Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today participated in the URJAA 500 Mahotsav held in Mumbai and addressed the book launch ceremony commemorating the publication of the 500th book by Param Pujya Acharya Shri Ratnasundarsurishwarji Maharaj.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Birla said that at a time when the world is in urgent need of peace, the ideals of Jain philosophy - rooted in non-violence, peace, and human values - have become extremely relevant. He emphasized that non-violence is not merely a religious principle, but a universal path for the welfare of humanity and the establishment of global peace.

Shri Birla observed that in today’s demanding times, the completion of 500 books is a rare and remarkable achievement, reflecting Acharya Shri Ratnasundarsurishwarji Maharaj’s extraordinary dedication, discipline, and unwavering commitment to spiritual literature. He noted that this vast body of work inspires society towards self-reflection, self-restraint, harmony, and the strengthening of moral values.

मुंबई में आयोजित जैन आचार्य, पद्म भूषण श्री रत्नसुंदर सूरीश्वर जी महाराज के साहित्यिक योगदान पर आधारित ऊर्जा 500 महोत्सव के उद्घाटन कार्यक्रम में सम्मिलित होने का सुअवसर प्राप्त हुआ।
आज जब विश्व में शांति की आवश्यकता है, जैन दर्शन के अहिंसा, शांति और मानवीय मूल्यों पर आधारित… pic.twitter.com/XlfsK0ND9L

— Om Birla (@ombirlakota) January 7, 2026

Shri Birla further said that Acharya Shri’s renunciation of worldly life at the young age of 19 and his lifelong guidance to humanity through penance, sacrifice, and spiritual practice reflect the magnitude of his spiritual personality. He added that every word of Acharya Shri’s writings is imbued with penance, lived experience, and spiritual energy, guiding individuals from understanding the purpose of life to progressing on the path of liberation.

Highlighting the timeless relevance of Lord Mahavir’s teachings, the Lok Sabha Speaker said that the ideals of non-violence and world peace are as essential today as they were in ancient times. In the prevailing global scenario, he said, all nations and societies must follow this path. He added that inspired by Jain philosophy, if individuals—irrespective of religion—adopt morality, self-discipline, and compassion in their conduct, meaningful and positive change in society is possible.

Shri Birla urged the organizers to ensure that Acharya Shri’s 500th book, along with his entire literary corpus, reaches the widest possible audience so that people across society may draw guidance and inspiration from his thoughts. He expressed confidence that the five-day URJAA 500 Mahotsav would not remain confined to Mumbai alone, but that its spiritual message would resonate across the country and the world.

Referring to the New Parliament Building, the Lok Sabha Speaker noted that, at the inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a statue of a Tirthankara Bhagwan, a depiction of ‘Sammed Shikhar’ in the gallery, and an image of Lord Mahavir have been installed, so that every representative visiting the temple of democracy continues to draw inspiration from compassion, non-violence, and moral values.

Concluding his address, Shri Birla said that meeting the revered Acharya Shri had filled him with renewed energy, inner strength, and spiritual inspiration, and described the opportunity as a matter of great fortune for him.

***

AM

(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2214380) आगंतुक पटल : 10