Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Jain community in the UK partners with NHS blood and transplant to promote organ donation

THE Jain community in the UK has partnered with the NHS blood and transplant (NHSBT) to promote organ donation during the religion's annual festival Paryushan this year.

A special film, produced with NHSBT, to highlight the Jain message on organ donation will be launched on 15 August 2020, the first day of Paryushan, and will be shared extensively within the community.


“Organ donation is possibly the biggest act of compassion we can perform. Giving someone else a part of your body is to make them more complete and to have a more fulfilling life," said Nemubhai Chandaria OBE, co-ordinator of OneJAIN.

The law on organ donation after death changed in England from 20 May 2020 to 'opt out'. Now, all adults will be considered to have agreed to be an organ donor when they die unless they have registered a decision not to donate or are in an excluded group.

In March 2019, there were 1,006 Asians waiting for an organ transplant and in the year 2018-19, there were only 56 Asians who donated their organs after death. Asians on the organ donor register, on average, have to wait longer to receive a transplant and regrettably many people die while waiting for an organ donation.

“Jains view donation as an act of willingly parting with their organs to help others. Paryushan is a period of compassion towards all living beings and a time to donate to save lives (Jiv Daya)," said Manharbhai Mehta, chairman of Vanik Council UK.

"In the context of the changein law on organ donation in England this year, it is important to record your positive wishes to register to donate organs and to tell your family.”

Organisations like Vanik Council UK, Oshwal Association UK, Jain Network UK and Veerayatan UK are campaigning to increase the awareness about organ donation within the Jain community.

Hiren Vora, president of Jain Samaj Manchester, said, "Organ donors exemplify unconditional love towards another. A donor's impact is felt for many years and also helps to follow the virtue of Aparigraha - non possessiveness in Jainism. Be someone’s guardian angel today”

The Paryushan is eight days of repentance for the acts of the previous year to shed one's accumulated Karmas.

For more details- www.organdonation.nhs.uk or phone 0300 303 2094.

More For You

Minouche Shafik

Shafik served as deputy governor for markets and banking at the Bank of England between August 2014 and February 2017.

Reuters

Starmer appoints Minouche Shafik as chief economic adviser in reshuffle

Highlights:

  • Minouche Shafik named chief economic adviser to Keir Starmer.
  • Darren Jones moves into Downing Street role; James Murray replaces him.
  • Wider reshuffle includes changes in Starmer’s private office and communications.
  • Appointment comes ahead of a budget expected to include further tax rises.

Prime minister Keir Starmer has named Minouche Shafik, a former deputy governor of the Bank of England, as his chief economic adviser. The appointment comes as he looks to strengthen his team ahead of what is expected to be a difficult end to the year.

Keep ReadingShow less
modi putin

Before their formal meeting, Putin offered Modi a ride in his Aurus limousine.

X/@narendramodi

Six key takeaways from the SCO summit

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi met Russian president Vladimir Putin and Chinese president Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China.

Modi pressed for ending the Ukraine conflict at the earliest, reaffirmed India’s long-standing ties with Russia, and discussed trade and border issues with Xi.

Keep ReadingShow less
Afghanistan earthquake

Afghan volunteers and Taliban security personnel carry an earthquake victim evacuated by a military helicopter from the Nurgal district of Kunar province onn September 1, 2025.

Getty Images

Afghanistan earthquake kills more than 800, thousands injured

A MAJOR rescue operation was underway in Afghanistan on Monday after a powerful earthquake and several aftershocks destroyed homes in a remote mountainous region, killing more than 800 people, according to Taliban authorities.

The quake struck just before midnight and was felt as far as Kabul and in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ganpati festival

The Ganpati festival celebrates Ganesha as the god of new beginnings, and the god of wisdom and intelligence. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Hindu community centre in London damaged in fire after Ganapati Visarjan event

A HINDU community centre in east London caught fire on Saturday evening, causing major damage to the building. The London Fire Brigade brought the fire under control and confirmed that no injuries were reported.

The incident took place at the Shree Sorathia Prajapati Community Centre on Cleveland Road in Ilford, which had been decorated for a Ganapati Visarjan event attended by members of the Hindu community.

Keep ReadingShow less
Modi ,Xi & Putin

Narendra Modi talks with Vladimir Putin and Xi jinping ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Centre in Tianjin on September 1, 2025.

Getty Images

SCO declaration slams Pahalgam attack, calls for united action on terror

Highlights:

  • SCO condemns terror attack in Pahalgam and echoes India’s stance on “double standards”.
  • Leaders call for justice for perpetrators of attacks in Pahalgam and Balochistan.
  • Declaration criticises Israeli military strikes in Gaza causing civilian casualties.
  • SCO stresses UN’s central role in global counter-terrorism strategy.

THE SHANGHAI Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on Monday condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and agreed with India’s position that “double standards” in tackling terrorism are not acceptable.

Keep ReadingShow less