‘Humbled it as a Prasad’ politely ‘: PM Modi was honored as’ Dharm Chakravarti’ on the centenary of Jain St. Vidyanand. Bharat News
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday honored the title of ‘Dharm Chakravarti’ on the centenary celebrations of Jain spiritual leader Vidanand at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.The title is a righteous ruler and a symbol of the abducted of religion, honored on PM Modi.Speaking of receiving the award, PM Modi said, “On this occasion, you honored me with the title of ‘Dharm Chakravarti’. I do not consider myself suitable for it. But it is our culture that whatever we receive from saints, we accept it as ‘Prasad’. Therefore, I dedicate this ‘Prasad’ to humility and dedicate it.The centenary celebrations mark the beginning of revered saints and scholars at the beginning of a one -year national tribute, which are jointly organized by the Union Ministry of Culture and Bhagwan Mahavir Ahimsa Bharti Trust. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, “Today, we are all looking at an important opportunity in the spiritual tradition of India. This centenary celebrations of Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj have created an extraordinary atmosphere, filled with devotion to his countless followers, which is actually inspiring for all of us.”According to ANI, the event was also attended along with Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and President tradition Pagyasagar Muniraj, other dignitaries, MPs and Jain Acharya.“This day is also special because on 28 June 1987, Acharya Vidanand Muniraj got the title of ‘Acharya’. It was not just an honor, but it was also a ‘pavitra stream’ that was connecting Jain culture with thoughts, restraint and compassion. When we are celebrating his 100th birth anniversary today, it reminds that history.PM Modi also visited a special curate exhibition called “Life and Legacy” of “Acharya Shri 108 Vidyand Ji Maharaj”, showing mural paintings, paintings and rare archival materials, which was chronic to the saint’s contribution.PM Modi saw the famous Jain saint as ‘Yug Purash’ and ‘Yug Dras’. He said, “I am lucky that I personally got an opportunity to experience my spiritual aura. He gave me my 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 Shedball, Belagavi (Karnataka) in 1925, Vidananda became one of the most respected Jain monks of modern India. According to the news agency PTI, he recalled more than 8,000 Jain Egemic vs and wrote more than 50 influential works including Jain Darshan, Anekantvad and Mohammangarg Darshan. He won the life of extreme penance, walked barefoot across the country, and promoted the harmony of spiritual egalitarianism and inter-section.His historical contribution includes designing the official Jain flag and symbol during the 2500th Nirvana Festival of Lord Mahavira in 1975. The symbol of the five-colored flag and the hand of non-violence is now universally accepted in Jain traditions. He was also enthusiastic in identifying Basokund in Bihar, as a discovery – a discovery from the Government of India in 1956.The centenary year will be celebrated through nationwide cultural, literary, educational and spiritual programs by 22 April 2026. According to the Ministry of Culture, it will include temple outreach, interfath dialogues, youth engagement and Jain Heritage Awareness initiative.A memorial stamp and coin were released, with a biography volume expanding the saint’s life.
