The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav on the auspicious occasion of Mahaveer Jayanti at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today. Shri Modi paid tributes with rice and flower petals to Bhagwan Mahaveer's Murti and witnessed a dance drama presentation by school children on Bhagwan Mahaveer Swami titled “Vartaman mein Vardhaman”. The Prime Minister also released a commemorative stamp and coin on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that the magnificent Bharat Mandapam is witness to the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav today. Referring to the dance drama presentation by school children on Bhagwan Mahaveer Swami titled “Vartaman mein Vardhaman”, the Prime Minister said that the dedication and commitment of the youth towards the values of Bhagwan Mahaveer is a sign of the nation moving forward in the right direction. He also mentioned releasing a commemorative stamp and coin on the occasion and thanked the Jain community for their guidance and blessings. Shri Modi bowed before the saints from the Jain community and conveyed his best wishes to all citizens on the auspicious occasion of Mahaveer Jayanti. The Prime Minister paid tributes to Acharya Shri Vidyasagarji Maharaj and recalled his recent meeting with the Acharya and said that his blessings are still guiding us. 

The Prime Minister emphasized the significance of the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav and noted various happy coincidences such as the initial phase of the Amrit Kaal when the nation was working towards a golden century of independence. He also noted the 75th year of the Constitution and the festival of democracy that will decide the future direction of the nation. 

Prime Minister Modi underlined that the idea of Amrit Kaal is not merely a resolution but a spiritual inspiration that allows us to live through immortality and eternity. “We are celebrating Bhagwan Mahaveer’s Nirvan Diwas even after 2500 years and I’m sure that the nation will continue to celebrate the values of Bhagwan Mahaveer for thousands of years to come”, the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister said that India’s strength to envision centuries and millennia and its farsighted approach have made it the longest-living civilization on earth and a haven for humanity today. “It is India which thinks not for self but for all and believes in everyone. It is India which not only talks about traditions but also policies. It is India which talks about the universe in the body, Brahma in the world, and Shiva in the living being”, he said.  

The Prime Minister said that due to stagnation views may turn into differences, however, discussion can lead to new vistas as well as destruction depending on the nature of the discussion. He stressed that the churn of the last 75 years should lead to Amrit in this Amrit Kaal. “Teaching of our Tirthankaras have gained a new relevance in the time when, globally, many countries are getting into wars”, the Prime Minister said. PM Modi recalled philosophies like Anekantavada and Syadvada that teach us to look at all the aspects and embrace the views of others too. 

The Prime Minister said that today, humanity is expecting peace from India in these times of conflict. He said that this growing profile is due to its cultural image, growing capabilities, and foreign policy. “Today we put forward the principles of truth and non-violence with full confidence in the global fora. We tell the world that the solution to the global problem is found in the ancient Indian culture and tradition. This is why India is making a place for itself as  ‘Vishwa Bandhu’ in a divided world”, PM Modi said. He mentioned Indian initiatives like Mission LiFE for combating climate change and the vision of One Earth One Family and One Future along with a roadmap of One World-One Sun-One Grid. He said today India is leading a futuristic global initiative like the International Solar Alliance. “These initiatives have not only created hope in the world but have led to change in global perception towards our culture and tradition”, said the Prime Minister. 

Speaking about the meaning of Jainism, the Prime Minister said that it is the path of Jin or the victorious. He stressed that India has never attacked another nation to conquer it and instead worked to improve itself. He said that great saints and sages guided India during the darkest of times which allowed the nation to find its way even though many great civilizations perished. 

He highlighted the numerous celebrations that took place in the past 10 years and said that it has been an endeavor to take part in programs on the invitation of Jain Acharyas. “Before entering the new building of Parliament, I remember reciting ‘Michhami Dukkadam' to recall my values”, the Prime Minister said. PM Modi also mentioned beautification of the country’s heritage, Yoga and Ayurveda. He said that the new generation believes that India’s identity is its pride. He underlined that India is proof that it becomes impossible to stop a nation when the feeling of self-respect awakens.

The Prime Minister said,  “For India, modernity is its body, spirituality is its soul. If spirituality is removed from modernity, anarchy is born.” He asked to follow the teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir as revival of those values is the demand of the time. 

The Prime Minister said that India is emerging from the period of corruption and despair as more than 25 crore Indians have come out of poverty.  Asking the citizens to seize the moment, the Prime Minister asked everyone to follow the path of ‘Asteya and Ahimsa’ and reiterated his commitment to keep working for the future of the nation and thanked the Saints for their inspiring words.  

Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of Law and Justice (IC) and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs & Culture was present on the occasion among other dignitaries and saints from the Jain community. 

Background

Bhagwan Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar, illuminated the path of peaceful co-existence and universal brotherhood through Jain principles like Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Satya (Truthfulness), Asteya (Non-Stealing), Brahmacharya (Chastity) and Aparigraha (Non-attachment).

Jains celebrate five Kalyanak’s (major events) of every Tirthankar including Mahavir Swami Ji: Chyavana/Garbha (Conception) Kalyanak; Janma (Birth) Kalyanak; Diksha (Renunciation) Kalyanak; Kevaljnana (Omniscience) Kalyanak and Nirvana (Liberation/Ultimate Salvation) Kalyanak. 21st April 2024 is the Janma Kalyanak of Bhagwan Mahavir Swami and the Government is commemorating the occasion with the Jain community by organizing a cultural programme in Bharat Mandapam along with Saints from the Jain community gracing the occasion and blessing the congregation.

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