PM Modi attended the birth centenary celebrations of Jain monk Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj on Saturday. During this, he issued a postage stamp and coin of Acharya Vidyanand. The event was organized by Lord Mahavir Ahimsa Bharti Trust.
The trust honored the PM with the title of ‘Dharm Chakraborty’. On this occasion, Modi said, “I do not consider myself worthy of this title, but in our culture it is a tradition that whatever is received from the saints, we accept it as a prasad. That is why I accept this honor politely as a prasad and dedicate it to Maa Bharati.”
The birth centenary celebrations of Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj will last throughout the year. During this time, a program will be organized by Jain society across the country.
The PM became emotional and said that Acharya Vidyanand ji Muniraj was a ‘era man’, ‘Yuga Darsha’. I got good fortune that I could see them closely and felt their spiritual sharp. Today, when we are celebrating his birth centenary, I feel his affection and closeness from this platform too.
PM said- India is the oldest and living culture in the world. We are immortal for thousands of years, because our thoughts are immortal, our thinking is immortal, our philosophy is immortal. The source of this immortal philosophy is our sages, saints, saints and Acharya. He has given direction to the soul of India and has kept our culture alive for centuries.
Who was Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj?
Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj was a saint, scholar and social reformer of Jainism. He was born on 22 April 1925 in Shedbal village, Belagavi (now Karnataka). At a very young age, he retired and spent his entire life in restraint, practice and service.
He is considered among the biggest scholars of Jainism. He had memorized over 8,000 Jain texts verses. He wrote more than 50 books on Jain philosophy, morality and Prakrit language.
Acharya Vidyanand ji played an important role in the renovation of many old Jain temples across the country. He traveled barefoot throughout his life and followed harsh penance, celibacy and meditation.
