Shri Dr Natubhai Shah was the founder of Jain Network. He was known for his visionary and tireless leadership promoting Jain values around the world for over 55 years, until his last breath.

The creation of a new Jain Centre in London was Natubhai’s ultimate dream. Since 2010, he had a vision for a new purpose-built centre in Colindale. A space combining worship and facilities for the local community and be a hub to promote Jain values around the world. He especially aimed to keep Jainism alive and relevant in the Western world.

As Jains, Natubhai said, we believe that our values of peace, non-violence, and pluralism have a great deal to offer people. Our mission is to improve the spiritual and physical quality of life for everyone.

Natubhai’s vision for Jain Centre London is that it should be a place of worship and study for all the main Jain traditions. There will be space for spiritual health, well-being, religious and educational activities for the Jain and local community. The centre’s library will allow us to increase the number of courses we provide on studying and understanding Jain values. We offer these courses through the Jain Academy.

Natubhai’s other aims were to carry out charitable activities for human and animal welfare and environmental improvement through the world-wide Ahimsa for Quality of Life charity.

Sadly, Natubhai did not witness the completion of his dream project. The unique three-storied Jain Centre London, which includes a 108 Parshwanath display, is 80% complete. We can see Natubhai’s vision taking shape before our eyes. We now need a final push for fundraising and donations to finish the project. We urge you to think how you can contribute and be part of this exciting development.

Watch the short sand art video below and find out about Natubhai’s story.