'Am among followers of non-violence': PM Modi reacts as ‘Jo humein chhedega' remark draws loud applause at Jain event

Time of India

4 hours ago

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday stirred excitement during a spiritual event by briefly referring to
while recalling the remarks of a Jain seer who had spoken before him.
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The mention, though indirect, drew a wave of cheers and applause from the audience at Vigyan Bhawan.
The loudest response came when
invoked the phrase "Jo humein chhedega", that instantly resonated with the audience, which broke into 'Modi Modi' chants.
Reacting to it, PM Modi smiled and said, 'I am among followers of non-violence... and I had only said half the sentence... but you completed it... what I mean to say is, even if you did not say it in words, you were giving your blessings to Operation Sindoor.
(Ahinsawadiyo ke beech hu.. aur abhi toh aadha vaakya bola hu.. aur aapne poora kar diya.. kehne ka tatparya yeh hai... bhale aapne shabdon mein nahi kaha par aap Operation Sindoor ko aashirwad de rahe the).
"
'Jo Hume Chhedega…': PM Modi's Speech on Operation Sindoor Cut Short by Audience. Here's Why
PM Modi made these remarks during the centenary celebrations of Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj Ji, a revered Jain spiritual leader and scholar, whose teachings and legacy the prime minister hailed extensively. The event was organised by the ministry of culture in collaboration with the Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust, Delhi.
The prime minister lauded the ancient and enduring values of Indian civilisation, crediting saints and seers for shaping the country's identity. 'Our India is the oldest living civilisation in the world, we are immortal for thousands of years, because our thoughts are immortal, our thinking is immortal, our philosophy is immortal,' he said.
Referring to Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj Ji as a "Yug Purush" and "Yug Drashta", Modi praised his contribution to Jain philosophy, revival of the Prakrit language, and social reform.
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He noted the Acharya's deep knowledge and literary legacy, including over 50 authored works, and his role in restoring ancient temples.
PM Modi also highlighted how his government drew inspiration from such spiritual figures for its welfare policies. 'Whether it is PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jivan Mission,
... they signify the sense of service towards the last person in the social hierarchy,' he said.
He reiterated the government's efforts to promote mother tongues, especially Prakrit, which was accorded Classical Language status in October last year.
'In our mission to digitise ancient manuscripts, a large section of it includes Jain religious texts and manuscripts associated with acharyas,' he added.
Union culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Jain seer Rashtrasant Paramparacharya Shri 108 Pragyasagar ji Muniraj also attended the event. The centenary year, spanning June 28 to April 22, 2026, will include cultural, literary, and spiritual programmes across India.