Jain Vegans is delighted to announce that two prominent UK Jain organisations have voted in favour of vegan catering in less than 12 months.

In October 2016, members of the Shree Digambar Jain Association (SDJA) voted in favour of a motion proposing that all catering is both suitable for vegans and excludes ingredients traditionally considered unsuitable for Jains, such as root vegetables. Young Jains UK passed a similar motion in April 2017.

Both organisations had been serving exclusively Jain and vegan food for some time. Nevertheless, the passing of formal motions at their respective AGMs demonstrates that their members recognise that using dairy products is inconsistent with the Jain principle of Ahimsa (non-violence).

The decisions by these organisations reflects a broader shift in the UK Jain community towards a vegan lifestyle.  We very much hope that other religous and community organisations follow suit.

The Jain Vegans Working Group has sought to recognise the non-violent catering stance of these Jain organisations by presenting them with the “Ahimsa in Action” award. Young Jains was presented the award in April 2013, while the award was presented to the Shree Digambar Jain Assocation in April 2017.

 

Young Jains receiving the Ahimsa in Action Award in 2013

“Given the violence and killing of cows in milk production, the majority of our members recognise that the use of dairy products is not consistent with the Jain principle of Ahimsa. Young Jains UK has sought to provide vegan catering at all its events over the past few years, and we are pleased our members have formalised this commitment through a vote at the recent AGM”

Dr Anuja Shah, President of Young Jains UK from 2016-17

Mr Jyotindra Dhanani accepting the award on behalf of the SDJA Executive Committee in April 2013

“Three years back when SDJA started serving Jain vegan meals at their events, it was really hard to find caterers who could meet the requirement. Over time the caterers have understood the Jain vegan concept and now offer a wider menu options”

Mr Jyotindra Dhanani, member of the SDJA Executive Committee, on accepting “Ahimsa in action” award in 2017.