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United News of India
a day ago
- Politics
- United News of India
PM Modi honoured with ‘Dharma Chakravarti' on centenary of Jain guru Vidyanand
New Delhi, June 28 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured today with the title of 'Dharma Chakravarti' on centenary celebrations of Jain spiritual leader Vidyanand here. Speaking on receiving the award, PM Modi said, "On this occasion, you honoured me with the title of 'Dharma Chakravarti'. I do not consider myself suitable for this. But it is our culture that whatever we receive from saints, we accept it as 'prasad'. So, I humbly accept this 'prasad' and dedicate it to Maa Bharati'." The event was also attended by Union culture and tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Rashtrasant Paramparacharya Pragyasagar Muniraj, alongside other dignitaries, parliamentarians, and Jain acharyas, said a statement from the Ministry here. "This day is also special because on June 28, 1987, Acharya Vidyanand Muniraj received the title of 'Acharya'. It wasn't just an honour but it was also a 'pavitra dhaara' connecting the Jain culture to ideas, restraint and compassion. When we are celebrating his 100th birth anniversary today, it reminds us of that historic moment", PM Modi said, said the statement. He also visited a specially curated exhibition titled 'Life and Legacy of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj', which showcased murals, paintings, and rare archival material chronicling the saint's contributions. On the occasion, a commemorative stamp and coin were released, alongside a biographical volume detailing saint's life journey. The centenary celebrations which will be observed until April 22, 2026 mark the beginning of a year-long national tribute to the revered saint and scholar, organised jointly by the Culture Ministry and the Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti centenary year will be observed through nationwide cultural, literary, educational, and spiritual programmes. Born in 1925 in Shedbal, Belagavi (Karnataka), Vidyanand became one of the most respected Jain monks of modern India. He memorised over 8,000 Jain Agamic verses and authored more than 50 influential works, including Jain Darshan, Anekantvad, and Mokshmarg Darshan. His historical contributions include designing the official Jain Flag and Emblem during the 2500th Nirvana Mahotsav of Bhagwan Mahavir in 1975. The five-colour flag and the Ahimsa hand symbol are now universally accepted across Jain traditions, as per the statement. He was also pivotal in identifying Basokund in Bihar as Bhagwan Mahavir's birthplace — a finding recognised by the Indian government in 1956.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
India most ancient living civilisation due to immortal ideas, philosophy of seers: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday (June 28, 2025) India is the most ancient living civilisation of the world due to the immortal ideas and philosophies of its saints and seers. Speaking at the centenary celebrations of Jain spiritual figure Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj Ji's birth anniversary here, PM Modi paid rich tributes to his contribution in different fields and asserted that his ideas have inspired the government's welfare schemes. Be it providing house, drinking water or health insurance, the government is ensuring saturation coverage of its welfare measures so that no one is left behind, he said. PM Modi asserted that India is a country where service and humanity is central to its ethos. "When for ages, efforts were being made to quell violence with violence, then India introduced to the world the power of 'ahimsa' [non-violence]," he said. "We have kept the sentiment of serving humanity supreme. Our ethos for serving is unconditional and beyond selfishness, and inspired by 'parmarth' [the Supreme Being]," the PM said. In his address, he added that his government is working by taking inspiration from those ideals. Whether it is PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jivan Mission, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, and other such welfare schemes, they signify the "sense of service" towards the last person in the social hierarchy, he said. All should walk together and grow together - this is the inspiration of Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj Ji, and "this is our resolve," PM Modi said. The event was held at the Vigyan Bhawan and hosted by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust, Delhi, to honour the 100th birth anniversary of one of India's most revered Jain spiritual leaders, scholars, and social reformers. The revered saint was born on April 22, 1925 in Shedbal, Belagavi (now in Karnataka). "He received his initiation at a young age and went on to become one of the most prolific Jain scholars of modern times, having memorised over 8,000 Jain Agamic verses," the Ministry said. He authored more than 50 works on Jain philosophy and ethics, including Jain Darshan, Anekantvad and Mokshmarg Darshan. Modi extolled Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj Ji's legacy and his contribution to revival of the Prakrit language, restoration of many old temples and his contribution in the fields of literature and music. His life was a unparalleled confluence of 'vidya' (knowledge) and 'anand' (bliss), the PM said. "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. And, the source of this philosophy is "our saints, seers, mahants and acharyas". He asserted that voices of Indian Tirthankars, saints and seers, their teachings, are equally contextual in different eras. Hailing the Jain seer being celebrated as a "Yug Purush" and "Yug Drashta", Modi underlined that through his literature and music, he had endeavoured to revive the ancient Prakrit language. Prakrit is one of the oldest languages of the world. It is the language of sermons of Bhagwan Mahaveer. Ancient texts of Jainism are scripted in this language, he said. Because of those who "neglected their own culture", this language was going out of vogue, the PM said. "We made his efforts, the effort of the government, and last year in October, our government accorded it the status of a Classical Language," he added. Prakrit, representing a spectrum of Middle Indo-Aryan languages, is integral to understanding India's rich linguistic and cultural heritage. "In our mission to digitise ancient manuscripts, a large section of it includes religious texts related to Jainism and manuscripts associated with acharyas," Modi said. "We want to go further on this subject," he said, adding that mother tongues are being promoted in higher education as well. In his address, he again emphasised that his government has vowed to rid the country of "slavery mindset". He also reiterated his nine pledges and urged people to follow them. The pledges are: saving water, planting a tree in mother's memory, cleanliness, going 'vocal for local', travelling to explore different places in the country, adopting natural farming, having a healthy lifestyle, sports and yoga adoption, and helping the poor. Rashtrasant Paramparacharya Shri 108 Pragyasagar ji Muniraj and Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat were also present on the dais at the event. The Jain seer in his address recalled the renaming of Rajpath in New Delhi a few years ago, and demanded that India Gate be rechristened to 'Bharat Dwar', as well as a Prakrit research institute be set up in Delhi. The centenary year will be observed from June 28 to April 22, 2026, with a range of cultural, literary, educational and spiritual initiatives across the country, aimed at "celebrating the life and legacy of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj", the ministry said in a statement on Friday.
India Gazette
a day ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
PM Modi attends centenary celebrations of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj
New Delhi [India], June 28 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the centenary celebrations of the revered Jain spiritual leader Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj at Vigyan Bhawan in the national capital on Saturday. The celebrations mark the formal commencement of a year-long national tribute to the spiritual leader, being organised by the Union Culture Ministry in collaboration with the Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust, Delhi. Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Rashtrasant Paramparacharya Shri 108 Pragyasagar Ji Muniraj also graced the occasion. During the event, the Prime Minister and the Union Minister attended an exhibition titled 'Life and Legacy of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj,' which featured paintings and murals depicting the leader's life. PM Modi also presented gifts to the spiritual leader, and the two exchanged a few words. The centenary year will be observed from June 28, 2025 to April 22, 2026, with a range of cultural, literary, educational, and spiritual initiatives across the country, aimed at celebrating the life and legacy of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj, according to an official statement from the ministry of culture. The Acharya was born on April 22, 1925, in Shedbal, Belagavi (Karnataka). He received his initiation at a young age and went on to become one of the most prolific Jain scholars of modern times, having memorised over 8,000 Jain Agamic verses. He has authored more than 50 works on Jain philosophy and ethics, including Jain Darshan, Anekantvad, and Mokshmarg Darshan. He travelled barefoot across Indian states for several decades, strictly adhering to Kayotsarga meditation, brahmacharya, and extreme austerity. In 1975, during the 2500th Nirvana Mahotsav of Bhagwan Mahavir, Acharya Vidyanand Ji played a historic role in designing and introducing the official Jain Flag and Emblem, with agreement from all major Jain sects. The five-colour flag and the hand-inscribed Ahimsa symbol have since become unifying emblems for the Jain community across traditions, read the statement. He was instrumental in the restoration and revival of ancient Jain temples across India--including in Delhi, Vaishali, Indore, and Shravanabelagola--and was closely associated with the Shravanabelagola Mahamastakabhishek and the 2600th Janm Kalyanak Mahotsav of Lord Mahavir. He identified the site of Kundgram (now Basokund) in Bihar as the birthplace of Bhagwan Mahavir, a finding later recognised by the Government of India in 1956. The statement added that, as a founder of multiple institutions and pathshalas, Acharya Ji championed education for young monks and children, especially in Prakrit, Jain philosophy, and classical languages. He also promoted forgiveness rituals, spiritual egalitarianism, and inter-sect harmony through active dialogue. The inaugural event will be attended by eminent Jain Acharyas, spiritual leaders, Members of Parliament, constitutional authorities, scholars, youth representatives, and other distinguished dignitaries from across the country. The programme will feature a series of tributes and commemorative events. The centenary year will include programmes across India focusing on community engagement, youth participation, interfaith dialogue, temple outreach, and Jain heritage awareness, ensuring that the timeless message of Acharya Vidyanand Ji reaches future generations. (ANI)
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Humbly accept it as prasad': PM Modi honoured as 'Dharma Chakravarti' on Jain saint Vidyanand's centenary
PM Modi honoured as 'Dharma Chakravarti' on Jain saint Vidyanand's centenary NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday honoured with the title of 'Dharma Chakravarti' on centenary celebrations of Jain spiritual leader Vidyanand at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The title, symbolising a righteous ruler and upholder of dharma, was conferred on PM Modi. Speaking on receiving the award, PM Modi said, "On this occasion, you honoured me with the title of 'Dharma Chakravarti'. I do not consider myself suitable for this. But it is our culture that whatever we receive from saints, we accept it as 'prasad'. So, I humbly accept this 'prasad' and dedicate it to Maa Bharati'." The centenary celebrations mark the beginning of a year-long national tribute to the revered saint and scholar, organised jointly by the Union ministry of culture and the Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, 'Today, we are all witnessing a significant occasion in India's spiritual tradition. This centenary celebration of Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj, filled with the devotion of his countless followers, has created an extraordinary atmosphere that is truly inspiring for all of us.' According to ANI, the event was also attended by Union culture and tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Rashtrasant Paramparacharya Pragyasagar Muniraj, alongside other dignitaries, parliamentarians, and Jain acharyas. "This day is also special because on 28th June 1987, Acharya Vidyanand Muniraj received the title of 'Acharya'. It wasn't just an honour but it was also a 'pavitra dhaara' connecting the Jain culture to ideas, restraint and compassion. When we are celebrating his 100th birth anniversary today, it reminds us of that historic moment", PM Modi said. PM Modi also visited a specially curated exhibition titled 'Life and Legacy of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj', which showcased murals, paintings, and rare archival material chronicling the saint's contributions. PM Modi hailed the renowned Jain saint as 'Yug Purush' and 'Yug Drashta'. He said, 'I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience his spiritual aura in person. He gave me his guidance from time to time. I always had his blessings. Today, from this stage of his centenary celebrations, I can feel his love and closeness." Born in 1925 in Shedbal, Belagavi (Karnataka), Vidyanand became one of the most respected Jain monks of modern India. According to news agency PTI, he memorised over 8,000 Jain Agamic verses and authored more than 50 influential works, including Jain Darshan, Anekantvad, and Mokshmarg Darshan. He lived a life of extreme austerity, walked barefoot across the country, and promoted spiritual egalitarianism and inter-sect harmony. His historical contributions include designing the official Jain Flag and Emblem during the 2500th Nirvana Mahotsav of Bhagwan Mahavir in 1975. The five-colour flag and the Ahimsa hand symbol are now universally accepted across Jain traditions. He was also pivotal in identifying Basokund in Bihar as Bhagwan Mahavir's birthplace — a finding recognised by the Indian government in 1956. The centenary year will be observed until April 22, 2026, through nationwide cultural, literary, educational, and spiritual programmes. As per the Culture Ministry, it will include temple outreach, interfaith dialogues, youth engagement, and Jain heritage awareness initiatives. A commemorative stamp and coin were released, alongside a biographical volume detailing saint's life.
The Print
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
PM Modi to inaugurate Jain saint's centenary birth anniversary celebrations on Saturday
'The event marks the formal commencement of a year-long national tribute, being organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust, Delhi, to honour the 100th birth anniversary of one of India's most revered Jain spiritual leaders, scholars, and social reformers,' the ministry said in a statement. The celebrations will be hosted at the Vigyan Bhawan. New Delhi, Jun 27 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the centenary celebrations of Jain spiritual leader Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj's birth anniversary here on Saturday, the Ministry of Culture said. The centenary year will be observed from June 28 to April 22, 2026, with a range of cultural, literary, educational and spiritual initiatives across the country, aimed at 'celebrating the life and legacy of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj', it said. The revered saint was born on April 22, 1925 in Shedbal, Belagavi (now in Karnataka). 'He received his initiation at a young age and went on to become one of the most prolific Jain scholars of modern times, having memorised over 8,000 Jain Agamic verses,' the ministry said. He authored more than 50 works on Jain philosophy and ethics, including Jain Darshan, Anekantvad and Mokshmarg Darshan. He travelled barefoot across Indian states for decades, strictly adhering to Kayotsarga meditation, brahmacharya and extreme austerity. 'Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Rashtrasant Paramparacharya Shri 108 Pragyasagar ji Muniraj will also grace the occasion,' the statement said. In 1975, during the 2,500th Nirvana Mahotsav of Bhagwan Mahavir, Acharya Vidyanand Ji played a historic role in designing and introducing the official Jain flag and emblem, with agreement from all major Jain sects. The five-colour flag and the hand-inscribed 'ahimsa' symbol have since become unifying emblems for the Jain community across traditions, the ministry said. The Jain saint was instrumental in the restoration and revival of ancient Jain temples across India, including in Delhi, Vaishali, Indore and Shravanabelagola, and was closely associated with the Shravanabelagola Mahamastakabhishek and the 2,600th Janm Kalyanak Mahotsav of Lord Mahavir, it added. He identified the site of Kundgram (now Basokund) in Bihar as the birthplace of Bhagwan Mahavir, a finding later recognised by the government of India in 1956. As a founder of multiple institutions and pathshalas, Acharya Ji championed education for young monks and children, especially in Prakrit, Jain philosophy and classical languages. 'He also promoted forgiveness rituals, spiritual egalitarianism, and inter-sect harmony through active dialogue,' the statement said. The inaugural event will be attended by eminent Jain acharyas, spiritual leaders, members of Parliament, constitutional authorities, scholars, youth representatives and other distinguished dignitaries from across the country. The centenary programme will feature a series of tributes and commemorative events, including a specially-curated exhibition titled 'Life and Legacy of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj', highlighting rare archival material, photographs, milestones and philosophical contributions, and the screening of a short documentary chronicling his spiritual journey, societal contributions and impact on national consciousness. Besides, a commemorative postage stamp and coin will also be released to mark the centenary year. A biographical volume detailing Acharya Ji's renunciatory path, literary works, institutional efforts and role as a reformer will be launched, and there will be addresses by spiritual leaders, scholars and public figures, reflecting on the relevance of his teachings in today's world, according to the statement. A keynote address by the prime minister, offering a national tribute to Acharya Ji's legacy of ahimsa, truth and dharma, is part of the celebrations. The centenary year will include programmes across the country focussing on community engagement, youth participation, inter-faith dialogue, temple outreach and Jain-heritage awareness, ensuring that the timeless message of the revered saint reaches future generations, the ministry said. 'This national observance is not just a celebration, but also a solemn call to reaffirm the timeless values of Indian civilisation — truth, compassion, discipline, and non-violence — that Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj so powerfully embodied,' the statement said. PTI KR KND RC This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
