News
October 2023
Mahaveer Award 2024 Presented to Heather Mills:On 20th October we presented presented the award to Heather at an event organised by Viva! animal rights organisation.
Subahu Shah our long time supporter is seen presenting the award.
The inscription on the award reads:
Mahaveer Award
Presented to Heather Mills
Your compassion is as deep as the Ocean.
Your commitment to the cause of Animal Rights unshakable.
We salute you - 20th October 2024.
October 2024
Jain Animal Sanctuary: Donations made between August and October 2024.First of all, I would like to especially thank Jain Samaj Europe, Leicester, for their kind donation of £1000.00. My special thanks to President Mrs. Ushaben Mehta and all the committee members for their continued support over many years.
My special thanks also to Arihant Charitable Trust, Manchester for the donation of £501.00.
A.C.T. has also supported us over many years. Thank you, Mayurbhai and Mukesbhai. May Lord bless you all.
My thanks also to all of you who support us on a monthly basis. Without your support we would not be able to help the animals. Thank you for your compassion. You are all building a Bank balance of Good Karma.
The Following Donations have been made in the last 3 months:
1 £300 Hillside Animal Sanctuary, Norwich.
2 £210 Animal Care Egypt.
3 £300 F.R.I.E.N.D Animal Sanctuary, Burwash, Sussex.
4 £200 Beneath the Woods Animal Sanctuary, Wales
5 £600 Lolas Animal Sanctuary, Crawley.
6 £100 Wood Green Animal Sanctuary, Wood Green.
7 £150 Mare&Foal Sanctuary, Newton Abbot.
8 £125 Donkey Sanctuary, Devon. (We adopted 3 Donkeys)
Donations Abroad
9 £500 People For Animals, Faridabad, Haryana, India.
10 £300 Animal Welfare Group , Mali, West Africa.
Total Paid over last 3 months: £2786.00.
Over the years we have donated over £400,000 to animal sanctuaries.
An Appeal:
If you can help for as little as £10 per month, please do so. If you can do a bigger amount that will be fantastic.
Our Bank Details;
Jain Animal Sanctuary
- Barclays
- Account No: 00520225
- Sort Code: 20 24 61.
- Help us to help animals.
July 2024
The following Donations were made by Jain Animal Sanctuary from April to June 2024. First we would like to thank all those who gave us a donation so that we can continue supporting animal sanctuaries both in the UK and abroad. A special thanks to Jain Samaj Europe (Leicester) for a donation of 500.00.Special thanks also to many individuals who donate generously on a regular basis. We made the following donations over the last 3 months:
1 £800 to Lolas Animal Sanctuary, Crawley
2 £300 to Hillside Animal Sanctuary, Norwich
3 £300 to F.R.I.E.N.D Animal Sanctuary, Tonbridge, Kent
4 £300 Hugletts Wood Farm, East Sussex
5 £300 to Beneath the Woods Animal Sanctuary, Wales
6 £500 to People for Animals, Faridabad, Haryana, India
7 140.00 to Animal Care Egypt
8 £100 to Uganda Society for the Protection of Animals
Total Donated - April to June 2024: £2,710.00
Over £400,000 donated to animal sanctuaries over the years.
September 2023
Mahaveer Award 2023 Presented to Dr. Shireen Kasam:The Mahaveer Award was Presented to Dr. Shireen Kasam founder of The Health Based Professionals. The organisation has medical professionals who promote a Vegan Lifestyle. This award was presented on Saturday 9 September 2023 at the conference by HBF at Imperial College London. Dr. Shireen's entire family are Vegans.
June 2023
The following Donations were made by Jain Animal Sanctuary from April to June 2023. We depend on your support to help the animals. Please consider making a donation on a monthly basis. The details are as follows:Name: Jain Animal Sanctuary
Bank: Barclays
Sort Code: 20 24 61
Account Number: 00520225
Donations made by the Jain Animal Sanctuary from April to June 2023 First I would like to thank all those who gave us a donation so that we can continue supporting animal Sanctuaries both in the UK and abroad. We also support campigning Animal Rights organisations. Special thanks also to many individuals who donate generously.
We made the following donations over the last 3 months:
1 £600 to Lolas Animal Sanctuary, Crawley.
2 £300 to Hillside Animal Sanctuary, Norwich
3 £300 to F.R.I.E.N.D Animal Sanctuary, Tonbridge, Kent.
4 £300 to Hugletts Wood Farm, East Sussex.
5 £300 to Beneath the Woods Animal Sanctuary, Wales.
6 £500 to People for Animals, Faridabad, Haryana, India.
7 £200 to Puppy Rescue.
8 £200 to Uganda Protection and Care for Animals. (around 912,000 Shillings)
9 £50 to Horse Sense Wirral
Total Donated: £2,700.50 over 3 months.
Over £400,000 donated to animal sanctuaries over the years.
We have also set up a standing order of £22 every month for Animal Equality. Every donation will be matched by another donor so they will receive £44 every month.
March 2023
Our lifelong member and supporter Poonam Doshi has been chosen as an inspiring individual by the Vegan Society along with other 4 ladies on the occasion of the Womens Day.Read details on Vegan Society website here
Poonam has been associated with Young Indian Vegetarians since childhood.
The following Donations were made by Jain Animal Sanctuary from January to March 2023. We depend on your support to help the animals. Please consider making a donation on a monthly basis. The details are as follows:
Name: Jain Animal Sanctuary
Bank: Barclays
Sort Code: 20 24 61
Account Number: 00520225
Our grateful thanks to:
Jain Samaj Europe for the kind donation of £1,000.00 for the year 2023.
Mahavir Foundation (Jaisukhbhai Mehta) for a donation of £500 for the year 2023.
Special thanks also to many individuals who donate generously.
Donations made in the last 3 months - January to March 2023:
1. £600 to Lolas Animal Sanctuary, Crawley.
2. £300 to Hillside Animal Sanctuary, Norwich
3. £300 to F.R.I.E.N.D Animal Sanctuary, Tonbridge, Kent.
4. £300 Hugletts Wood Farm, East Sussex.
5. £300 to Beneath the Woods Animal Sanctuary, Wales.
6. £500.00 to People for Animals, Faridabad, Haryana, India.
7. £126.50 Woodgreen The Animal Sanctuary.
8. £100.00 Turkey Earthquake Appeal for injured animals.
9. £100.00 Mahew, Dogs Animal Rescue Service, London.
10. £100.00 Animal Aid, Tonbridge, Kent.
11. £100.00 to PETA, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals UK.
Total Donated: £2,826.50 over 3 months.
Over £400,000 donated to animal sanctuaries over the years.
October 2022
The following Donations were made by Jain Animal Sanctuary from July to September 2022. We depend on your support to help the animals. Please consider making a donation on monthly basis. The details are as follows:Name: Jain Animal Sanctuary
Bank: Barclays
Sort Code: 20 24 61
Account Number: 00520225
Donations made in the last 3 months - July to September 2022:
1. £500.00 to People for Animals Trust Haryana, India.
2. £500 to Tinku Memorial Trust, Valsad, Gujarat, India.
3. £600 to Lola's Animal Sanctuary over 3 months.
4. £300 to Hillside Animal Sanctuary, Norwich over 3 months.
5. £300 to Bushy Tail Cat
6. £300 to Freedom For Animals
7. £300 to F.R.I.E.N.D Animal Sanctuary over 3 months.
8. £300, Beneath the Woods Animal Sanctuary, Wales
9. £200 to Sheep Sanctuary, West Yorkshire.
10. £100 to Dogs Trust.
11. £100 to Animal Care Egypt.
12. £100 to Animal Aid.
Total: £3,600.00
Over the last 35 years we have donated almost £400,000.
June 2022
Mahaveer Award 2022 Presented to Mohanji:On the 28th of June, Mohanji was recognised for his work in promoting lifestyle of compassion. He was awarded the “Mahaveer Award” presented by Nitin Mehta and Vaid Bharath of the Indian Vegan and Vegetarian Society.
The award was inscribed – “Out of great compassion for all living beings, you are guiding the world towards the path of Ahimsa (non-violence) and a plant-based, meat-free lifestyle. WE salute you.”
Mohanji raises awareness of generations from selfishness to selflessness. He has dedicated his life to serving the world with this single purpose – to raise humans to achieve the highest values of human potential such as kindness, compassion and non-violence. Or in other words, make the transition from human-kind to kind humans.
June 2022
Donations made by the Jain Animal Sanctuary April and June 2022:First of all I would like to thank all those who made donations to us so that we can support Animal Sanctuaries and those fighting for animal rights both in the UK and abroad.
Our special thanks to:
1. Jain Samaj Europe for a donation of £500.00
2. Rajsubagh Satsang Mandal UK for a donation of £237.50
3. Mahavir Trust for a donation of £250
4. Nari Vrund, Croydon for a donation of £50.00
My special thanks to the many individual donors, many of whom donate on a monthly basis.
The Donations:
1. £500 to New Hope Animal Rescue, Kent
2. £500 to People for Animals Trust, Haryana, India
3. £500 to Radha Surabhi Goshala, Radha Kund, Mathura, India
4. £500 to F.R.I.E.N.D. Animal Sanctuary, Tonbridge, Kent
5. £200 Mare and Foal Sanctuary, Newton Abbot
6. £200 to Animal Care Egypt
7. £200 to Wood Green The Animal Sanctuary
8. £300 to Dobrich Dog Rescue
9. £300(over the last 3 months) to Hillside Animal Sanctuary, Norwich
10. £300(over the last 3 months) to Beneath the Woods Animal Sanctuary
11. £600(over the last 3 months)to Lola's Animal Sanctuary, Crawley
12. £100 to F.R.I.E.N.D. Animal Sanctuary, Tonbridge, Kent
Total of £4000.00. over the last 3 months.
Over the last 35 years we have donated over £375,000.
June 2022
Jubilee Beacon Event in CroydonIndian Vegetarians organised a very successful Jubilee Beacon event at Lloyd Park on 2 June. Colonal Ray Wilkinson who represents the Queen in Croydon and his wife Liz were special guests. In the traditional Indian way they were welcomed with garlands by Ishwar Visvanathan who is a young Yoga master.
Councillors Manjul Hameed and Councillor Tony Letts were present. Ajay Jobanputra representing Croydon Hindu Forum and Lohana Community was also present and gave his greetings to the community. Those attending brought picnic food and were entertained with Dances and Music
Prayers for the Queen's continued good health were said by Hindu and Jain groups. The 7th Day Adventists sang Gospel Songs. Janaki Mehta performed Bharatnstyam dances which left the audience spellbound. Young Nivedita sang a melodious Hindi song.
Our own Croydon's Elvis sang some memorable Elvis numbers. While all this was going on, people were enjoying the picnic and freely sharing food with others.
The National anthem was sung followed by the ever popular Gujarati Garba dance.
The Indian Vegetarians and Vegans have recently received a certificate of appreciation for organising the Platinum Jubilee event from the palace.
All in all a tremendous celebration.
Photos below: Janaki Mehta - Bharat Natyam Dancer and Colonel Ray Wilkinson and his wife Liz Wilkinson representing the Queen.
December 2021
Donations made by the Jain Animal Sanctuary October and November 2021:A special thanks to all our donors who make it possible for us to support people who have dedicated their lives to the wellbeing of animals
- £100 to Peta(People For Ethical Treatment of Animals)
- £100 to Animal Aid
- £100 to Mayhew Sanctuary for Cats and Dogs: £100
- £100 to Dogs Trust: £100
- £250 to Wood Green Animal Sanctuary: £250.00
- £200 (Monthly standing order) to Lolas Animal Sanctuary:
- £200 (Monthly standing order) to Hillside Animal Sanctuary, Norwich
- £500 to F. R. I. E. N. D. Animal Sanctuary, Kent: £500.00 - £500 (around 50,000 Rupees) to People For Animals Trust, Faridabad, Haryana, India
Total: £2,050.
In the previous 3 months we donated £3900.
November 2021
Sending the Message at COP26 Glasgow: At the Glasgow SEC Centre sending the message to delegates that until and unless mankind turns away from a meat based diet to a plant based diet the Planet cannot be saved. Also addressed a gathering just outside the Centre where the delegates are meeting. There are around 20,000 delegates from all over the world. Hotel rooms are from £300 to £1000 per night. Luckily I had booked months in advance. Representatives of Media from France, Portugal, Croatia and Bangladesh did a brief interviews with me. A young couple from Qatar completely agreed about the Meat and its impact on the planet. Security was tight with hundreds of policemen and women from many cities draughted in. They were however very friendly with my Ahimsa message and let me do the campaigning! There were big smiles when they read the placard! The last picture is outside Glasgow Central Centre.
The last two pictures below are outside Glasgow Central Station and Euston Station behind a billboard saying there is no time to save the planet.
September 2021
Not Forgetting Animals at this time: First of all our sincere thanks to all those who have donated money to the Jain Animal Sanctuary.Here is the list of donations made from July to September 2021:
- £300 to People's and Animals Sevabhav Sanstha, Mulund, Mumbai, India
- £300 to Mare & Foal Sanctuary.
- £500 to Lolas Animal Sanctuary, Crawley.
- £200 to Animal Care in Egypt.
- £300 (July to September, standing order of £100 every month.) to Hilltop Animal Sanctuary, Norwich.
Apart from this £2,000 was paid towards buying the sacred 3 eyed calf. Satish Parekh negotiated the acquiring of the calf from a farmer in Wales. It is now at Goshalla in Leicester run by Nilesh and Mayuri Shah. Leicester Goshalla also paid the rest of the money towards acquiring the calf.
Total: £3,600.00
June 2021
3 eyed calf saved from slaughter! We are extremely proud and happy to inform everyone that we have managed to save the three eyed calf named from slaughter.I first got a call from my friend Paresh Rughani who told me that there were some press reports about a three eyed calf born in a farm in Wales. He said that his friend Satish Parekh wanted to save it from slaughter and that I should get in touch with him. Satish some how made contact with the farmer. And it was not easy!
And so we agreed to make an offer of £5000 to the farmer. There followed at least 3 weeks of talks. The farmer at first was not interested. Satish then gave him the offer and his phone number. He told the farmer that if he changed his mind, he had the phone number to ring.
This was indeed a brilliant move by Satish as the farmer got the message that our patience was running out.
On behalf of Jain Animal Sanctuary we pledged £2000 but now that the farmer had agreed £5,000 there was no time to collect the balance from any other source immediately and so the whole amount was paid by the Jain Animal Sanctuary.
Nilesh Shah with his wife Mayuri Shah also agreed to offer a permanent Sancuary to the calf at their Gaushala (cow sanctuary) in Leicester)
Furthermore they even contributed £1000 towards the cost.
The farmer agreed to transport the calf to Leicester for the sum of £500.00.
The male calf called Isaiha by the Welsh farmer arrived at Leicester Gaushala on Friday 25th June around 4.30pm. ISAIAH was welcomed by Nilesh, Mayuri Shah, Vasant, Nirmala Tank, Satish Parekh and Dixie Patel. Satish and Dixie made the trip from London.
Isaiha has been baptised as Mahadeva by Nileshbhai!
We will arrange very soon an official Welcome/ Pooja Ceremony for Mahadeva. It will be held at the Leicester Gaushala and everyone will be welcome to attend.
We will send an official invitation in due course.
If you want to be part of this project which saved the calf from slaughter please make a donation to the Jain Animal Sanctuary.
This will help us to help to save many other other animals.
Bank Details:
Barclays Bank
Jain Animal Sanctuary.
Account No : 00520225
Sort Code: 20 24 61
3 Eyed Cow Saved Story in the Press - Read details Telegraph, Leicester Mercury
People For Animals Trust Faridabad, Haryana, India A donation of £1,000 was made to animal welfare charity, People For Animals Trust (PFA) in Faridabad, Haryana, India. They bought 5 huge trollies of Cattle feed with part of the money. PFA are doing amazing work for abused and injured animals. They even fit false legs on animals that might have lost one due to an accident. They also carry out surgical operations on sick and injured animals..
April 2021
Not Forgetting Animals at this time: First of all our sincere thanks to all those who have donated money to the Jain Animal Sanctuary.Here is the list of donations made from January and April 15th 2021:
- £500 to Lolas Animal Sanctuary, Crawley. We also send £100 every month to this sanctuary which was founded by Poonam Doshi whose compassion is as deep as the Ocean
- £300 to Donegal Animal Sanctuary.
- £300 to The Retreat Animal Sanctuary.
- £500 to Faridabad Animal Sevice Centre, Haryana, Indis.
- £300 to Mare and Foal Sanctuary.
- £500 to Beneath the Woods animal sanctuary.
- £100 to Mare and Animal Sanctuary.
- £500 to Hopefield Animal Sanctuary.
- £200 to Horse Sense Animal Sanctuary.
Total: £3,200.00
December 2020
Not Forgetting Animals at this time:First I would like to thank all those individuals and organisations who have donated money to the Jain Animal Sanctuary. A special thank you to all those who also donate on a monthly basis. Here is the list of donations made in 2020::
Feb:- £1,200 to Beneath the Woods Sanctuary, Wales
April:
- £300 to Beneath the Woods Sanctuary
- £300 to The Retreat Sanctuary, Ashfors,Kent
May:
- £300 to Copperfield Farm Sanctuary
- £300 to Liberty Animal Sanctuary
- £300 to Wood Green Animal Sanctuary
June:
- £500 to Donegal Animal Sanctuary, Ireland
- £500 to Hillside Animal Sanctuary, Norwich
- £750 to Lola's Animal Sanctuary, Crawley
- Rupees 45,000 (about £500) to Animal Trust, Faridabad, Haryana, India.
- Rupees 50,000 to Pashu Seva Kendra, Vadodara, India
October:
- £500 to Lola's Sanctuary, Crawley
- £500 to Hugletts Sanctuary
- £100 to Animal Justice
- £300 to Animal Equality
- Rupees 45,000(£500) to Animal Trust, Faridabad, India.
- £50 to Hungary Cats and Dogs rescue
- £500 to Animal Care Vrindavan, India.
- £300 to Mayhew Dog Rescue
- £300 to Wood Green Animal Sanctuary
- £500 to Hillside Animal Sanctuary, Norwich
November:
- £500 to Lola's Animal Sanctuary, Crawley
- £600 to Animal Care Egypt
- £200 to Animal Justice Project
- £200 to Viva Animal Rights Organisation.
December:
- £100 to Mare & Foal Sanctuary, Newton Abbot.
Total donations paid this year: £10,600.
September 2020
Not Forgetting Animals at this time:Between July and September The Jain Animal Sanctuary has made the following donations. We have donated to the following Animal Sanctuaries:
- £500.00 Lolas Animal Sanctuary, Crawley.- £500.00 Huglets Sanctuary, Sussex.
- £100 Animal Justice
- £300.00 Animal Equality
- ₹45,000 (Rupees), People for Animals, Haryana, India.
- £50.00 Hungarian Cat and Dog rescue.
- £300.00 Mayhew Dog rescue.
- £300.00 Wood Green Animal rescue.
June 2020
Not Forgetting Animals at this time: - £500.00 sent to Donegal Donkey Sanctuary, Ireland.
- £500.00 sent to Hillside Animal Sanctuary, Norwich
- £750.00 sent to Lolas Sanctuary started by Poonam Doshi. She has a large number of cats and dogs rescued from very cruel conditions. The transformation these animals make in this safe haven is amazing to see. They come to life and turn from frightened animals to confident happy ones.
- We also send £100 every month to Poonam. From veterinary care to food expenses are huge. Poonam personally spends so much of her own money.
- We sent ₹50,000 Rupees to People for Animals Trust, Faridabad, Haryana, India.
- £300.00 was also sent to Mahew Dog Sanctuary and
- £300.00 to Wood Green animal Sanctuary
The picture below is of a abused dog nursed back to good health by Poonam Doshi.
May 2020
Over 200 Health Professionals in the UK urge the country move towards a plant based diet.
Over 40 years of our campaign is having a life changing impact not only in the UK but all over Europe. We can look back and say we never gave up, we joined forces with a huge number of like minded people and organisations.
We gave Mahaveer Awards to dedicated individuals and organisations. With no budget we have steered the conscience of a nation. The lesson is take up a cause and never give up. Yes have your career but also have a parallel career to do some good.
Before you know you will be getting old and will regret not doing anything meaningful for your time on the planet. But do not choose your project on current fads. Consider the time, circumstances and the country you are living in before choosing a project.
First people will ignore you then make fun of you, undemine you and eventually respect you. Just do not give up
- £300.00 to Coppershell Farm Sanctuary
- £300.00 to Liberty Animal Sanctuary
- £200.00 to Beneath the Wood Animal Sanctuary
- We also sent £300.00 to Wood Green, The Animal Charity
March 2020
THE RESCUE OF 53 PIGS FROM CERTAIN DEATHJain Animal Sanctuary makes a total of £1,200.00 donation
The #53 pigs was a huge rescue from a horrific cruelty case in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The pigs were seized by the local authority after a raid on an illegal slaughterhouse. The pigs were living in horrendous conditions with animals being slaughtered around them. They were starved and only survived by eating the entrails of other slaughtered animals, cannibalising and eating parts of cars. They were then classed as diseased (due to the conditions putting them at risk of TSE a pig version of BSE as known in cattle) and a disease destruction order placed upon them. We fought a legal case to save them and allow them to live under our care. After 7 months we won. But the pigs are still classed as diseased and have disease restrictions on them, meaning we have to keep them with us for their whole life and they have to stay together as a herd. However it turned out that the 9 months they were kept in a government disease isolation unit they did not separate the males from the females. So when they arrived we actually took 85 pigs!
The money that you have given us has been of huge help, your initial donation helped us buy our first ton and a half of pig food in readiness for the arrival of the pigs and your second donation bought the weekly supply of straw for their bedding. Thank you very much for your help, it has been incredibly appreciated. The rescue is huge and the first time that a government disease destruction order has been overturned. We are fundraising to buy some more land.
Founder/Director
Beneath The Wood Sanctuary
Feb 2020
On February 10th and 11th we visited a school in Croydon to spread the Vegan message. There were around 800 children who visited the stalla and learned the benefits of the Vegan lifestyle. Special thanks to Nipan Malde (Nabhinandan) for making this possible.
Dec 2019
Our 39th Annual Christmas Vegan Lunch 15th December 2019
Promoting friendship and a Vegan way of life.
This year we served Samosas and Chevdo for starters followed by Pau- Bhaji, Rice, Salad. For dessert we had Vegan cakes and Indian masala tea! 39 years of promoting friendship between communities to help build a better and stronger Britain. Veganism is now mainstream and we continue on our journey for a world which will no longer harm animals or eat them!
Nov 2019
The Supreme Master Chaing Hai organisation Donates $10,000
On 27 October our organisation The Young Indian Vegetarians received a donation of $10,000 from the Supreme Master Chaing Hai organisation.
Supreme Master Ching Hai attained full Enlightenment after a living Master in the Himalayas initiated Her into the Quan Yin Method or the contemplation of the inner Light and Sound.
She has hundreds of thousands of followers all over the world. She asks her followers to practice the Quan Yin Method of meditation, to be vegan and to show compassion to all living beings.
All her disciples have to be Vegan, that is a prerequisite to joining the organisation. She has followers in the following countries: Benin, Gabon,Ethiopia,Ivory Coast, Mauritius,
South Africa, Congo, Uganda,Brazil, Argentina, Canada, Chile, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia,
Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UAE, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Roumania,
Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, UK, Australia, Taiwan and Formosa.
Supreme Master has immense compassion for animals. She was warning the world about the climate change from the year 2007. Her message, ' Be Veg, Go Green, Save the planet' has become known all over the world. In 2007 we presented the Supreme Master with our Mahaveer Award.
We simply could not believe that the Supreme Master would choose us for a such generous donation. Every penny of this donation will be spent to help animals.
We will support as many animal sanctuaries as possible and help individuals and organisations rescuing animals from torture and death.
Sept 2019
Mahaveer Award presented to Sebastian Joy in Berlin, Germany.
Also in the picture Jayantbhai Patel and Raju Shah
Der Mahaveer-Preis geht an Sebastian Joy.
Ausgehend von Ihrer Heimatstadt Berlin haben Sie die pflanzenbasierte Ernährung in Deutschland und darüber hinaus in den Mainstream gebracht.
Wir begrüßen Ihr Mitgefühl und Ihre Führungsqualitäten auf dem Weg in eine neue Welt, in der die Menschen Frieden mit der Natur und allen Lebensformen schließen.
Young Indian Vegetarians (Junge indische Vegetarier), Großbritannien.
24.08.2019
From your home city in Berlin you have made plant- based food a mainstream lifestyle in Germany and beyond. We salute your compassion and your leadership in bringing in a new world whereby human beings make peace with nature and all lifeforms.
Young Indian Vegetarians, UK.
24/8/2019
Celebrated 25th anniversary of Viva animal rights and Vegan activist organisation. Saturday 21 September on a boat trip on the Thames.
Pictured above with Heather Mills who has dedicated her life to promotion of Veganism and compassion to animals.
The following from the Guardian:
A former crisp factory in the north-east of England will be turned into Britain’s biggest vegan food producer, creating up to 500 jobs in the area, according to its owner, Heather Mills.
VBites in County Durham will take over the former Walkers factory and turn protein from seaweed, peas and other plants into substitutes for beef, chicken, pork, salmon and tuna, according to Mills, who told the BBC the factory would be the biggest of its kind in the UK.
Mills, who is an animal rights activist and the ex-wife of Sir Paul McCartney, launched the VBites brand in 2009. The firm already distributes products worldwide and makes more than 100 products sold in UK supermarke
The photo below with Juliet Gellately founder of Viva. Her compassion is as deep as the Ocean. She has fought and won so many battles for animals. Her team has exposed merciless cruelty towards animals in slaughter houses. In 1990 we gave her a Mahaveer Award at the mass Vegetarian rally we held in Hyde Park. Lord Mahaveer has given her inspiration, strength and courage to fight for animals. May she continue for a long time to come.
April 2019
April Sunday 21st - Foal Lane animal sanctuary Biggin Hill. A great sanctuary looking after cows, ponies, pigs, goats, and cats.
Many of them rescued from cruel conditions and many abandoned animals. A special thanks to Poonam Doshi who is a volunteer at the sanctuary.
On behalf of Jain Animal Sanctuary we made a donation of £200.00. Cheque being presented by Kumarbhai Patira.
October 2018
October 2nd 2018 - Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary was celebrated in London with this bill board in Piccadilly Circus, London.
A sign of changing times as vegetarianism and veganism as well as compassion to animals are issues which have entered the national conscience.
January 2018
Year of the animal - The piece by Elisa Allen brings good cheer for the beginning of the New Year. Granting of fundamental rights to animals is something we as a human species have neglected for centuries. Our treatment of animals has been unparalleled in its sheer scale of brutality. It has hurt animals and it has also had a negative impact on the human species. We have morally lowered ourselves in failing to show basic compassion to animals who share this planet with us. Our violence towards animals rebounds on our species. It hangs like a foreboding, menacing cloud striping us of compassion and empathy with other living beings. We need to take that huge leap in abandoning violence towards animals and by doing so we will be doing ourselves a huge favour as well.
December 2017
We had our 37th annual a Vegan lunch on Sunday 17 December. This event was started to promote friendship with our Christian friends, to introduce them to the delights of Indian food and to convey the message that the Indian community is proud to be British. If all Indian organisations held similar event the impact would be amazing. The leader of Croydon Council Tony Newman said, 'This event signifies all that is positive about Croydon'. Around 120 people enjoyed a feast. The menu was: Starters: Samosa and Patra, Main course: Hot Rotis, Potato, Aubrigine Sabji, Salad, Dahl and Rice followed by Vegan Cake, Tea and Coffee. Members of 7th Day Aventist Church who also promote Vegetarianism sang Carols. For 37 years this event has continued!
Jun 2017
MAHVEER AWARDS
Jain Ashram Birmingham Celebrates its 40th anniversary
A Mahaveer award was presented to Dean Bracher representing Birmingham Animal Action.
The event was held on Saturday 24 June 2017. The picture shows Nitin and Dean with the award.
The award was formally given to Dean by Amrinder Jain, pressident of the Jain Ashram.
Oct 2016
London VegFest Kensington Olympia was held over the weekend of Oct 22-23. Around 15,000 people attended this annual event promoting a Vegan way of life. We had a stall. 4 people took a pledge to go vegetarian and 10 vegetarians pledged to go Vegan. Compassion to animals and not eating them has been a part of our heritage for tens of thousands of years. I met many British friends who simply love India for its heritage of Ahimsa.
May 2016
MAHVEER AWARDSAll the Jain organizations celebrated Lord Mahaveer's Birthday on Sunday 1st.May 2016 in Harrow. There were around 750 people present. We presented Mahaveer Awards to two outstanding individuals. On behalf of League Against Cruel Sports they were monitoring illegal Fox hunt when they were brutally attacked. Darryl Cunnigham had a cracked vertebra in the neck and was hospitalized. Roger Swaine also sustained injuries. The awards were given away by Dr. Mukul Shah and Dr. Freya Shah as well as Anubhai and Taraben Shah.
The Citation on the award is as follows:
MAHAVEER AWARD
Presented to Darryl Cunningham
You were brutally attacked while monitoring a fox hunt in Leicestershire. Your courage and compassion for defenceless animals is exemplary. We call your kind act 'Abhay Daan'. It means giving someone protection from fear of death. Generations to come will be inspired by you. We salute you.
- Y.I.V. 1/1/2016.
MAHAVEER AWARD
Presented to Roger Swain
You were brutally attacked while monitoring a fox hunt in Leicestershire. Your courage and compassion for defenceless animals is exemplary. We call your kind act 'Abhay Daan'. It means giving someone protection from fear of death. Generations to come will be inspired by you. We salute you.
- Y.I.V. 1/1/2016.
In the first picture from left: Barbara Gardner from Interfaith Alliance for Animals, Dr. Mukul Shah, Dr. Freya Shah, Roger Swaine, Darryl Cunnuingham.
Second picture: From left Roger, Darryl, Anubhai and Taraben.
December 2015
Letter Published in the Independent, 29 Dec 2015.Dear Sir The article by Tom Bawden (24 Dec), regarding the potential of mass migration and human suffering due to global warming makes sobering reading. What is often overlooked is that the biggest causes of global warming is the methane gas produced by billions of farm animals raised for meat. Almost 40% of world's fresh water resources is used up in raising these animals. Animals are voracious consumers of water. Over grazing is turning huge swathes of the Earth into deserts. Almost 40% of worlds cereals are fed to these animals rather then feeding the poor. The billions of tones of waste produced by these animals seep into our waterways causing massive pollution and acid rain which destroy trees. Unless human beings turn away from a meat based diet to a plant based diet, a catastrophe awaits us.The solution to solving the global warming crisis is not with international treaties but with each one of us. Let us be the change we want.
Sept 2015
Recently elected Labour Party leader in the UK Jeremy Corbyn, a prominent vegetarian, has in the past supported the Young Indian Vegetarians. Here he is seen with Nitin Mehta addressing a vegetarian rally we organized in Hyde Park on 28 July 1991
July 2015
Letter Published in today's Independent, 16 July 2015.The Independent took a principled and admirable stand in opposing any change as regards to fox hunting. I have always wondered why some people go hunting with the help of guns or hounds. If they were to take on an animal on their own I would have some respect for them.
May 2015
"Presented to Founders of F.R.I.E.N.D. Animal Rescue Sanctuary.You have dedicated your lives to the care of animals for 18 years.We salute your compassion which is as deep as the Ocean."
Even though Marion is very ill she is absolutely dedicated to animals. The sanctuary is very short of funds, looking after around 150 animals. If anyone would like to donate any money please contact me. The award is being presented by Nalinbhai Kothari who is the spiritual Guru of Raj Sobagh Ashram. We were so pleased to recognize a real hero for whom the care of animals is her life. The sanctuary is in East Peckham, Tonbridge, Kent,TN125LJ
March 2015
December 2014
(In photo are: The Mayor, her husband, Leader of Croydon Council Tony Newman and Croydon MP Steeve Reed)
November 2014
Protest outside Japanese Embassy - Friday 7/11//2014
October 2014
April 2014
Presented to SPEAK for 10 long years of campaigning for animals abused at
Oxford University. Generations to come will remember your compassion
and determination to end cruelty inflicted on thousands of animals
[16]
Tony Benn UK's most respected politician, a passionate campaigner for social justice
and compassion to animals passes away
Tony Benn passed away on 14th March 2014 aged 86. Tony had been a vegetarian for many years and was present at the Vegetarian rally
we held on 22nd.July 1990 in Hyde Park. The event had massive media coverage. Many papers reported the event titled,' Veggie Benn'.
Tony became a vegetarian after his son told him about the colossal use of crops used in feeding animals to produce meat. At the rally
Tony said that he felt very healthy as a vegetarian and he opposed animal exploitation as much as he opposed human exploitation.
Tony often mentioned that he had met Mahatma Gandhi when he was a child. Gandhi had made a great impact on young Tony which shaped
his concern for social justice and inequality. He was also a passionate campaigner for stopping all wars and advocated pacifism.
The following quote from Tony shows his concern for animals: The picture bellow shows Tony receiving the Lord Parshvanath Award at Trafalgar Square. It is being presented by late Sudha Mehta and Kumudbhai Mehta
[16]
Protest Outside Japanese Embassy- Friday 21st. Feb.2014
Hundreds of people held a nosy demonstration outside the Japanese embassy protesting the killing of Dolphins and Whales.
The Japanese are building up bad Karma killing these beautiful creatures for no good reason.
June 2013
[03]
Vegetarian Day at Reading Secondary School
Young Jain, Sohum Shah, organised a vegetarian day at his school in Reading on the 20th May 2013.
This was to celebrate the National Vegetarian Week. The school canteen served vegetarian meals all day for breakfast,
lunch and dinner, including the boarding house (for the boarders). No meat, fish or eggs were served on the day.
Around 550 pupils enjoyed the vegetarian fayre. The general feedback was great and the school is looking to
organise more vegetarian days. The name of the school is Reading School and it ranks in the top 8 schools of the country.
The article below is from the school newsletter. What a fantastic achievement!
January 2013
[04]
32nd
Annual Christmas Vegetarian Lunch
Around 130 people enjoyed a sumptuous Vegan lunch on Sunday the 9th December
2012 at the Archbishop Lanfran High School, Croydon. Amongst the guests were
members of Purley United Reform Church, Croydon Ecology Centre, Vegetarian and
Vegan Society and Friends of the Earth. The newly elected MP for Croydon North,
Steve Reed as well as many councillors were present. Steve praised the Indian
community for the positive role it plays in Croydon. Leader of the Labour
Council Tony Newman said that as a vegetarian he always looked forward to this
annual event. Nitin Mehta in his opening remarks said that the lunch is
organised to foster friendship and understanding amongst the communities living
in Croydon and to introduce people to the delights of Indian vegetarian food.
YIV members had worked hard to prepare the food and the vegan cakes after the
lunch were a special hit.
November 2012
Before the presentation everyone was urged
to take a vegetarian pledge by Nitin Mehta, founder of the Young Indian
Vegetarians Society. The pledge was taken in Hindi as follows: "I
will not eat meat, fish and eggs as from today. May God help me keep
this pledge." Nitin requested Maharz jee to get millions of people in India to take
the vegetarian pledge.
Mahaveer Award
June 2012
[06]
YIV Diamond Jubilee Celebration A special thank you to Smitaben Rawal, Kusumben Shah, Priti Shah and
the ladies of Jagruti Group. Thanks also to Kamalbhai Rao and
Gujarat Samachar for the ouboicity they gave to the event.
February 2012
[20]
Vegetarian Lecture - Oxford University Hindu Students
2. They became aware of the cruelty that we
humans inflict on animals.
3. They were pleasantly surprised to know
that Hinduism extends the hand of compassion to other living beings and
became aware that it our duty to show compassion to an ant as well as
any other animal. Compassion to all living beings is the secret of the
survival of Sanatan Dharma and Vegetarianism is a must for practicing
Hindus.
4. They realised the abuse inflicted in
experiments on animals, hunting, export of live animals to far away
countries and also about the cruelty in milk production. Going Vegan is
something they should consider.
5. They realised the importance of going
only to vegetarian restaurants and avoiding leather goods.
6. They were impressed with the idea that no matter what the
circumstances they will face in life they will never eat meat.
A special thanks to Sagar Shah who organised
the talk and to Shaunak Prabhu of the Oxford Council of Hindu Studies
at whose office the event was held.
January 2012
[08]
Annual Christmas Lunch
The Young Indian Vegetarians organised their 31st
annual Vegetarian Christmas Lunch on 11th December. Mayor of Croydon Councilor
Graham Bass and Malcolm Wicks were amongst the guests. Around 120 people enjoyed
traditional Indian Vegetarian dishes. Nitin Mehta the founder of YIV said that
the aim of organising this annual event was to promote friendship and
understanding between the people of Croydon and to introduce people to the many
varieties of Vegetarian and Vegan food. You can have a good healthy Christmas
without the Turkey! The riots of the summer meant that the people of Croydon
need to come together to bring about all that is best in our town. Amongst the
other attendees were members of the Purley United Reform Church, Croydon Ecology
Centre and Night Watch.
The Mayor
congratulated the organisers and said he was always looking forward to this
annual event. Malcolm Wicks praised the Indian community and said greater
efforts needs to be made to promote more integration.
November 2011
[21] Swamiji Honoured at UK Parliament
Swamiji received the Mahaveer Award
from the Young Indian Vegetarians Society. The award was presented
by Jaysukhbhai Mehta. Nitin Mehta urged Swamiji to mention
vegetarianism in all his talks. He also requested that an event in
India be organised where around 10 Lakh people would take a pledge
never to eat meat.
[03] Nitin Mehta Receives Prestigious
Ahimsa Award
Nitin said: 'Amongst the other recipients of this award are Nelson
Mandela and Dalai Lama. They are giants who have changed the course of
human history.' I pay my humble respects to them.
Nitin made an impassioned speech to the
august gathering to promote Ahimsa, vegetarianism and animal welfare.
Nitin Mehta is presented
with the Ahimsa Award by Lady Dholakia
August 2010
[27] Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg
Questioned!
The deputy PM replied: We are a nation of animal lovers and the government
wants to do as much as possible for animal welfare. Banning of experiments on
animals for cosmetics is one of our achievements as a country. The reaction of
the public to the recent dumping of a cat in the bin shows how passionately people
feel about animal welfare in this country.
Though the answer was not very positive, the question has been shown on BBC TV
and in a interview on LBC radio the question was brought up again. Nick repeated
that he was aware of the immense concern amongst the public about animal
welfare. Nick referred the question as one of the good ones!
[25] Desmond Tutu World Statesman
Questioned!
Desmond
Tutu came to Croydon Fairfield Halls on Thursday 5th August for a meeting with
the public. He was interviewed by Trevor McDonald. This was followed by
questions from the audience. I made sure Trevor asked me to put a question! This
is what I asked: Thanks to great personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson
Mandela and you Sir that some of the cruelties and injustices perpetrated by
human beings to their fellow humans have ceased. The time has now come for we
humans to stop the violence and abuse we inflict on the animal kingdom. Can the
animals count on your support Mr. Tutu? Gandhi strongly believed that animals
need to be treated with compassion and dignity. Can you help the cause of
animals and go vegetarian also?
Desmond Tutu laughed his infectious laugh and
said he liked eating chickens! He then said in the garden of Eden everyone was
vegetarian but we have slipped. He said he agreed that all humans and animals
should be treated with compassion and no one should be harmed. But he said, 'I
am not going vegetarian!' There were over a thousand people and I was glad to put
across the cause of animals.
[27] A prominent vegetarian campaigner
from Nottingham Pat Smith was awarded a Mahaveer Award at the Nottingham Hindu
Temple on Saturday 27th Feb. 2010 for his untiring efforts to promote a
vegetarian and vegan lifestyle for almost 25 years.
March 2009
[09] Nitin gave a speech at Trafalgar
Square, London on Feb 22nd 2009 organised by The Supreme Master Ching Hai
International Association to raise public awareness on the impact of livestock
and dairy industries on global warming. Click
here to view video.
November 2008
[07] In October the International
Vegetarian Union interviewed Nitin Mehta as part of their series of email
interviews with leaders of IVU member societies.
read interview here October 2008
[29] On 26th October the Mahaveer Award
was Presented to Sri Mata Amritanandamayi . June
[25] On 17th May 2007 the Mahaveer Award
was Presented to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Lord Swraj Paul. February
[12] On 29 Jan 2007 the Mahaveer Award was
Presented to Sadhguru Jagi Vasudev. January 2007
[18] The YIV
Annual Christmas Lunch. We have been organising a Christmas Vegetarian Lunch
for over 25 years in Croydon. The objective is to promote friendship with the
people of Croydon. July
[18] PRESS RELEASE
- Swami Ramdev who has brought about a
health and cultural revolution in India through Yoga was presented with a
Mahaveer award on 13th July 2006.
January 2006
[16] In response to an article in the
Guardian Weekend Magazine about Morgan Spurlock who ate nothing but MacDonalds
(the film Supper Size Me) and the damage it did to his health, the following
letter was published. The Guardian - Saturday January 14, 2006 December
[18] We organised our annual lunch which
we have been doing. for over 25 years on 18th December.This year we jointly
organised the event with the Wanza Community of South London Around 100 people
enjoyed the lunch and came to understand better the need for adopting a
vegetarian diet. The Mayor of Croydon councilor Maggie Mansel was present as
well as Lord Weatherill (former speaker of parliament and a vegetarian) Tony
Newman (leader of Croydon Council and a vegetarian), Brenda Kirby (past Mayor of
Croydon and a vegetarian) Malcolm Wicks Minister for Energy. Members of Croydon
police as well as representatives from local churches and the Rotary club of
South Croydon were also present. November
[15] The YIV annual Christmas lunch
will be held on Sunday 18th December at Lanfranc High School at 1 PM.
[15] I was invited to give a talk to the
Rotary Club of South Croydon on 14th November. The title was, 'Benefits
of a Vegetarian Diet.’ It was a lunch time meeting at a Chinese restaurant.
Read more here. October
[28] The Vegetarian Society held its
annual awards day yesterday ( 27th ) at , ' Cutty Sark' an 1830 ship marooned at
Greenwich. Wendy Turner Webster a TV personality and former MP Tony Banks were
amongst the guests. The best vegetarian cafe awards went to the, 'Maitreya' of
Bristol and the 'Rainbow' of Cambridge. September
[21] The YIV will be at Guys Hospital
on Tuesday October 4th at 10am in the Children's ward giving a short talk and
serving a vegetarian meal.
[12] Nitin will be a guest speaker at the
World Congress of Faiths - Interfaith Celebration of Animals, Sunday
September 18, 3pm to 5pm at:
Golders Green Unitarians,
[09]
Finally we have our web site up and running. Feel free to explore our pages and
feedback any comments you may have. There are currently 2 newsletters available
for perusal. We hope to update this selection soon.
The Indian Vegetarian Society held its 34th annual vegetarian Christmas Lunch on Sunday 14th December. Nitin Mehta the founder of the society said
that the aim of organizing the lunch was the same as when it begun 34 years ago. It is to celebrate Christmas as a national festival and to promote
friendship between communities living in Croydon. The Indian community is proud to be British. The Mayor of Croydon Councillor Manju Shaul-Hammed,
MP for Croydon north Steve Reed and leader of Croydon council Tony Newman who is a vegetarian were amongst the guests. Around 130 people enjoyed an
traditional Gujarati Vegan meal.
The Mayor praised the Indian community for playing a positive role in society. MP Steeve Reed said that the
contribution of the Indian Hindu community was great in all walks of life. Members of Purley United Reformed Church, Croydon ecology centre,
Croydon vegetarians and Surrey vegetarians and vegans were present.
Guests enjoyed a lunch of parathas, udad dal, peas and cauliflower curry,
biryani and bhajias all Vegan followed by vegan cakes and tea. Nitin said that idea of a Christmas lunch was spreading as as a similar event was
being held at the same time at Crawley Hindu temple and the Jain Centre in Colindale. Kamlalbhai Rao from Gujarat Samachar was present too.
The delicious food was prepared by the ladies and popular chef Rajubhai Shah. Long term friendships are formed by sharing food together and our
English friends are introduced to many varieties of Indian vegetarian food.
[12]
A massive whole day protest was held. My respects to the committed
organizers and so many people,young and old who turned up on a working
day.For the whole day Japanese embassy staff heard the protesters and
the passing motorists who hooted in support. The message will go back
to Japan that they are getting a bad name and have to stop this
cruelty. The attached picture was taken by fellow protester and friend
Liz Goumas.
Over 2000 dolphins and small whales are brutally slaughtered every
year in Taiji, Japan. The helpless animals are driven in a corner by
boats. In shallow waters they are stabbed with metal spikes through
their spinal cords. They die a slow and painful death. The butchered
dolphins are consumed. The Bottlenose dolphins are captured by
trainers and sold for upwards of $200,000 to marine animal parks all
over the world where they are kept in captivity. In US alone
dolphinariums represent a $8.4 billion industry.
[28]
Protest outside Nepalese Embassy
During the Gadhimai event that takes place every year in Nepal around
25,000 animals are killed to appease Goddess. Compassion in World
Farming organized a protest outside the embassy on Saturday 11th.
October. Famous celebrity and a passionate campaigner for animal
rights Joanna Lumley addressed the rally as did Anil Bhanot of Hindu
Council. Over 77,000 signatures urging the Nepalese Government to stop
the slaughter were handed over to the embassy representative. It was a
heart warming scene to see hundreds of animal rights activists who
found the time to turn up for compassion towards animals.
I addressed the rally and said:
"Nepal is a beautiful country nestled on the footsteps of the mighty
Himalayas. The majority of Nepalese people are Hindus, a religion
which is deeply rooted in the idea of Ahimsa- Nonviolence. Hindus are
forbidden to harm even an ant and it is due to this reason that most
Hindus are vegetarian. The practice of killing animals to please Gods
and Goddesses is a complete misrepresentation of Hinduism. Killing of
innocent animals results in getting bad Karma. Bad Karma impacts
individuals as well as countries. For the people of Nepal to have
peace, happiness and prosperity it is vital to stop killing animals in
the name of religion. The tens of thousands of animals killed at the
Gadhimai event will fill Nepal with an atmosphere of violence,
negativity and screams of poor animals. The beautiful country of Nepal
does not need this negativity which will hang over it like an
unmovable cloud. By showing mercy to animals Nepal will reap good
Karma and people from all over the world will have praise and goodwill
for the country. So standing here today in front of the Nepalese
embassy in London, I urge the government of Nepal to immediately stop
the forthcoming killing of animals. There are rare opportunities in
life when an individual gets the opportunity to do something really
noble which will make his or her time on this planet glorious. I urge the
people of Nepal and the Prime Minister of Nepal to seize this
opportunity and make history. I convey this message also as a patron
of Quaker Concern for animals many of whose members are present here.
I end with a quote of Mahatma Gandhi: The moral progress of a nation
and its greatness should be judged by the way it treats its animals."
[05]
An organization called SPEAK has been campaigning for last 10 years to
stop the cruel practice of Vivisection going on at the world famous
Oxford University. The group has been tirelessly demonstrating out
side the Oxford University Animal Testing Laboratory for 10 years. A
Mahaveer Award was presented to the group on 20th February 2014.
March 2014
'The case for animal testing is now being directly challenged by scientists and doctors and their judgement must be taken seriously' 
[27] A Mahaveer Award was presented
to Maharaz Tarlochan Das Jee on 11th. November 2012 at the Harrow
Leisure Centre, Harrow, London, UK. Over 2000 people from many cities of
the UK as well as people from India attended this grand event. Maharaz
jee has a huge following in many countries. Maharaz jee preaches the
ancient wisdom of India. He urges people to lead a spiritual life and
serve mankind with humility. He emphasises the importance of a
vegetarian diet.
In his speech Nitin said that Ahimsa is a gem of Bharatiya civilisation
which we have to guard vigilantly. While many civilisations have come
and gone in Human history, Bharatiya civilisation has remained alive due
to the ideal of Ahimsa. Someone has said: Kutch Baat He Ase Ke Hasti Mit
Ti Nahi Hamare. There is something about Bharatiya civilisation that it
has remained alive in spite of so many challenges and that something is
Ahimsa.
Compassion towards animals and vegetarianism are the ideals that the
saints and sages of India have propagated for centuries. Our Ahimsa is
the Ahimsa of the brave not of cowards. As Kal Yug progresses if we keep
our vegetarian diet then it will be easy to keep our Dharma alive for
centuries to come.
The inscription on the award is as follows:
Param Pujya Sant Tarlochan Darshan Das Ji you are keeping alive values
of our ancient Dharma. Compassion towards all living beings and Ahimsa
are the gems of Sanatan Dharma. With your guidance Bharat will once
again lead the world towards the right path.
Y.I.V. - 11/11/2012
Maharaz Jee expressed his great pleasure in accepting the award and said
that he would promote vegetarianism and ask people to give up meat
eating. The award was presented by members of the Jain community and
Bharti Tailor of the Hindu Forum of Europe
A special thanks to Raj who is a devotee of Maharaz. Rajji helped to
make this presentation possible.
The
celebration started at the Queen's Gardens Croydon at precisely 3pm
and right on cue the sun shone through! The event started with the
Hare Krishna chanting party led by Nabinandan Dasa, (Nipan Malde) .
This was followed by the Swaminarayan Balika Mandal prayer and
song. The children from Oshwal Association Gujarati Classes sang
beautiful devotional songs. The Jagruti Ladies group then presented
Gujarati Folk dance, (Garba) and stick dance (Dandya Raas). MP for
Croydon Central Gavin Barwell joined the dancing party! The Brahma
Kumaris had a stall and they gave a message of upholding spiritual
values. A prayer was also read by a bishop of a Croydon Evangelical
Church.
On 18th January 2012 Nitin Mehta gave talk
to Oxford Hindu Society students. Around 25 students attended. The event
started with wonderful bhajans sung by the students in Hindi and
Gujarati. A talk followed by a DVD called ' Not in My Name ' which shows
the utter cruelty involved in meat eating was shown. A lively discussion
took place afterwards. There were 2 students who were not vegetarian.
One took a pledge to go veggie. The others were enthusiastic to:
1. Proudly promote vegetarianism to friends and relatives where as
before they never did that.
One of India’s most influential spiritual leaders ~ His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji honoured at the UK Houses of Parliament. 
The
institute of Jainology conferred the Ahimsa Award to Nitin Mehta on 12th October
2011 at the House of Commons. 
On
27th August the deputy Prime Minister did a question & answer session with a
select audience. I had the privilege to ask the first question. The question:
Mahatma Gandhi said 'the moral well being of a nation and its greatness should
be judged by the way it treats its animals'. The time has come to form a charter
of animal rights so that their abuse in blood sports, factory farming and
vivisection can be stopped. The government also needs to promote a plant based
vegetarian diet to help stop global warming and improve the health of the
nation. Can the animals count on your governments support Mr. Clegg?
February 2010
From left Dharamveer Nandha, Pundrick Prabhu, Nitin Mehta, Pat Smith and Kamlesh
Lakhani
Apart from the health benefits of a plant-based vegetarian and vegan diet
(Super Green Me, January 7), the ecological and environmental benefits are
great, too. Some 55 billion animals are raised and killed for meat every
year. Our planet is simply not big enough to sustain these numbers. The
result is destruction of rainforests, spreading of deserts and massive
methane gas emissions. The amount of grain fed to these animals could feed
almost 4 billion people. To safeguard the planet for future generations, a
return to vegetarian and vegan diet is imperative.
Nitin Mehta
Croydon
The menu was: Starters: Cassava fried with Bateta Vada and chutney!
Main: Potato and Peas sabji, Bhathura, Mexican Rice,Salad.
This was followed by tea and Vegan cake.
Many people at the lunch were not vegetarian and went away thinking about it
seriously!
The event plays a very important role in promoting understanding between the
Indian community and the
host community. It is an opportunity to say we are loyal citizens of this
country and ready to build a
better Britain. Every Indian organisation should put together a similar
Christmas event.
Navnat Vanik Association also organises this event and the local residents
coming in big numbers.
The Raninbow has also received a Mahaveer Award from us. I was privileged to be
asked to give away the award for the best vegetarian and cruelty free body and
skin care product. The award went to a company called, 'Living Nature'. Here is
a wonderful example of Indian community working together with English, Welsh and
Scottish people for a common cause! We are all united in Ahimsa!
31 Hoop Lane, London NW11 8BS
This Interfaith Celebration of Animals will bring together representatives
of all the major world religious traditions and leading animal welfare
organizations. Among those taking part will be Rev. Dr. Marcus Braybrooke,
President of the WCF, and Rabbi Jacqueline Tabick, its Chair, the Director
General of the RSPCA, Jackie Ballard, who will be lighting a candle for all the
world's animals, and participants from the World Society for the Protection of
Animals, Compassion in World Farming, the International Fund for Animal Welfare,
the International Primate Protection League and other leading animal welfare
organizations. For further details please contact Rev. Feargus O'Connor,
telephone 020 7837 4472, email:
ggunirev@aol.com