh live cattle are smuggled from India via land and sea. Thousands of our holy cows, bulls and calves are illegally sent each and every day to Bangladesh where they are slaughtered. Three ways to get the cattle across are:
*The animals are injected with a chemical which makes them restless and they run fast through the fence where there are gaps.
*A bamboo crane is quietly and quickly set up and one by one the animals are deftly hung on it (takes no more than seven seconds each) and sent across to the Bangladesh side.
*Animals, particularly calves are thrown into the Ganga and Bramhaputra and forced to swim with the tide across to Bangladesh, whereas others are taken across by the smugglers in boats.
The Border Security Force (BSF) do seize cattle, but it can not be denied that it is under their watchful eye that smuggling flourishes. How then, can corruption and connivance not be ruled out? In October 2013 The Daily Star (the No.1 English newspaper of Bangladesh) carried an article entitled Celebrating Sacrifice which revealed that of the 10 million cows that came from India each year, 4 million were around Bakri Eid. A research report prepared a few months earlier by Observer Research Foundation said that approximately 20,000 to 25,000 heads of cattle worth $ 81,0001- were smuggled every day from India to Bangladesh i.e. annually 90 lakh, worth $ 29 million. They also stated that every third head of cattle killed in Bangladesh was from India. (Note: In view of the nature of the activity being illegal the number of cattle claimed to be smuggled varies from source to source.).
Big Money for Both Sides - A cow valued between Rs. 500/- to 3,000/- in India, fetches as much as 20,000/- to 40,000/- in Bangladesh. There is no doubt that our cows sold are not used for agriculture or milk production, but killed for meat, skin and bone. Bangladesh's economy heavily banks on the India's cows. The citizens consume the meat and export nearly $ 1 billion worth of leather goods - some come back to India! Their annual turnover from smuggled Indian cattle is estimated at more than Rs. 25 billion. Although the export of live cattle from India is banned, for Bangladesh smuggling-in is not a crime.1993 onwards a smuggled cow can be legally traded and Bangladesh proudly derives revenue from taxing our smuggled cattle. A cattle 'smuggler' becomes a 'trader' and pays Taka 500 (Rs. 394/-) as Customs duty after he declares that he found the cattle 'roaming near the border'. This convenient arrangement has enabled the country to earn substantial revenue. The skin is processed into leather and the bones collected from the slaughtered cattle are used by the ceramic industry. Bangladesh exports bone china to 50 countries and in 2010 earned $30.78 million from export. Cattle smugglers are brazen enough to frequently attack BSF solders and even kill them. They say India should legalise cattle export for the sake of peace on the border. Smugglers have dared to demand this because they have the backing of the Mafia.
Accepting the demand to legalise export of cattle will prove suicidal for our nation. Instead, we need to deal firmly with our own smugglers and with Bangladesh.We must not forget that in exchange for our cows, they pass off fake currency, arms and ammunition which spread terrorism. Enough is enough! We'll face cattle bankruptcy if we do not wake up and take action.Our cows are not bred and reared to support and feed smugglers and terrorists.
Kamlesh Shah is Head of the Research Team at Shri Vardhman Parivar. Source: "Compassionate Friend", Journal of Beauty Without Cruelty - India, An International Charitable Trust for Animal Rights, 4 Price of Wales Drive, Wanowrie, Pune- 411040, E-Mail: , Website: www.bwcindia.org.
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TEMPLES
ASI LOSES KUNDALPUR BADE BABA TEMPLE TAKE OVER BID IN SUPREME COURT
Thursday, 15 May 2014 New Delhi, The Archaeological Survey of India has lost a long-drawn legal battle for ownership over a seventh century Jain temple situated at Kundalpur hills in Madhya Pradesh. The Supreme Court, deciding in favour of the Jain community, gave the Jain Temple Trust of Kundalpur the go-ahead to carry out necessary repairs and construction with approval of the State Government. The cluster of 58 temples situated in and around the picturesque Kundalpur hills had become the subject matter of intense debate in the apex court as the ASI claimed that the old temple structure housing the idol of Lord Adinath, popularly called the Bade Baba Temple, was a monument of "national importance". It relied on a 1913 notification to stake ownership of the property.
The ASI even objected to the construction and restoration work carried out in and around the structure by Sri Digambar Jain Atishay Kshetra Kundalpur Public Trust, which managed the temple. The trust members were worried over the dilapidated structure housing Lord Adinath getting worse with every passing day. Besides it, were the idols of deities Parswanaths, Pushpavrishtis, Chavardaris, Yaksha and Yakshinis. The fear that the imposing structure could damage the idols forced them to chalk out plans to raise a new temple, just 100 metres away from the existing structure. in 2006 the deity was shifted out from the old temple complex. What came in favour of the trust was an order of April 5, 1999 of the MP Government which allowed the Jain Temple Trust to manage and operate the affairs of the temple.
But with ASI claiming 300 metre area around temple to be "prohibited" for any construction, the question was left to the determination of Supreme Court whether ASI had authority over the temple or whether it was a private temple. The battle was first fought in the MP High Court where ASI lost out to the temple trust. By an order passed on September 17, 2012, the HC held that for any monument to be declared a protected monument, the Centre has to issue notification under the Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. Agreeing with the HC's reasoning, the bench ousted the jurisdiction of ASI over the temple. It further found out that a 1956 Register of ASI recorded the temple in question as "private temples " and expressly held them to be governed by the state government. "The said Register is of the year 1956 and constitutes an admission that the said temples are not covered by the 1951 Act and were not intended to be taken over as monuments of national importance," the bench of Justices SS Nijjar and AK Sikri said.
Consequently, the apex court upheld the HC order recognizing the state's legal control over the temple under the Madhya Pradesh Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1964. The Court was assured that the deities would be put back in the same form and place once restoration work was over.
LAHORE HIGH COURT DIRECTS PAKISTAN GOVERNMENT TO DISCUSS ABOUT RESTORATION OF JAIN TEMPLE
On May 26, Lahore: The Lahore High Court issued notices to respondent functionaries of the federal and provincial governments to submit replies on a petition for restoration of Jain temples in Lahore and Gujranwala and issuance of postage stamps to honour Bhagat Singh. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah of the LHC also directed the Punjab chief secretary to hear petitioner Barrister Jawaid Iqbal Jafree's contentions on May 26 on these issues and issue a speaking order within one month. The court adjourned the hearing until June 26. Jafree named Punjab chief secretary, federal cabinet secretary, ministry of religion affairs secretary and Pakistan Post director general respondents in his petition.
Jawaid Jafree had petitioned for the temples' restoration. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah had issued notices to the federal and provincial government for their responses. On May 26, the judge directed the chief secretary to listen to the petitioner's concerns and pass an order on the issue within a month.
Jafree had said butchers' shops had been set up in a Jain temple in Gujranwala. He said the temple was part of the architectural and cultural heritage of Pakistan, apart from being a place of worship for a religious minority. He said the Supreme Court of Pakistan had repeatedly observed that religious minorities' rights could not be violated. He said Islam gave the world concepts of due process of law and equal protection of law for one and all without discrimination. He requested the court to direct the respondents to protect the Jain temples and other places of worship and restore the Jain Mandir in Anarkali. He also requested the court to order that encroachers are expelled from the Jain temple in Gujranwala. He said Jains and Hindus should be allowed to visit their temples and perform their rituals. He also prayed that one Jain pandit should be allowed to reside in every province to look after the temples.
Jafree also asked the court to issue directions to the government to declare Bhagat Singh a national hero and order Pakistan Post to issue commemorative stamps to honour him. He said Pakistan's heritage was being destroyed, which was forbidden by the Constitution. Jafree said the Jain temple in Old Anarkali had become dilapidated, and the land mafia in the area had opened up shops in it. He said Jain temples in other parts of Pakistan were also being desecrated. He requested the court for directions to save the places of worship.
FIRST DAY COVER ANJANSHALAKA PRATISHTHA MAHOTSAV
A Special First Day Cover has been issued on 12.05.2014 at Bhondal, Post Hunterganj, Jharkhand on the occasion of Anjanshalaka Pratishtha Mahotsav of Sheetalnath Jain Tirth. Cost of cover is @30/- + Postage. Contact Lalit Kumar Nahata 07200072000. Courtesy:- Sudhir Jain
AWARDS & HOUNOURS
AHIMSA FOUNDATION FELICITATES NEW MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT FROM JAIN COMMUNITY
It is heartening to mention that, Shri Dilip Mansukhlal Gandhi and Shri Raju Shetty have won from their respective constituency in the just concluded Indian elections. Mr. Gandhi was BJP candidate from Ahmednagar constituency and Mr. Raju Shetty is from Swabhimani Party and represents Hatkangale constituency.
This is the third consecutive victory for Mr. Gandhi from Ahmednagar. He has also been Minister in the previous BJP Governmnet led by Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
It is highly probable that, Mr. Gandhi will soon join Indian Cabinet and lead the country. Ahimsa Foundation wishes both the winners a great tenure as the member of the highest body of the executive of the country.
WORLD'S SHORTEST STUNTMAN KIRAN SHAH A DEVOUT JAIN
Kiran Shah was born in Nairobi, Kenya in 1956. Kiran left Kenya when he was 12 years old as his family decided to relocate to India. It was in India that Kiran's interest in films began however due to his father's ill health this was put on hold and the family moved to England to join Kiran's older brother. Kiran continued his studies in England however he was still interested in show business. In 1973 when he was 17 years old he spotted an advert in 'Timeout' magazine for the Red Buddha Theatre Company, encouraged by his brother and family he decided to audition. He won the part of the main clown mime artist and went on tour with the company to Italy with the play 'Man From The East'. In the next four years he appeared in various experimental theatre productions. In 1976 Kiran was working on his first film 'Candleshoe' starring David Niven and Jodie Foster as a stand-in for one of the main characters; it was on location that stunt coordinator Bob Anderson asked him to perform stunts for that same character. This was his break into stunt work and he hasn't looked back since.
Kiran has performed stunts on many big blockbuster films. These include 'Superman & Superman II' where he was the scale double for Christopher Reeve. In 'Aliens' performing stunts for the character Newt. 'Titanic' performing a number of high falls as the ship sank and also the scene when Leonardo finds and helps a little boy. Others include' James Bond', 'Harry Potter' and many many more.Kiran spent four years in New Zealand working on Peter Jackson's trilogy 'The Lord of the Rings'. He worked as a scale and stunt double for all four hobbits mainly Frodo working closely with Elijah Wood. It is surprising how many times you see Kiran on screen without knowing it's him. It was also on 'Candleshoe' that Kiran got his break into acting, he was spotted by producer John Dark who asked him to audition for the film 'The People that Time Forgot'. Since then Kiran has acted in numerous film, television productions, commercials and videos.
Kiran has acted in some of the best films of all time; one of the most iconic is 'Star Wars - Return of the Jedi' as a Ewok. He has also acted in 'Indiana Jones - Raiders of the Lost Ark', 'Dark Crystal', 'Sherlock Holmes' with the late Charlton Heston, 'Gothic' as Fuseli's monster, 'Baron Munchausen' starring Uma Thurman in one of her early films, 'Alice in Wonderland' as the white rabbit and more recently in 'Paa' with Bollywood's greatest Amitabh Bachchan. This is just a small selection of films he has been in. Kiran was pleased to return to New Zealand for a year filming 'Chronicles of Narnia' he played the part of the white witch Tilda Swinton's evil helper 'Ginaarbrik'.
He has also worked on many television productions, some of these include 'Worzel Gummidge' as a scarecrow, 'Keith Harris Show', the original TV series of 'Chronicles of Narnia' as the badger. Others include 'Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde' with Michael Caine, 'Paul Daniels Magic Show', 'Russ Abbot Show', 'Young Indiana Jones Chronicles', 'Noel's House Party', 'Shameless', 'That Mitchell & Webb Look', 'The Passion', 'Peter Kay Pop Factor X' as one of the group 'Men to Boyz' and lots more. Kiran performed many characters on TFI Friday, Chunky the Monk and impersonating Tom Cruise with Anthony Edwards were crowd favourites. In the early 80′s to the 90's Kiran as well as acting worked with the magician Simon Drake. They both were the entertainers for the stars and celebrities of that time and held shows at exclusive spots in London where some of the crowd would include the likes of Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Roger Waters (Pink Floyd), Richard Branson, Terry Gilliam and many other known actors/actresses and bands. In 1983 both Kiran and Simon went on tour with musician Julian Lennon (Son of Legend John Lennon) as his supporting act touring all over America and Canada. The height of their act was when they were invited to perform as the only entertainers for Tina Turner at her 50th birthday bash.
Kiran has also starred in renowned commercials including the 'Tango' adverts with the famous phrase 'you've been tangoed' as the tango man. The Nestle milk ad in Germany as the bear, Heart FM as an alien, Wrigley's Airwaves as an alien, Alfa Romeo as a sloth which became huge in Italy, and the funny Pipex ad as Mini Hoff also starring David Hasslehoff. Kiran has appeared in many music videos for artists such as Spandau Ballet, Alison Moyet, Fatboy Slim, Mark Ronson feat Lilly Allen, Aphex Twin, Jaime T and Michael Gray.
Kiran and his nephew Kit have directed a short film called 'Still Living', a physiological thriller. This has been played at Cannes and Edinburgh film festivals to list a few and also received the runner up prize at the HD Fest Film Festival in LA and it was also part of the shortlist for 'Without Borders'. Because of its success it is in a small minority of short films to be distributed commercially. Kiran also writes poetry, his work has been published in Britain and America. His poems are based on his thoughts and feelings about the places he has been and the experiences he has had.
Kiran has had the pleasure of working with some of the best directors of all time; these include Peter Jackson, James Cameron, Ridley Scott, Terry Gilliam, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Ken Russell, Andrew Adamson, Michael Winner and many more. Kiran is also known to enjoy working with up and coming talented directors. Since 2003 Kiran became a 'Guinness World Record' holder as the shortest professional stuntman currently working in films. In 2010 Kiran also became the 'Guinness World Record holder by being the shortest wing walker. This involved Kiran being strapped to the wing of a 1940′s Boeing Spearman biplane and travelling at the speed of 120mph at 300m (1000ft)in the air. Source: Yashwant Malaiya: E-Mail:
PRATEEK JAIN READY TO REPRESENT INDIA AT MR WORLD
On June 15, Provogue MensXP Mr. India World 2014 Prateek Jain will compete in the Mr. World pageant in Torbay, UK. In a little over a fortnight, Rajasthan boy, Prateek Jain will face his toughest challenge at the Mr World contest in the UK. Ever since he was crowned Provogue MensXP Mr India World 2014, Prateek has been undergoing round-the-clock training and grooming to prepare for the contest. As he leaves the country now for the contest, Prateek says that his extensive preparation has given him the "backbone of a fighter and the mind of a warrior".
The words carry much weight for the model, who has fought many odds to reach this stage. A former investment banker, he quit his cushy 9 to 5 routine to become a mixed martial arts fighter since his heart wasn't in number crunching. But an unfortunate injury forced him out of the combat sport and that's when he took up modelling, shifting base to Mumbai six months ago. As luck would have it, Prasad Bidapa, who knew Prateek, suggested he participate in the Provogue MensXP Mr. India contest and the rest, as they say, is history.
Prateek was an unanimous choice with the jury. Says Prasad, "He is six feet tall and looks like a romantic gypsy. His pure physical stamina, because of which he was also crowned Mr. Iron Man, will help him score many points at Mr World." Rocky S, who has created a customised costume for him for Mr. Stylish, a crucial segment of the pageant, says, "I've created an Indian Jodhpuri jacquard jacket for him as it spells iconic status and represents the heritage of Indian culture." Prateek's finale tuxedo has been designed by Narendra Kumar.
Miss India 2011 Ankita Shorey shared her international pageant experience with Prateek and personally oversaw his training for the extreme challenge subtitle and various other tasks at Mr. World 2014. Talking about Prateek's Mr. World 2014 preparations, Miss India International Ankita Shorey said, "His strength, willpower and a balanced mind will help him in the toughest rounds like the extreme challenge, which is fast track sub-title."
Ahimsa Times wishes him Good Luck
INDORE KID ROCHAK JAIN TO STAR IN TARAK MEHTA KA OOLTA CHASHMA
May 15, 2014 Indore: Rochak Jain, a 13-year-old is to star in one of the India's most popular TV show Tarak Mehta ka Oolta Chashma in a two-day episode was telecasted on May 15 & 16 along with the very famous 'Tapuu Sena'.
Entry of Rochak will be made in the show when 'Tappu Sena' will go out on adventure trip. According to the information given by the Jain Shwetambar Social Group, Rochak will play the role of a kid who will meet Tappu Sena in the adventure park along with his six other friends who will play adventure sports.
Rochak is the son of Rajesh Jain, who is the President of Jain Shwetambar Socail Group. Rochak met Harshat Joshi, Director of the popular the series in Mumbai, where Rochak was immediately selected by the show organisers.
EVENT, SEMINARS & CONFERENCES
NEXT JAINA CONVENTION TO BE HELD AT GREATER ATLANTA
Jain Society of Greater Atlanta, United States of America has announced to hold 2015 biennial convention at Greater Atlanta from July 2nd to July 5th 2015.
A convention board consisting of the following members is already in place and plans are being developed for the event Ashok Domadia, Convener, San Francisco Dilip Punatar, Member, Cincinnati Madhu Sheth, Member, Atlanta Harshad Shah, Co-Convener, New Jersey Raju Shah, Member, Atlanta Anil Shah, Member, Atlanta, Deepak Shah, Co-Convener, Atlanta Vastupal Shah, Member, Detroit Vijay Kothari, Member, Atlanta, Rita Sheth, Member, Tulsa Sobha Vora, Member, San Francisco Sameer Shah, Member, Atlanta. Source: Convention Convener, Ashok Domadia,
GOVT OF INDIA WILL CELEBRATE SHRI VIRCHAND RAGHAVJI GANDHI ANNIVERSARY - CULTURAL MINISTER
New Delhi, 29 May 2014: A Jain delegation of eminent Jains in the leadership of Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni met Cultural Minister of Government of India Shri Shripad Yesso Naik and requested to celebrate 150th Anniversary of Shri Virchand Raghav Ji Gandhi who addressed the 1893 World Religion Parliament at Chicago at national level, they also welcomed Shri Naik for taking charge of Cultural ministry of government of India.
Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni said that addressing the World Religion Parliament in Chicago and many prestigious international organizations Shri Vir Chand Raghav Ji Gandhi has done a great work of taking Indian Culture to the masses. Shri Gandhi was an intensive thinker, original writer and person with versatile talents. He served the nation by providing help from abroad at that time when India faced serve famine. He played an important role in making Palitana Tirth Tax free and removal of slaughter houses from Samedshikhar Jain Tirth. Cultural Minister Shri Shripad Yesso Naik said thinkers, saints and litterateur have important contribution in protection and promotion of culture. Shri Virchad Raghav ji Gandhi had contributed greatly by promoting versatile Indian Culture in the whole world. Government of India in the past has honored his great works by releasing his stamp. Present Government will extensively celebrate Shri Virchand Ragav ji Gandhi's 150th Anniversary this will familiarize the young generation with ancient valuable Indian Culture. Source: Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti, Kenu Agarwal.
SAMANI CHARITRA PRAJNA VISITED CENTER FOR JAINA STUDIES OF FREIE UNIVERSITÄT BERLIN, GERMANY
Samani Charitra Prajna, Vice Chancellor of JVBU Ladnun, and Samani Aagam Prajya visited Berlin Center for Jaina Studies after their participation at a conference on inter-religious dialogue, which occurred on May 7th, 2014 at St. Ottilien near Munich. At the University of Applied Sciences, a seminar on Jainism was held this semester by Patrick Krueger. In one of the lectures given to the Jain class, Samani Charitra Prajna gave an insight into a Jaina nuns life and answered joyful all the questions, which were asked by the students.
Afterwards both the Samanis went to Freie Universität Berlin, where CfJS is located, to meet Prof. Monika Zin, who holds chairs of South Asian Art History in Munich and Berlin and Patrick Krueger, who heads CfJS. Here Samani Charitra Prajna gave a lecture on Jaina Philosophy in the modern world to the students of Indian Art History, which ended in an inspiring dialogue on aspects of Jain art and culture. The discussion was fruitful especially for those students of Jainology, who hadearlier gone on a six-week educational journey through Karnataka, which was organized by Prof. Hampa Nagarajaiah and funded by H.H. Swasti Sri CharukirtiBhattarakSwamiji of Shravanabelgola.
Following the lecture, both Samanis visited the CfJS office and library, which consists of books donated by Prof. Hampa Nagarajaiah and the French author and Jainologist Pierre Paul Amiel. Since the chair in South Asian Art History is planned to be shut down in September 2014, Prof. Monika Zin, Patrick Krueger and the two Samanis discussed the future of Indian Studies and South Asian Art History in Berlin, together with the students of the CfJS Berlin. CfJS Berlin is currently located at the Department for Art History at Free University Berlin. In case of a shutdown, the center would have to move to another university and, thus support and funding is needed. In addition to this future problems, chances of a cooperation of JVBU and CfJSwere discussed which could help to save CfJS. Source: Dr. Sulekh Jain, E-Mail:
MISCELLANEOUS
NARENDRA MODI INVITED JAIN ACHARYA LOKESH MUNI TO ATTEND OATH TAKING CEREMONY
According to Lokesh Muni, besides him only nine religious leaders including Sri Sri Ravi Shanker - Art of Living, Yogguru Baba Ramdev, Pramukh Swamyji from Swamy Narayan, Eminent Kathavachak Shri Murari Bapu, Shri Ramesh Bhai Ojha were invited to the most watched event of the country.
Spokesperson of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti said, in August 2012, Acharyaji had forecasted on the basis of Jain Jyotish that, Shri Narender Modi will become the Prime Minister with full majority. At that time Shri Modi was not even the BJP Prime Ministerial Candidate. This forecast of Acharyaji has come true. Source: Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti.
Sahu R. P. Jain expressing his thoughts said, "While felicitating and wishing Narendra Modi led new Government a action-packed and accomplished tenure, I also thank BJP for recognizing Jain Community by extending invitations of the swearing ceremony to Shri Lokesh Muni of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti, Mr. Nirmal Sethi as representatives of Jain community and Mr. Anil Kumar Jain, President, Ahimsa Foundation & Chief Editor of Ahimsa Times. The most prominent central seating provided to the Jain invitees should also be a matter of pride for the community. "May the aspirations of Mr. Narendra Modi create a new India which will be prosperous and an example of development in the world". Sahu R. P. Jain, E-Mail:
THEFT AT NEEMUCH (M. P.) JAIN TEMPLE
May 12, 2014 Neemuch: Allegedly two thieves stole the crown made-up of 1 kg 300 grams silver and a pair of 'kundals (ear-rings) from the Adinath Shwetamber Jain Mandir in broad day light on May, 10th Police filed a case of theft and started investigations. According to the information received, the priest Purandas Bairagi locked the doors of the 'Girbh Griha' (main cell of the temple) and went to his residence. When, in the evening at around 6, he returned the temple, he saw that the doors of the Girbh Griha were open and the thrown and kundals of the idol were not in their place. He immediately informed to the local people of the Jain community.
JAINA INTERNSHIP SUPPORT PROGRAMME
JAINA sponsors an internship program for college and graduate students in Washington, DC, each summer. This program, the JAINA Legislative Internship is directed in partnership with the American Jewish Committee and provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and build leadership skills.
The hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate today's young leaders, strengthen their understanding of the public policy process and prepare them for future public service opportunities. Student interns will work in the heart of downtown Washington, DC, from the AJC offices and JAINA provides a stipend to help cover costs of living in DC. The deadline to apply is May 15th. Visit: www.jaina.org to find out more information. Source: Chirag Shah, E-Mail: , Cell phone: 262-573-5603.
VIOLENCE ERUPTS IN MEERUT AFTER JAINS OPPOSE WATER FACILITY NEAR MOSQUE
May 10, 2014, Meerut (Uttar Pradesh): About 50 people, including a top police officer and two media persons, were injured in a communal clash in Meerut recently.The incident occurred when a group of people was installing a water facilitation centre near a mosque. Members of the Jain community opposed the installation, saying it was near their temple too and the queue of people would disturb the peace of the premises. But people from the other community did not agree and installed the water centre, following which a scuffle took place between the two rival groups. The scuffle blew out of proportion and people started shouting slogans against the other community. Some vehicles and kiosks were set afire, and members from each side started pelting bricks and stones. There were also reports of firing. When police reached the spot to control the mob some policemen were also injured. Two camerapersons, who were trying to capture footage of the incident, were also injured. To control the situation early, patrolling was also intensified, and police forces from other areas along with the Provincial Armed Constabulary and Rapid Action Force were deployed.
LOKAYUKTA RAIDS IPS OFFICER MAYANK JAIN BUT HE REJECTS ALL OFFICIAL CLAIMS
May 16, 2014, Bhopal: In the first-ever crackdown against an IPS officer in Madhya Pradesh, Lokayukta cops on raided premises of inspector-general of police, Mayank Jain, across five cities in the state and unearthed assets of nearly Rs 100 crore, disproportionate to his source of income.
His properties include medicine stores, nursing homes at Bhopal and Rewa. Lokayukta officials said, Jain's assets are 250% higher than his actual income and the market value could be more. An orthopaedic, Jain joined the Madhya Pradesh police in 1995 and is currently posted as IG in the community policing unit. Raids at Jain's rented home at Riveara Township in Bhopal and other premises at Ujjain, Rewa, Indore and Khargone revealed crores of unaccounted wealth in fixed deposits, insurance policies, jewellery and immovable property. The senior cop was also found to have acquired 45 acres of land in three separate villages of Khargone district, 2 acre land and 2400 sq ft plot at Ujjain, three flats at Indore (DLF Garden, Grand Exotica, Kanchan Sagar), two shops, a clinic, two flats at Bhopal (Kolar and Mahabali Nagar), nursing homes at Bhopal and Rewa, a stone crusher unit and cement mixing plant at Raokhedi village in Indore. At least Rs 19 lakh in cash was seized from his father's house in Rewa while Rs 90,000 in cash was confiscated from Jain's residential premises at Bhopal. Officials also seized Rs 17 lakh worth gold and silver ornaments and investments of Rs 35 lakh in policies and shares. He also possessed two bank lockers at Rewa and 18 bank accounts. Raids began at his Rivera Township house. According to Mr. Jain he has not done anything wrong. Lokayukta police have not found anything objectionable from my house. Everything is accounted for and I have also informed my seniors. All payments were made through cheques.I will still cooperate with investigations.
TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF PROMINENT JAIN TEMPLES
1. Aaglod Tirth, Telephone No. 02763283615, 027632837342. Akola Tirth, Telephone No. 07242433059
3. Agashi Tirth, Telephone No. 02502587183
4. Agra Tirth, Telephone No. 0562254559
5. Ajimgunj Tirth, Telephone No. 03483253312
6. Alaukik Parshvanath Tirth, Telephone No. 07342610205 2610246
7. Alipor Tirth, Telephone No. 02634232973
8. Alirajpur Tirth, Telephone No. 07394233261
9. Amizara Tirth, Telephone No. 07292261444 232401
10. Amravati Tirth, Telephone No. 08632214834
11. Anastu, Telephone No. 02666232225 234049
12. Antrixji Tirth, Telephone No. 07254234005
13. Ayodhya Tirth, Telephone No. 05278232113
14. Ayodhyapuram Tirth, Telephone No. 02841281388
15. Ayodhyapuram Tirth (Barwala), Telephone No. 02841222433 222074
16. Azahara Tirth, Telephone No. 02875222233
17. Badnavar Tirth, Telephone No. 072952338
18. Bagvada Tirth, Telephone No. 02602342313
19. Balsana Tirth, Telephone No. 02568278214 238091
20. Banglore Tirth, Telephone No. 0802873678
21. Bavla (Savsthi Tirth), Telephone No. 02714232612 098240 96353
22. Bhadravati Tirth, Telephone No. 071752660
23. Bhadreshwar, Telephone No. 02838282361 282382
24. Bhadreshwar Tirth, Telephone No. 02838282361 2822362
25. Bhalwada Tirth, Telephone No. 024272363
26. Bharuch Tirth, Telephone No. 02642262586 221750
27. Bhavnagar Tirth, Telephone No. 027824273
28. Bhelupur Tirth, Telephone No. 0542275407
29. Bhildiyaji Tirth, Telephone No. 028362325
30. Bhopavar Tirth, Telephone No. 07296266861 07296266830
31. Bhorol Tirth, Telephone No. 02737214321
32. Bhorol Tirth, Telephone No. 02737224321
33. Bhoyni Tirth, Telephone No. 02715250204
34. Bhuj, Telephone No. 02831289223 02831289224
35. Bimbdod Tirth, Telephone No. 07412236277 07412222400
36. Bodeli Tirth, Telephone No. 02665222067
37. Borij Tirth, Telephone No. 0793226380 0793243180
38. Boter Jinalaya (Kutchh), Telephone No. 02834275450 028342275452
39. Boter Jinalaya Tirth, Telephone No. 02834244159 275454 220426
40. Champapuri Tirth, Telephone No. 06412500205
41. Chansma Tirth, Telephone No. 02734223296
42. Charbhuja (Rajsamand), Telephone No. 02954248101 02954248192
43. Charup Tirth, Telephone No. 02866277562
44. Chdotar (Deesa), Telephone No. 027422805
45. Chennai Tirth, Telephone No. 0442582628
46. Chorvad Tirth, Telephone No. 02734267320
47. Dabhoi Tirth, Telephone No. 02663258150
48. Datha (Mahuva), Telephone No. 028442235
49. Datha Tirth, Telephone No. 02842283324
50. Dedhiya (Kutchh), Telephone No. 028342935
51. Delhi Tirth, Telephone No. 01123270489
52. Delvada Tirth, Telephone No. 02885222233
53. Devanhalli Tirth, Telephone No. 081192873663
54. Devas Tirth, Telephone No. 07272252677
55. Dhakdi Tirth, Telephone No. 02775295290 09601466918
56. Dhanap Tirth, Telephone No. 0793272009
57. Dhar Tirth, Telephone No. 07292232245 07292232563
58. Dharmchakra Prabhav Tirth, Telephone No. 02536536173 02536536041
59. Dhuliya Tirth, Telephone No. 02562238091 02562230280
60. Div Tirth, Telephone No. 02875222233
61. Dumra (Gunparshv Tirth) Kutchh, Telephone No. 02834286684
62. Gajabhishek Tirth, Telephone No. 02631237350
63. Gambhu Tirth, Telephone No. 02734282325
64. Gandhar Tirth, Telephone No. 02641232345
65. Gheti (Palitana) Tirth, Telephone No. 02848252316
66. Ghogha Tirth, Telephone No. 02782882335
67. Girnarji Tirth, Telephone No. 02852650179
68. Gudiwada Tirth, Telephone No. 086742442
69. Gummileru Tirth, Telephone No. 0885234037
70. Guniyaji Tirth, Telephone No. 06324224045
71. Halardham Tirth, Telephone No. 028332540
72. Haridwar, Telephone No. 01332425263 01332423773
73. Hastgiri (Palitana), Telephone No. 02848284101/2/3/4
74. Hastgiri Tirth, Telephone No. 02848284101
75. Hastinapur Tirth, Telephone No. 012332801
76. Hoshiyarpur Tirth, Telephone No. 01882223325
77. Hrimkar Tirth (Guntur), Telephone No. 08632293213
78. Ider Tirth, Telephone No. 02778250080 02778250442
79. Ingalpath Tirth, Telephone No. 074142642
80. Jakhau (Kutchh), Telephone No. 028312872
81. Jakhau (Kutchh), Telephone No. 028312871
82. Jalandhar Tirth, Telephone No. 018124056
83. Jamnagar Tirth, Telephone No. 028826789
84. Jiyajigunj Tirth, Telephone No. 03483255715
85. Kadambgiri Tirth, Telephone No. 02848282101
86. Kaktur Tirth, Telephone No. 0861238341
87. Kalikund Tirth, Telephone No. 02714225739 02714225218
88. Kalikund Tirth (Kalikat), Telephone No. 0495704293
89. Kamboi Tirth, Telephone No. 02734281315
90. Kampilaji Tirth (Farukhabad), Telephone No. 05690271289
91. Kangda Tirth, Telephone No. 01892265187
92. Karad Tirth, Telephone No. 02164223348
93. Karmadi Tirth, Telephone No. 07412283379
94. Katariya (Kutchh), Telephone No. 09879713967
95. Katariya Tirth, Telephone No. 02837273341
96. Kathgola Tirth, Telephone No. 03483255715
97. Katraj Tirth, Telephone No. 021224370944
98. Kavi Tirth, Telephone No. 02644230229
99. Khambhat Tirth, Telephone No. 02698223696
100. Kirti Dham (Songadh), Telephone No. 02846244071
101. Kirti Stambh (Naya Nakoda) Rajsthan, Telephone No. 09928209761
102. Kohba Tirt, Telephone No. 0793276204
103. Kokan Shetrunjay Tirth, Telephone No. 02225472389 25475811
104. Kolkatta, Telephone No. 03325554187
105. Kosbad Tirth, Telephone No. 02528241004
106. Kothara (Kutchh), Telephone No. 02831282318
107. Kothara (Kutchh), Telephone No. 02831282235
108. Kothara Tirth, Telephone No. 02831282235
109. Kulpakji Tirth, Telephone No. 086852281696
110. Kumbhariyaji Tirth, Telephone No. 02749262178
111. Kumbhojgiri Tirth, Telephone No. 02302584456
112. Kundalpur (Nalnda), Telephone No. 06112281846
113. Kundalpur Tirth, Telephone No. 0612281624
114. Kurkuteshvar Tirth, Telephone No. 07421231241 231343
115. Laxmani Tirth, Telephone No. 073842338874 233545
116. Layja (Kutchh), Telephone No. 02834230506 223102
117. Lunava (Rajsthan), Telephone No. 02938252228 252807
118. Mahudi Tirth, Telephone No. 02763284626 284627
119. Mahuva Tirth, Telephone No. 02844222571
120. Malpura (Dada Wadi), Telephone No. 01437226243
121. Manas Mandiram Tirth, Telephone No. 02527272398 270371
122. Mandavi (72 Jinalaya) Kutchh, Telephone No. 02834275451, 275609
123. Mandvi Tirth, Telephone No. 02834220880 220046
124. Matar Tirth, Telephone No. 02694285530
125. Maxi Tirth, Telephone No. 07363232037
126. Mehsana Tirth, Telephone No. 02762251674 251087
127. Meru Vihar Dham (Khadol), Telephone No. 093280n83600
128. Merudham Tirth, Telephone No. 0793276077
129. Metrana Tirth, Telephone No. 02767281242
130. Modhera Tirth, Telephone No. 02734284390
131. Mohankheda Tirth, Telephone No. 07296232225 234369
132. Mota Poshina Tirth, Telephone No. 02775283471 283330
133. Moti Khakhar, Telephone No. 02838240030 240023
134. Moti Khakhar (Kutchh), Telephone No. 002838275491
135. Muchhala Mahavir Tirth (Ghanerav), Telephone No. 02934284056
136. Mujpur Tirth, Telephone No. 02733281343 281344
137. Mysore Tirth, Telephone No. 08212431242
138. Nadol Tirth (Rajsthan), Telephone No. 02934240044
139. Naliya (Kutchh), Telephone No. 028312223 27 222337
140. Naliya (Kutchh), Telephone No. 02831287224
141. Naliya Tirth, Telephone No. 02831222327
142. Nana Poshina Tirth, Telephone No. 02778266367
143. Nandasan Tirth, Telephone No. 027642732 65 267205
144. Nandigram Tirth, Telephone No. 02602782089
145. Narlai Tirth (Rajsthan), Telephone No. 02934260424 260740
146. Navgrah Aaradhna Tirth, Telephone No. 02672244563 265035
147. Navgrah Jinalay (Godhra), Telephone No. 02672244563 265035
148. Navsari Tirth, Telephone No. 02637258882
149. Ndavgadh Tirth, Telephone No. 07292263229
150. New Delhi Tirth, Telephone No. 01127202225 2701621
151. Omkar Tirth, Telephone No. 02652242792
152. Omkar Tirth (Baroda), Telephone No. 02652242792 6535192
153. Palanpur Tirth, Telephone No. 02742253731
154. Pansar Tirth, Telephone No. 02764288240 288402
155. Parasali Tirth, Telephone No. 07425232855
156. Parjau (Kutchh), Telephone No. 028312732 34
157. Paroli Tirth, Telephone No. 02676234539 234510
158. Parshva Padmalaya Tirth, Telephone No. 02114224177
159. Parshva Pragnalaya Tirth, Telephone No. 02114224177 228044
160. Patan Tirth, Telephone No. 02766222278
161. Patliputra Tirth, Telephone No. 0612645777
162. Pavagadh Tirth, Telephone No. 02676245606
163. Pavapuri Tirth, Telephone No. 06112274736
164. Pedmiram Tirth, Telephone No. 08816223632
165. Piyushpani Tirth, Telephone No. 025128457 415 28454811
166. Prabhas Patan Tirth, Telephone No. 02876231638
167. Pudal Tirth, Telephone No. 0446418577 6418292
168. Purimtal Tirth, Telephone No. 05322400263
169. Rajgadh Tirth, Telephone No. 07296233145
170. Rajgruhi Tirth, Telephone No. 06112255220
171. Ramaniya (Rajsthan), Telephone No. 02934204901 92147 13653
172. Ranakpur, Telephone No. 02934285019
173. Rani (Astapad Tirth), Telephone No. 02934222715
174. Rantej Tirth, Telephone No. 02734267320
175. Rapar (Kutchh), Telephone No. 02831282235 282120
176. Rujuvalika Tirth, Telephone No. 06736224351
177. Sagodiya Tirth, Telephone No. 07412239007
178. Sametshikharji Tirth, Telephone No. 06532232226 232260
179. Sanyara (Kutchh), Telephone No. 028312842 23 284255/56
180. Sarhind Tirth, Telephone No. 01763232246
181. Savsthi Tirth, Telephone No. 02714232612 232081
182. Semliya Tirth, Telephone No. 07412281210
183. Shankhalpur Tirth, Telephone No. 02734286408
184. Shankheshwar Tirth, Telephone No. 02733273514 273324
185. Shankheshwardham Tirth (Kaman), Telephone No. 02502210277
186. Shauripuri Tirth, Telephone No. 05614234717
187. Sherisa Tirth, Telephone No. 02764250126
188. Shetrunjay Dam (Palitana), Telephone No. 02848252215
189. Shetrunjya Dam Tirth, Telephone No. 02848252215
190. Shiyani Tirth, Telephone No. 02753251550
191. Shravsthi Tirth, Telephone No. 05252265215
192. Sidhhachal Tirth (Banglore), Telephone No. 08119282886
193. Sumeru Navkar Tirth, Telephone No. 02666231010
194. Suthari Sandhan (Kutchh), Telephone No. 02831283243
195. Suthari Tirth, Telephone No. 02831284223
196. Suthri (Kutchh), Telephone No. 028312284223
197. Suyash Shantidham Tirth, Telephone No. 02528222616
198. Tagdi Tirth, Telephone No. 02713232766
199. Talaja, Telephone No. 02842283324
200. Talaja Tirth, Telephone No. 02842222030
201. Talanpur Tirth, Telephone No. 07297233306
202. Talasari Tirth, Telephone No. 02521220383
203. Talegaon, Telephone No. 0211429603 9226321526
204. Tapovan Sanskar Dham, Telephone No. 02637258959 258924
205. Tarangaji Tirth, Telephone No. 02761253411
206. Tera (Kutchh), Telephone No. 02831289223 289433
207. Tera (Kutchh), Telephone No. 02831222237
208. Tera Tirth, Telephone No. 02831289223 289224
209. Tharad Tirth, Telephone No. 02737222036
210. Tintoda (Gujrat), Telephone No. 023285558 85549 85677
211. Tithal Tirth, Telephone No. 02632248074
212. Ujjain Tirth, Telephone No. 0734555553
213. Una Tirth, Telephone No. 0285222233
214. Unhel Tirth, Telephone No. 07366220258 220237
215. Uperiyaji Tirth, Telephone No. 02757226826
216. Uvvasgharam Tirth, Telephone No. 07882710102
217. Vadali Tirth, Telephone No. 02778220319 220419
218. Vadnagar Tirth, Telephone No. 02734281315
219. Vahi Tirth, Telephone No. 07424241430
220. Valam Tirth, Telephone No. 02765285043
221. Vallabhipur, Telephone No. 02841222433 222074
222. Vallbhipur Tirth, Telephone No. 028412224 33 222074
223. Valvod Tirth, Telephone No. 02696288158
224. Vanachhara Tirth, Telephone No. 02662242511
225. Vanki Tirth, Telephone No. 02838278240
226. Vanku (Kutchh), Telephone No. 02831273258 273273
227. Vanthali Tirth, Telephone No. 02872222264
228. Varapadhar (Kutchh), Telephone No. 02831273216
229. Varkana Tirth, Telephone No. 02934222257 9950393752
230. Varmana Tirth, Telephone No. 02652830951
231. Vataman Dharm Dham Tirth, Telephone No. 02714272308 09825024531
232. Veraval Tirth, Telephone No. 0287221381
233. Vijapur Tirth, Telephone No. 02763220209
234. Xtriyakund Tirth, Telephone No. 06345222361
JAIN MINORITY
BJAS NATIONAL PRESIDENT CLARIFIES DOUBTS ON MINORITY AS APPLICABLE TO STUDENTS
On 23.03.2014 BJAS National President Sh. Yateendra Sawale Jain delivered Lecture on subject, "What is Minority, It's benefits for students & how to avail it" at Shantisagar Hall, Borivali (West) Mumbai.
1. What is Minority - There are two types of minority's as per UNESCO's Norms & Directives of Indian Constitution, (1) Religious, (2) Linguistic, those who are less in Population, whose % is less are minors.
2. Why Religious Minority Status - It's Identity of independency of our religion. To save our Religion & Religious Culture through various ways, Govt. provided us security u/s of 25 to 30 of the constitution.
3. Minority Status is Reservation - No it's not reservation, it's preservation. Preservation of Religion & Religious Culture.
4. Levels of Minority - State Level & National Level.
5. Govt. of Maharashtra already provided Minority Status to Jain Religion as on 9th Oct. 2006.
6. What are benefits for Students - Government of Maharashtra is having several schemes for Minor Community's including Jain.
1) Rs. 200/- p.a. providing to primary students from 1 to 4th class.
2) Rs. 2/- per day & max. Rs. 440/- provided to class 1st to 7th students.
3) Rs. 5000/- p.a. scholarship for students doing Graduation after 12 th.
4) Rs. 25000/- p.a. Scholarship for students doing Technical & Medical Graduation after 12 th.
5) Up to Rs. 2 Lakh as ex-gratia grant to those schools having more than 70% Minor Community Students for Up gradation of schools infrastructure.
6) Grant of Rs. 3 crore for opening minor community's Polytechnic for Minor community students only
7) Grant of Rs. 3 crore for opening minor community's ITI for Minor community students only
8) Grant for opening of Hostel for Minor community students only
7. What are benefits for Students - Provided by Central Government
1) Pre-matric Scholarship Scheme: Class I to V: Rs. 1000/- p.a. Class VI to X: Rs. 4000/- p.a. & if Hosteller + Rs. 6000/- p.a.
2) Post-matric Scholarship Scheme:Class XI to XII: Rs. 7000/- p.a. + Rs.1400/- Maintenance Allowance = Rs. 8400/-Class XI to XII (Tech. & Vocational): Rs. 10000/- p.a. + Rs.1400/- Maint. Allow.=Rs.11400/-UG & Graduate (Non Tech & Professional) Rs. 3000/- + 1850/- Maint. Allow = Rs. 4850/-M.Phil & Phd. Rs. 3000/- + 3300/- Maint. Allow = Rs. 6300/-If staying in Hostell + some amt.
3) Merit-cum-means Scholarship Scheme:For Technical & Professional Courses (Like BE/BTech/Medical/ Pharmacy/Management etc.)Limited Scholarships as No. of Scholarships already given.Rs. 25000/- & Rs. 30,000/- for Hostellers.Full Course fees Reimbursed for some notified 86 colleges. Thru out the nation.
4) Nayee Roshni: Leadership Development of Minority Women.
5) Learn & Earn: Scheme for Skill Development of Minority
6) Padho Pardesh: Students those who wish to do their PG from Foreign, they get help from Govt.
a) Loan facility for upcountry Education.
b) Course Duration + 6months / 1 years Loan Interest will be paid by Govt.
c) Refund of Loan by Student after getting Job.
d) For this Scheme please contact any Nationalised Bank.
Where to search for Minority Benefits - State Minority Commission: www.mddmaharashtra.gov.in, www.maharashtra.gov.in, www.escholarship.maharashtra.gov.in, and www.minorityaffairs.gov.in
For further information Contact: Yateendra Sawale, Jain National President Bhartiy Jain Alpsankhyank Samaj. Cell: +91 9820862384, E-Mail: , , www.facebook.com/bhartiyjainalpsankhyanksamaj
ARTICLES OF THE MONTH
JAINISM AND MODERN SCIENCE BY MR. ANISH SHAH
Jains claim that Jainism is a rational and a scientific religion. One of my American friends who had come down to India to study Jainism remarked cynically that all religions claim to be scientific, but Jains are quite pre-occupied to prove that Jainism is a very scientific religion. Hence one needs to understand as to what one means by being scientific. It does not necessarily have to confirm with the current scientific thinking. About two centuries back almost none of the Jain beliefs - especially existence of microbes and atoms - confirmed with the scientific thinking at that time. It was only later that science could validate many of these beliefs.
Of course, there are many concepts in Jainism that may not conform with current scientific thinking. However, in the following essay, I will try to draw out some parallels between modern science and Jain concepts. But first let me discuss the methodology adopted by the Jains to describe this universe. One can say that Jainism is scientific in the sense that acceptability of its principles is not based on any divine revelation; rather, the principles are considered as true as they are borne out by the nature of reality. Although Jain system of thought is often referred to as revealed by Omniscient Teachers, the Jain thinkers attach more importance to absence of contradiction rather than to revelation. Accordingly, a doctrine must not contradict with accepted standards of truth and logic. Those who have read ancient texts would have noticed that Jain authors took pains to examine the various opposing views, which were rejected only when they were found to be self-contradictory or inconsistent with accepted standards of truth and logic............To read further please click here
WHAT IF THE WHOLE WORLD BECAME VEGETARIAN - L. V. ANDERSON
The meat industry is one of the top contributors to climate change, directly and indirectly producing about 14.5 percent of the world's anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, and global meat consumption is on the rise. People generally like eating meat—when poor people start making more money, they almost invariably start buying more meat. As the population grows and eats more animal products, the consequences for climate change, pollution, and land use could be catastrophic.
Attempts to reduce meat consumption usually focus on baby steps—Meatless Monday and "vegan before 6," passable fake chicken, and in vitro burgers. If the world is going to eat less meat, it's going to have to be coaxed and cajoled into doing it, according to conventional wisdom.
But what if the convincing were the easy part? Suppose everyone in the world voluntarily stopped eating meat, en masse. I know it's not actually going to happen. But the best-case scenario from a climate perspective would be if all 7 billion of us woke up one day and realized that PETA was right all along. If this collective change of spirit came to pass, like Peter Singer's dearest fantasy come true, what would the ramifications be?
At least one research team has run the numbers on what global veganism would mean for the planet. In 2009 researchers from the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency published their projections of the greenhouse gas consequences if humanity came to eat less meat, no meat, or no animal products at all. The researchers predicted that universal veganism would reduce agriculture-related carbon emissions by 17 percent, methane emissions by 24 percent, and nitrous oxide emissions by 21 percent by 2050. Universal vegetarianism would result in similarly impressive reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. What's more, the Dutch researchers found that worldwide vegetarianism or veganism would achieve these gains at a much lower cost than a purely energy-focused intervention involving carbon taxes and renewable energy technology. The upshot: Universal eschewal of meat wouldn't single-handedly stave off global warming, but it would go a long way toward mitigating climate change.
What else might happen- The Dutch researchers didn't take into account what else might happen if everyone gave up meat. "In this scenario study we have ignored possible socio-economic implications such as the effect of health changes on GDP and population numbers," wrote Elke Stehfest and her colleagues. "We have not analyzed the agro-economic consequences of the dietary changes and its implications; such consequences might not only involve transition costs, but also impacts on land prices. The costs that are associated with this transition might obviously offset some of the gains discussed here."
People would band together to form communes, squat on the former pasture land, and adopt a lifestyle of free love.
"In a world of untrammeled global warming, where disastrous weather events are routine, global conflicts will increase, only the wealthy will thrive, and the poor will suffer."
Indeed. If the world actually did collectively go vegetarian or vegan over the course of a decade or two, it's reasonable to think the economy would tank. According to "Livestock's Long Shadow," the influential 2006 U.N. report about meat's devastating environmental effects, livestock production accounts for 1.4 percent of the world's total GDP. The production and sale of animal products account for 1.3 billion people's jobs, and 987 million of those people are poor. If demand for meat were to disappear overnight, those people's livelihoods would disappear, and they would have to find new ways of making money. Now, some of them—like the industrial farmers who grow the corn that currently goes to feed animals on factory farms—would be in a position to adapt by shifting to in-demand plant-based food production. Others, namely the "huge number of people involved in livestock for lack of an alternative, particularly in Africa and Asia," would probably be out of luck. (Things would be better for the global poor involved in the livestock trade if everyone continued to consume other animal products, such as eggs, milk, and wool, than if everyone decided to go vegan.) As the economy adjusted to the sudden lack of demand for meat products, we would expect to see widespread suffering and social unrest.
A second major ramification of global vegetarianism would be expanses of new land available. Currently, grazing land for ruminants—cows and their kin—accounts for a staggering 26 percent of the world's ice-free land surface. The Dutch scientists predict that 2.7 billion hectares (about 10.4 million square miles) of that grazing land would be freed up by global vegetarianism, along with 100 million hectares (about 386,000 square miles) of land that's currently used to grow crops for livestock. Not all of this land would be suitable for humans, but surely it stands to reason that this sudden influx of new territory would make land much cheaper on the whole.
What global veganism might mean for antibiotics - A third major ramification of global vegetarianism would be that the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections would plummet. Currently, the routine use of antibiotics in animal farming to promote weight gain and prevent illness in unsanitary conditions is a major contributor to antibiotic resistance. Last year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that at least 2 million Americans fall ill from antibiotic-resistant pathogens every year and declared that "much of antibiotic use in animals is unnecessary and inappropriate and makes everyone less safe." The overprescription of antibiotics for humans plays a big role in antibiotic resistance, but eradicating the factory farms from which many antibiotic-resistant bacteria emerge would make it more likely that we could continue to count on antibiotics to cure serious illnesses. (For a sense of what a "post-antibiotics future" would look like, read Maryn McKenna's amazing article on the topic for Medium and her story about a possible solution for chicken farming in Slate.)
Choice of two evils - So what would be the result, in an all-vegetarian world, of the combination of widespread unemployment and economic disruption, millions of square miles of available land, and a lowered risk of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea? I can only conclude that people would band together to form communes in order to escape capitalism's ruthlessness, squat on the former pasture land, and adopt a lifestyle of free love.
I kid. Mostly. It's easy to get carried away when you're speculating about unlikely scenarios—and sudden intercontinental vegetarianism is very much an unlikely scenario.
But if the result of a worldwide shift to a plant-based diet sounds like a right-winger's worst nightmare, it's worth pointing out that continuing to eat as much meat as we currently do promises to result in a left-winger's worst nightmare: In a world of untrammeled global warming, where disastrous weather events are routine, global conflicts will increase, only the wealthy will thrive, and the poor will suffer. Let's try a middle path. We're not all going to become vegetarians, but most of us can stop giving our money to factory farms the biggest and worst offenders, from a pollution and public health perspective. We can eat less meat than we currently do, especially meat from methane-releasing ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats, etc.). Just because a sudden global conversion to vegetarianism would have jarring effects doesn't mean we can't gradually reduce our consumption of meat, giving the market time to adjust. We not only can; we must. Author: L. V. Anderson is a Slate Assistant Editor. She edits Slate's food and drink sections and writes Brow Beat's recipe column. Source: E-Mail:
OBITUARY
COMMUNITY LEADER FROM NAGALAND, SHRI SOHAN LAL SETHI PASSED AWAY ON APRIL 23
Dimpur, Nagaland: 29 Apr. 2014: Prominent community leader of Jain community in Nagaland Shri Sohan Lal Sethi passed away on April 23 in Delhi. Large number of people from various religious background paid homage to the departed leader at his residence at Kohima. In another short speech, former DMC member Vikheho Zhimomi highlighted how Late Sohan Lal Sethi was successful in tracing the culprits and bringing back the Precious Jain idol from Bangladesh which was stolen from Dimapur in 1984.Late Sohan Lal Sethi was born in Dimapur in 1953. He was associated with various religious and charitable organizations and was also a social entrepreneur. He played vital role in saving the identity of Jain community in Naga Hills.
JAIN CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE 2014
VIR SAMVAT 2540 JAIN CALENDAR VIKRAM SAMVAT 2070
Aatham | Chaudas | Pancham | Bij | Agiyaras | Jain Festival | Auspicious Day |
JETH - JUNE 2014 - ASHADH | AVOID GREEN & ROOT VEGETABLES Date: 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 20 | 23 | 26 | 29 AVOID ROOT VEGETABLES Date: 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 16 | 19 |21 JAIN FESTIVAL Date: 13 - Poonam (Bhav Siddhachal Yatra) AUSPICIOUS DAY Date: 03 - Dharmanath Nirvan Kalyanak Date: 07 - Vasupujya Chavan Kalyanak Date: 10 - Suparshvanath Janma Kalyanak Date: 11 - Suparshvanath Diksha Kalyanak Date: 16 - Adinath Chavan Kalyanak Date: 19 - Vimalnath Nirvan Kalyanak Date: 21- Naminath Diksha Kalyanak OTHER Date: 05 - World Environment Day Date: 15 - Father's Day
| ||||||
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
| 30 Sud Trij | Jeth: 1 To 27 June Ashadh: 28 To 30 June | 1 Sud Choth | |||||
| 2 Sud Choth | 3 Sud Pancham | 4 Sud Chhath | 5 Sud Satam | 6 Sud Aatham | 7 Sud Nom | 8 Sud Dasam | |
| 9 Sud Agiyaras | 10 Sud Baras | 11 Sud Teras | 12 Sud Chaudas | 13 Sud Poonam | 14 Vad Bij | 15 Vad Trij | |
| 16 Vad Choth | 17 Vad Pancham | 18 Vad Chhath | 19 Vat Satam | 20 Vad Aatham | 21 Vad Nom | 22 Vad Dasam | |
| 23 Vad Agiyaras | 24 Vad Baras | 25 Vad Teras | 26 Vad Chaudas | 27 Vad Amas | 28 Sud Ekam | 29 | |