Jains begin fast for world peace

As part of their efforts towards ‘World Peace’ about 200 Jains participated in a mass fasting session at Ranigunj in Secunderabad recently. The endeavour is for 1,008 members to fast and the rest joined from their homes around the city. Out of the total, 500 are from the twin cities and the rest are from different parts of the country. It includes 20 leprosy patients as well.

“The response for the fasting is good. This is a noble cause, especially when terrorism, violence, disturbances are on the rise. Fasting for world peace though is a small effort, but, will go a long way,” said the organisers.

From children in their teens to housewives, to professional and senior citizens as old as 75 years of age are participating in the fast, where the members drink only hot water until sunset and do not consume anything after that.

In addition, Sapna Kothari, a teacher of Purushakar Meditation is helping those fasting with meditation techniques to focus on their mission. “We will be doing a demonstration of the technique in the city from July 27 to 30,” informed Kothari. According to the organisers, about 10,000 Jains will participate in the concluding function at T-19 Tower in Secunderabad on July 23.