Vinod Kapashi has been awarded OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by Her Majesty The Queen in the 2019 New Year Honours list for services to Jainism.
Kapashi, a civil engineer who moved to the UK in 1968, has authored a number of articles and books on Jainism. His book on Hemchandracharya, a 11th century Jain Acharya of great distinction, was a result of four years of intense study and research and his mammoth work Nava Smarana- Nine sacred Recitations of Jainism was a PhD thesis.
Besides books and articles, Kapashi has written several plays, many of which were staged in London.
Kapashi is actively involved in the betterment of the society and his contribution towards the rebuilding of Ninama village following the Gujarat earthquake in 2001 is worth noting. Through the Navjivan Vadil Kendra, a charity that has received Queens award for voluntary services, Kapashi has been working for the betterment of lonely and retired people.
Kapashi is also a founder trustee of a Jain charity called Mahavir Foundation and has served as the president of this Trust for 20 years.
