Faith leaders join together to sow seeds of peace after the pain of recent attacks in Kenya and Pakistan.

The Hindu and Jain Communities of United Kingdom would like to invite the diverse communities and faith we have in the U.K. to come together to hold a Sokh Sabha (coming together of families, friends and the communities at times of a death or tragedy such as this to give support, condolences and prayers to the departed and the family).

Venue - Jain Samaj Europe, Jain Centre, 32 Oxford St., Leicester, LE1 5XU  

Date – Friday 4^th October 2013.

Time – 19.30 to 20.45

Mukesh Naker of the group said;

"We welcome everyone from all communities and faiths to come and share in this service. 

The initial invite that went out prompted the Kenyan community to request inclusion. We also had a request from the Pakistani Christian community on the recent killings in Pakistan for inclusion. We welcome both communities and have a representative from each to share their experience and to share in our common prayers and coming together of our diverse faiths and communities."

The terrorist attack on the Westlands supermarket in Nairobi, Kenya started @ 12.00 GMT on Sat 21^st Sept. 2013 and which as of 26^th Sept 2013 has claimed 67 civilians and several members of the security forces dead. . It is a stark reminder of the Mumbai attacks started on Wed 26^th Nov 2008 and finished on Sat. 28^th Nov.2008. Death came to 164 victims and the last count of the wounded is around at least 308. 

Some may have heard the report from one of The Economists reporters relate the story of a Christian African Kenyan who managed to save himself by displaying his Id. Card only showing his Muslim sounding surname. Next to him was an Indian who when he could not name the mother of the prophet, was executed on the spot.

For the Hindu, Sikh & Jain communities the expected loss of lives is likely to reach 25/26 dead. As it is for so many other communities and nationals who too have lost loved ones from not only in Kenya but from round the world. This is yet another reminder of people who espouse a particular view of how humanity, society and politics should be. It is a view and an order that does not respect other religions, communities or the personal freedoms of individuals.

The twin suicide bombings has claimed over 150 victims and an additional 100 casualties are being treated in Lady Reading Hospital, in the nearby vicinity. The unprovoked attack caused significant outrage amongst Christians of Pakistan, leading to protests across the country. Calls for better protection of all minorities within Pakistan have been submitted to the Government. 

Wilson Chowhry Chairman of the British Pakistani Christian Association has been invited to share his thoughts on the recent attack in Pakistan.  He said of the event;

"This coming together of key humanitarians is an opportunity to promote peace at a time when many feel appalled and distraught at the severity of recent attacks, that have resulted in huge losses of life.  The BPCA intends to use this meeting as time for reflection and solace - promoting the value of humanity, whilst condemning the acts of violence meted out on innocent minorities."

He added;

"We hope to build long term partnerships that will help to deliver a better future for posterity."

He will be joined by a diverse plethora of keynote speakers.

Time	Item	Speaker	Organisation
19.01	Arrival, meeting & greetings	Opportunity for guests & speakers to introduce each other	Jain Samaj Europe & British Hindu Voice as hosts
19.15	Speakers set up
19.31	Welcome	Pradip Mehta & Bhupen Dave	Jain Samaj Europe & British Hindu Voice
19.35	Opening Prayers	Pradip Mehta – Jain Prayer & Mahendrabhai Pandya Sanatan Prayer	Jain Samaj Europe & Jalaram Mandir, Leicester
19.41	Reading from Gita	Pravinbhai Ruparalia	Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Leicester
19.48	Local Kenyans Experience	Perez Ochieng	Director - Sahara Communities Abroad (SACOMA), London
19.53	Asian & Non-African Experience	Parit V. Dodhia	Mitul Shah's brother-in-law, London. Mitul was one of the earliest casualties.
19.58	Message from	Ushaben Mehta	President - Jain Samaj Europe. Leicester
20.03	Message from	Surinderpal Rai	Gen Secretary - Sikh Gurdwaras Leicester
20.08	Message from	Ranjit Flora	Vice President - Namdhari UK, Leicester
20.13	Message from	Bishop Tim Stevens	Church of England, Leicester
20.18	Message from	Suleman Nagdi,	PRO - Federation of Muslim Organisations, Leicester
20.23	Message from	Wilson Chowdhry	Chairman - British Pakistani Christian Association, London

20.28	Vote of thanks	Mukesh Naker	Communications Officer - British Hindu Voice
20.33	Closing prayers	TBC
20.45	Sokh sabha concludes