Jain Community Outraged: Berlin Court’s Verdict Strips Child of Culture

Jain Community Condemns Berlin Court’s Verdict, Labels It “Cultural Stripping of a Child”

The global Jain community has come together to express its strong condemnation of the recent verdict by a Berlin court that granted custody of Baby Ariha, an Indian child, to German authorities. In a press conference held at Delhi’s Constitution Club, the Jain community voiced its outrage and concern over what they perceive as a severe violation of the child’s cultural and religious rights.

Referring to the court’s decision as “Cultural Stripping of a Child,” the Jain community listed a number of serious concerns regarding Ariha’s well-being and preservation of her cultural identity:

1. Violation of Religious Beliefs: Ariha was born into a Jain family, which adheres to the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence). However, German authorities have been feeding her non-vegetarian food, including eggs, sushi, and other non-vegetarian items, which goes against her cultural and religious beliefs.
2. Contradiction to Cultural Beliefs: In her German foster home, Ariha is being compelled to feed a pet non-vegetarian food, which directly contradicts the core tenets of Jainism, such as non-violence and compassion for all living beings.
3. Lack of Cultural Education: Ariha is not being taught anything about her Jain culture, including the teachings and practices that form an integral part of her religious upbringing.
4. Neglect of Mother Tongue and Cultural Identity: Ariha is being forcefully assimilated into German culture and is not being taught her mother tongue, Gujarati, or the universally spoken language, English, depriving her of her linguistic and cultural heritage.
5. Restricted Access to Religious Places and Indian Community: Ariha is being denied the opportunity to visit temples or interact with Indian children, further isolating her from her cultural and religious roots.
6. Limited Contact with Indian Nationals: Ariha is being prevented from meeting any Indian citizens or officials from the Indian Embassy in Germany, leading her parents to describe her situation as akin to living the life of a prisoner.
7. Failure to Instill Moral Values: The foster environment has not provided Ariha with the necessary guidance to develop moral values, including compassion for all living beings, which are central to the teachings of Jainism.

In the past two years, the Jain Association International has actively engaged with the German authorities to address these concerns. They have written letters emphasizing the significance of a vegetarian diet for Ariha’s well-being and provided a list of Jain foster parents who are willing to care for Ariha while preserving her cultural identity. Additionally, the Gujarati Samaj in Munich has extended support to find potential Jain foster families in Germany and has emphasized the importance of vegetarian food for the Jain community.

Regrettably, the German authorities have not responded or taken any action to address the community’s requests and concerns. The lack of engagement from the authorities has only deepened the distress and frustration within the Jain community, raising questions about the intentions and approach of the German child services.

The Jain community, along with the Ministry of External Affairs and Members of Parliament from various political parties in India, firmly believes that it is in Ariha’s best interest to be reunited with her country of origin. The lack of action by German authorities to protect Ariha’s rights to her country and culture is disheartening and concerning.

As the issue remains unresolved, the Jain community vows to continue advocating for Ariha’s repatriation and the preservation of her cultural and religious identity.

Jain Community Demands Answers from the Federal Government of Germany

In the wake of the Berlin court’s verdict regarding Baby Ariha’s custody, the Jain community is demanding answers from the Federal Government of Germany regarding the continued detention of the child in German foster care. The community seeks clarity on several pressing questions, highlighting their concerns about Ariha’s well-being and the preservation of her cultural and religious identity.

The Jain community, along with the Indian government, is requesting an explanation from the German authorities regarding the following questions:

1. Why is Germany not repatriating Aria to India? With the court verdict announced and no case under subjudice, the Indian government questions Germany’s motivation in keeping Aria in German foster care. They seek to understand the reasons behind Germany’s reluctance to allow Aria to return to her home country.
2. As Aria is an Indian citizen and the Indian government has identified a suitable and culturally fitting foster family for her in India, why is Germany still holding her back? The community questions the basis for Germany’s decision to deny Aria the opportunity to be raised in her own cultural and national environment.
3. Why is Germany not permitting the Jain community to assist Aria in learning about her culture and religion? The community expresses its desire to contribute to Aria’s upbringing by providing her with the necessary knowledge and understanding of her Jain heritage. They question the reasoning behind Germany’s reluctance to allow such support.
4. What plans does Germany have for Aria’s future? Concerns are raised regarding the long-term plans for Aria’s upbringing and development. The community seeks clarification on the support and opportunities Germany intends to provide for her well-being.
5. How does Germany plan to shape Aria’s future as an ideal human being? The community is interested in understanding the steps and measures Germany will take to ensure Aria’s holistic growth, including her moral and ethical development.

The Jain community firmly believes that the answers to these questions will shed light on the intentions and plans of the German authorities regarding Aria’s custody and future. They emphasize the importance of upholding Aria’s cultural and religious rights and maintaining her connection to her Indian roots.

As the Indian government and the Jain community continue to advocate for Aria’s repatriation, they urge the Federal Government of Germany to provide transparent and satisfactory responses to these crucial questions. The well-being and future of a child are at stake, and it is imperative that all parties involved prioritize Aria’s best interests.