12th Annual Celebration of Nonviolence and Peace brings together elected officials, community leaders, and youth performers at the Indian Consulate Ballroom.
New York, NY: The Consulate General of India, New York, and the International Ahimsa Foundation Inc. (IAF), in partnership with JITO USA and JAINA, hosted the Mahavir Jayanti Celebration at the Indian Consulate Ballroom, 3 East 64th Street, New York, commemorating Lord Mahavir’s 2,624th Birth Anniversary and the enduring relevance of his message: “Live and Let Live.”
The gathering honored the principles of Ahimsa, peace, compassion, truth, self-discipline, coexistence, and harmony, bringing together leaders from public service, the Jain community, business, healthcare, education, philanthropy, youth arts, media, and civic life. The 2026 celebration continued IAF’s long-standing annual tradition of promoting Lord Mahavir’s teachings at the Indian Consulate and across the broader community.
The program expressed gratitude to the Consulate General of India, New York, and its staff for opening the Consulate Ballroom to the community and for helping create a dignified platform where the ideals of nonviolence, mutual respect, and service could be shared with the next generation. IAF also offered sincere thanks to Acting Consul General Mr. Vishal J. Harsh for his gracious presence and support, and to Ambassador Binaya S. Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, for the Consulate’s continued partnership and encouragement of cultural and spiritual programs that strengthen the Indian-American and Jain communities.
Founded by Dr. Neeta Jain in 2012, the International Ahimsa Foundation was established to spread the message of universal peace and harmony by promoting the ideals and values of nonviolence. The Foundation also emphasizes tolerance as an instrument of world peace, rooted in respect, acceptance, appreciation for cultural diversity, openness, communication, and freedom of thought, conscience, and belief.
Under the leadership of Founder and President Dr. Neeta Jain, IAF has grown into a respected civic and cultural platform that carries Jain values into contemporary public life. Dr. Jain’s leadership has centered on making Ahimsa practical for modern society, particularly for children and young people. She has consistently emphasized that Lord Mahavir’s teachings are not ancient ideas reserved for scriptures, but living tools for families, classrooms, public life, and everyday conduct. Through IAF, she has connected spiritual reflection with civic engagement, community service, interfaith respect, youth participation, and cultural education.
In her message for the 2026 celebration, Dr. Jain reflected: “Ahimsa, in its truest form, is not passive behavior. It is profound sensitivity toward life.”
She noted that this sensitivity applies to how we speak, consume, disagree, and think. She further reminded the gathering that Jain philosophy’s principle of Anekantvad—the understanding that truth has many dimensions—offers a powerful lesson for today’s world: peace begins when people allow one another the dignity of another perspective. “Peace is not created at conferences alone,” Dr. Jain shared. “It is created in homes, in classrooms, in conversations, and in daily choices.”
The program featured remarks and greetings from distinguished public officials and community leaders who recognized IAF’s mission and the relevance of Lord Mahavir’s teachings.
Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05, Queens) shared a video message extending best wishes to the Consulate General of India, International Ahimsa Foundation, JITO USA, and JAINA. In his message, he praised the Jain community’s commitment to kindness, volunteerism, and peace, and congratulated the gathering for honoring values that inspire service across communities.
Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06, Queens) extended heartfelt greetings to all gathered for the celebration and commended IAF for promoting the teachings of peace and compassion. Her message recognized that in a diverse community facing hatred, IAF’s unwavering commitment to nonviolence remains crucial, praising the Foundation’s dedication to tolerance and its appreciation of the rich diversity of the world’s cultures.
New York City Comptroller Mark D. Levine extended warm congratulations and best wishes, noting that Mahavir Jayanti commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavir, whose teachings of peace, compassion, nonviolence, truth, and self-discipline continue to inspire millions around the world. Comptroller Levine described Mahavir Jayanti as a meaningful reminder of unity, understanding, and respect for all living beings—values that strengthen communities and enrich New York City’s cultural fabric.
Council Women Gale Brewer; Grace the occasion with her presence, and she emphasized the Jain community's valuable contribution in New York City.
Edwin I. Novillo; Supervising Judge for criminal court in Queens
Prof. Tillo Detige, PhD; IS a doctoral fellow at Rutgers University, teaching Jainism, and was a guest speaker- he emphasized that all animate beings—human and non-human—are connected, mutually dependent, and deserving of compassion
A highlight of the celebration was the recognition of four distinguished honorees whose lives and work reflect service, leadership, and community upliftment. Each honoree was celebrated not only for professional achievement but also for a record of humanitarian service and commitment to Jain values in action.
Honorees included:
Mr. Prem Bhandari was honored for his leadership as an entrepreneur in the hospitality and luxury industry, his role as President of RANA (Rajasthan Association of North America), and his humanitarian service as a founding member and champion of Jaipur Foot USA. Mr. Prem Bhandari stated, “Lord Mahavir’s message reminds us that service is meaningful only when it reduces suffering. I am deeply humbled by this recognition and inspired to continue supporting humanitarian efforts that restore dignity and hope.”
Mr. Ashok Kumar Sancheti, President of Pioneer Gems LLC, was recognized for his leadership in the gemstone and fine jewelry industry and for decades of community and philanthropic service. I his quote he said “To me, life itself is a gift, and how we live, serve and give back is our return gift to the Divine. I thank IAF for honoring the values of Ahimsa, humility and service that guide my family and my work.”
Dr. Preeti Mehta, M.D.was honored as a board-certified gastroenterologist, Founder and President of Digestive Disease Care, P.C., and a respected clinician, educator, philanthropist, and community leader. Dr. Preeti Mehta stated, “The values of compassion, mindfulness and Ahimsa are at the heart of both medicine and community service. I am grateful to IAF for this recognition and dedicate it to every family, child and patient whose courage inspires us to serve.”
Mr. Rajeev Pandya was recognized for his leadership as Partner at ASHI Diamonds and Avalon Solution, his active service in the diamond, jewelry, and technology sectors, and his longstanding contributions to Jain community institutions. Stated Mr. Rajeev Pandya, “IAF’s mission reflects the responsibility each of us carries to build bridges across generations and communities. I am honored to stand with Dr. Neeta Jain and the IAF family in advancing Lord Mahavir’s message of non violence (Ahimsa), peace, compassion and ‘Live and Let Live.’”
The program was emceed by Aditi Lamba and opened with a welcome by Shrishti Jain, followed by the American National Anthem performed by Michelle DellaFave and the Indian National Anthem performed by Dr. Jyotsna Jain. A lamp lighting ceremony and Navkar Mantra by Shweta Jain set a spiritual tone for the celebration. The program also included a video presentation of IAF, remarks by Dr. Neeta Jain.
The Mahavir Jayanti Medley, directed by Smt. Jamunaji Mitcham The Play “One Day... Zero Violence,” directed by Surbhi Pandya
Sister Gayatri Naraine of Brahma Kumaris at the United Nations led a Peace Meditation, guiding attendees in reflection and inner stillness.
The finale performance, “Janme Jahaan Ke Nath,” directed by Neha Sanghvi and Sneha Mody .
Dr. Raj Bhayani, Vice President of the International Ahimsa Foundation, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Consulate General of India, dignitaries, honorees, sponsors, volunteers, media, and guests, and formally concluded the event, which was followed by Jain food catered by Neelu’s Kitchen.
(All photos courtesy: IAF)
