Growing up as a Jain in the UK
Being born and raised in the UK as a Jain can feel like living between two worlds. One rooted in ancient Indian philosophy and another grounded in modern British culture. As a student, this balance becomes even more interesting. You’re figuring out who you are, exploring independence, and navigating a lifestyle that can sometimes feel far removed from the peaceful principles you grew up with.
Jainism is more than just a religion; it’s a way of life built on ahimsa (non-violence), aparigraha (non- materialism), and anekantavada (understanding multiple perspectives). Growing up in the UK, these values can sometimes feel out of sync with the fast-paced, material-focused environment around us. Yet, they also give a unique sense of grounding,reminding us to be kind, thoughtful, and compassionate in a world that often rushes past those things.
One of the biggest visible parts of Jain practice is food. Many of us follow a vegetarian or vegan diet and avoid root vegetables. This can be tricky in a typical student setting especially when your friends suggest grabbing late-night fast food or when most campus events revolve around pizza, jacket potatoes and chips. Over time, though, it becomes a chance to share and educate. I’ve had countless conversations explaining why I don’t eat certain things, and surprisingly, most people are genuinely curious and respectful. Some even try Jain-friendly meals with me and love them!
University life can be intense, and I say this with experience as a new graduate too. You experience new people, new routines, and sometimes being far from family when you’re living out. For me, keeping my Jain values close has been a way to stay centred. Whether it’s through meditation, attending Paryushan events, or even following a simple act of non-violence in words and thoughts, these small daily reminders help maintain balance. That’s where JSF came into perspective. We aim to create a space where young people can connect, discuss modern issues through a Jain lens, and build a sense of community that feels both British and deeply spiritual.
Being a Jain in the UK isn’t about choosing between East and West, it’s about blending both. It’s about taking the compassion and mindfulness of Jainism and applying it in classrooms, friendships, activism, and careers. For me, being a Jain student here means living consciously making thoughtful choices about how I eat, speak, and act: even in a world that doesn’t always slow down to think. Growing up Jain in the UK has taught me that faith doesn’t have to be practiced in temples alone, it can be lived in every interaction, every meal, and every moment of kindness. As students, we have the chance to show that ancient values like ahimsa are more relevant than ever in today’s world guiding us to be not just successful, but truly compassionate human beings.
If you resonate with these experiences or reflections, we’d love for you to be part of our growing community! Explore our weekly blog series “Roots and Reflections”, where we dive into the thoughts, challenges, and stories of Jain youth living in the UK, just like me and you!
You can also join us in writing your own blog whether you’d like to stay anonymous or proudly share your identity. Together, we’ll be covering topics that matter to us as young Jains from lifestyle and culture to questions and debates about how our values fit into today’s world.
Hirak Doshi
President / Founder JSF
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