Latest news with #AcharyaVidyanandMaharaj
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
My government committed to freeing India from colonial mindset: PM Modi
NEW DELHI: PM Modi asserted that his government is committed to freeing the nation from the colonial mindset and advancing it with equal emphasis on development and heritage, while safeguarding the enduring vitality of Indian languages. He was addressing the centenary celebrations of Jain saint Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj at Vigyan Bhawan on Saturday. "We are promoting mother tongues in higher education. And that is why I said from the Red Fort that we must free the country from the mentality of colonialism. We must move forward with development and heritage together," he said countering opposition from some states to the Centre's three-language formula and accusation of Hindi imposition. Modi highlighted the govt's recent recognition of Prakrit as a classical language in Oct 2024, alongside efforts to digitise ancient Jain scriptures and promote mother tongues in higher education. On the occasion, the PM was conferred with the title of 'Dharma Chakravarti', to which he said, "I do not consider myself worthy of it, but our tradition teaches us to accept what is given by saints as prasad. Therefore, I humbly accept this prasad of yours and dedicate it at the feet of Mother India." he also referred to the preceding speech of a Jain seer, noting that he was blessing " Operation Sindoor ". PM's mere mention of "Jo humein chhedega (those who trouble us)" brought massive cheers from the audience, but he did not dwell any further on the issue. Before Modi's address, Acharya Pragya Sagar Maharaj endorsed "Operation Sindoor", saying the PM demonstrated unprecedented leadership, conveying the message that India doesn't believe in conflicts but is capable of giving a befitting reply in case someone throws a challenge. Modi said Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj used to say, "life can become imbued with dharma only when life itself becomes service." "This thought is connected to the essence of Jain philosophy and India's consciousness. India prioritises service (and) humanity. When, for thousands of years, the world was trying to quell violence with violence, India taught the power of non-violence. We placed the spirit of serving humanity above all. "
Hindustan Times
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
PM Modi reaffirms stand against terrorism at Jain leader's centenary celebration
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday underscored India's resolute response to terrorism and highlighted nine key resolutions aimed at building a sustainable and prosperous India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday attended the centenary celebrations of Jain spiritual leader Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. (DPR PMO) Addressing the centenary celebrations of Jain spiritual leader Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, PM Modi said, 'Whoever challenges us (Jo hume chedega)...,' prompting the audience to complete the sentence with slogans. '...I didn't even say half of the sentence, and you completed it,' he added. Jain spiritual leader Acharya Pragya Sagar lauded the Modi government for decisions taken during its tenure, including the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, publishing the new map defining the cartographic boundaries of the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and Operation Sindoor, launched by India in the early hours of May 7 following the Pahalgam terror strike in which 26 people were shot dead. 'Despite not saying it in words, maybe you were giving your blessings to Operation Sindoor,' PM Modi said. Also Read: How abrogation of Article 370 has helped India diplomatically Modi also reiterated the nine key resolutions aimed at building a sustainable and prosperous India, including: conserving water, planting trees, promoting cleanliness, supporting local enterprises, travelling within the country to explore its cultural richness, encouraging organic farming, adopting healthy lifestyles, embracing yoga and sports, and extending support to the underprivileged. Also Read: Op Sindoor instilled fear in minds of terrorists: Defence minister Rajnath Singh He paid tribute to Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj for his contributions to Jain philosophy and society, which included authoring works on the official Jain flag and emblem, restoring ancient Jain temples across India, and promoting the Prakrit language. The centenary of Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj will be observed from June 28 to April 22, 2026, with a series of cultural, literary, educational, and spiritual events across the country, as announced by the Union Culture Ministry. The inaugural ceremony brought together prominent Jain Acharyas, spiritual leaders, Members of Parliament, and scholars..
Mint
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Mint
PM Modi unveils stamps and coins on Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj's 100th birth anniversary: Watch
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, June 28, marked 100th birth anniversary of Jain spiritual leader Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj. On the auspicious occasion, he released commemorative postage stamps and coins. During his centenary celebrations, PM Modi addressed the public and said, 'I'm at an event of Jains, amid believers of non-violence. I've finished only half my sentence but you completed it.' The ceremony is taking place in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, where a number a notable figures are present, including Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Rashtrasant Paramparacharya Shri 108 Pragyasagar Ji Muniraj. The grand event was organised by the Union Culture Ministry and the Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust, Delhi. These celebrations will mark the formal commencement of a year-long national tribute, which will culminate on April 22, 2026. To honour the revered Jain spiritual leader and social reformer, a number of cultural, literary, educational and spiritual events will be organised across the country. PIB press releases dated June 27 states, 'Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj authored more than 50 works on Jain philosophy and ethics. He played an instrumental role in the restoration and revival of ancient Jain temples across India and worked for education, especially in Prakrit, Jain philosophy, and classical languages.'
Hans India
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
PM Modi to inaugurate centenary celebrations of Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the centenary celebrations of Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj in the national capital on Saturday. The inaugural event being organised at the city's Vigyan Bhawan will see the participation of many Members of Parliament (MPs), scholars, spiritual leaders, eminent Jain Acharyas, youth representatives and several distinguished dignitaries from across the country. The programme will mark the start of a year-long tribute to the revered Jain spiritual leader and social reformer. It is being organised by the Central government, in collaboration with Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust, to honour the 100th birth anniversary of Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj. The year-long celebration will see several literary, educational and spiritual initiatives being organised across the country, aimed at celebrating his life as well as his legacy and also propagating his ideals. Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj, born on 22 April 1925 in Karnataka's Belagavi district, authored more than 50 works on Jain philosophy and ethics. He played an instrumental role in the restoration and revival of ancient Jain temples across the country. Many ancient Jain temples in regions like Delhi, Vaishali, Indore and Shravanabelagola underwent restoration and refurbishment under his watch. The revered Jain guru was closely associated with the Shravanabelagola Mahamastakabhishek and the 2600th Janm Kalyanak Mahotsav of Lord Mahavir. As a founder of multiple institutions and pathshalas, Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj championed education for young monks and children, especially in Prakrit, Jain philosophy, and classical languages. Having received his initiation at a young age, he went on to become one of the most prolific Jain scholars of modern times, having learned over 8,000 Jain Agamic verses. He authored more than 50 works on Jain philosophy and ethics, including Jain Darshan, Anekantvad, and Mokshmarg Darshan. Throughout his life, Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj strictly adhered to Kayotsarga meditation, brahmacharya, and austerity, while travelling barefoot across the length and breadth of the country to propagate the rich ideals of Jainism.
