File Pic: Dr Shah explains the Jain essentials to Queen Elizabeth
Even though eminent Jain leader based out of the UK, Dr Natubhai Shah ended his mortal journey at 89, earlier this year on March 6, his legacy carries on. On the recently concluded Śruta-pañcamī, the Jain festival celebrating the written scriptures, his learned presence was missed by Gujaratis all over the world.
Dr Shah was a general practitioner for 30 years before becoming the founding CEO, “Jain Grid.” The aim of the network is to inform the Western world about the ancient Indian religion of Jainism. Jains believe that spiritual enlightenment can be achieved through the principle of non-violence.
Natubhai was born in Mahmadpur, India. He attended high school in Palanpur, Gujarat and was the first in his family to enrol for a degree course. At Ferguson College, Pune, he received financial support from Mahavira Jaina Vidyalaya, an organization that supports the academic interests of Jains. This was followed with a medical degree from the University of Mumbai. His relationship with the organization strengthened his commitment to Jainism.
In the 1930s, Natubhai insisted that his father resign and sit back while the young son took on his shoulders the responsibility of fending for the family. In 1968, Natubhai and his wife Bhanumati (née Kapadia), moved to Leicester, where he worked as a doctor until retiring in 1997.
It was at this time that he began working for the Jain community. In 1988, his efforts led to the first Jain Centre at Leicester, which to this day is a cornerstone for public worship and activities.
His “retirement” was the beginning of a new chapter. He then pursued and completed a Ph.D. in Jain religion and wrote books on the subject, including “Jainism: The World Of Conquerors.” He played a pivotal role in networking between Jain scholars at University of De Montfort in Leicester, University of Antwerp in Belgium and the University of Mumbai in India.
Natubhai had an unwavering commitment to promoting interfaith harmony between Jains and people of other faiths. He was one of the founders of “Belief Forum in London” and other interfaith initiatives such as “Interreligious Network” and the multi-religious forum “Barnet.”
Focused and determined, but gracious and charismatic, he was able to attract people from different communities. He achieved complex projects with a typically deft light touch, the latest of which was the Jain Center in Calindale in north-west London, which is scheduled to be consecrated in 2023. He remained active in his work and independent until his last days.
Natubhai received numerous awards, including the MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in 2012 and was named Man of the Year by the American Biographical Institute in 1991.
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