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Time of India
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Am among followers of non-violence': PM Modi reacts as ‘Jo humein chhedega' remark draws loud applause at Jain event
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. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 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. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 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.
India.com
28-06-2025
- Politics
- India.com
PM Modi Conferred With Title Of Dharma Chakravarti At Centenary Celebrations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday was conferred with the title of 'Dharma Chakravarti' at the centenary celebrations of Jain saint Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj. "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," PM Modi said during his speech. The centenary 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. Talking about how today's date is special as Acharya Vidyanand Muniraj received his title on this very day in 1987, which represented a 'pavitra dhaara' connecting Jain culture to ideas of restraint and compassion. "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," PM Modi said. "When we are celebrating his 100th birth anniversary today, it reminds us of that historic moment. On this occasion, I bow to the feet of Acharya Shri Munirajji. I pray that his blessings are with us always. People, these centenary celebrations are not just any normal event. It has the memory of a time period and the remembrance of an ascetic life. Today, to make this moment memorable, postal stamps have been made, for this too, I greet the people," the Prime Minister added. During the celebrations, PM Modi, along with Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, unveiled the commemorative postage stamps in memory of the Acharya. Talking about the history of India, the PM Modi added, "India is the oldest living culture of the world. We have been immortal for thousands of years because our ideas are immortal, our thoughts are immortal, and our philosophy is immortal. The source of this philosophy is our sages, saints and acharyas" Earlier today, PM Modi, along with the Union Minister Shekhawat, attended an exhibition titled "Life and Legacy of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj," which featured paintings and murals depicting the leader's life. 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 over 50 works on Jain philosophy and ethics, including Jain Darshan, Anekantavada, and Mokshamarg Darshan. He travelled barefoot across Indian states for several decades, strictly adhering to Kayotsarga meditation, brahmacharya, and extreme austerity. He was instrumental in the restoration and revival of ancient Jain temples across India, including those in Delhi, Vaishali, Indore, and Shravanabelagola, and was closely associated with the Shravanabelagola Mahamastakabhishek and the 2600th Janm Kalyanak Mahotsav of Lord Mahavira. 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 centenary year will feature programs 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.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- 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
27-06-2025
- 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.
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.
