- By Nimith Lov.

"Just as a threaded (sasutra) needle is secure from being lost,
In the same way a person given to self-study (sasutra) cannot be lost."

-Mahavira (Uttaradhyayana, 29/59)

The words of Lord Mahavira are the shining light that guides every Jain's life. To be a part of this family is a privilege and much more a matter of pride.

The origin of Jainism dates back before the Pre-historic culture. Since its existence more than 5000 years ago, our brother has made it a point never compromise its core principle of non-violence.

Jainism is regarded as one of the oldest religion in the world. It believes in the cyclical nature of the universe. We Jains are the followers of 'Jinas', which means conqueror. To conquer love and pleasure, hatred and pain, and thereby freeing his/her vices from the karmas obscuring love, knowledge, perception, truth and ability is called a Jina.

The uniqueness of our community is that Jainism presents a truly enlightened perspective of equality of souls, irrespective of differing physical forms, ranging from human beings to animals and microscopic living organisms. We Humans, alone among living beings, are endowed with all the six senses of seeing, hearing, tasting smelling, touching, and thinking; thus we are expected to act responsibly towards all life by being compassionate, honest, fearless, forgiving, and rational.

We Jains have a long association with finance and commerce and many among our families were well placed to play a leading role in the economic development of modern India. Social service and welfare to mankind is an integral part of our life!

• Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankar, is mentioned in Rig Veda, the oldest scripture of Hinduism believed to be at least 5000 years old.
• The estimated number of Jains worldwide could be 25 to 30 million
• In India alone, there are 10 to 15 million people who practice Jainism.
• Lord Mahavir was the twenty-fourth and the last Tirthankara of the Jain religion.