New Delhi: On the auspicious occasion of the 2622nd Birth Anniversary of the pioneer of non-violence Lord Mahavira, and the foundation day of the World Peace Center, Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti organised World Peace-Harmony Day celebration and National Seminar “Preservation of Nature and Culture through Mahavir Philosophy” at the NDMC Convention Center in New Delhi which was inaugurated by Pujya Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji and Acharya Dr. Lokeshji, in the presence of Shri Arif Mohammad Khan, Governor of Kerala; Lt. General Gurmeet Singh, Governor of Uttarakhand; Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Shri Anurag Thakur, Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala and Union Minister of State Shri Kailash Choudhary. On this occasion, Dr. Ajit Gupta, Chairman of Park Hospitals Group and Mr. Vinod Dugad, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Malawi as Guest of Honour and eminent philanthropist were present as at the function.
On this occasion, Governors of Kerala & Uttarakhand, Union Ministers, Acharyashree conferred the Ahimsa International Award to Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji, Founder of Art of Living and Dr. Ajit Gupta, Chairman of Park Hospitals Group. Along with this, the book named ‘World Peace Center’ and ‘World Peace Ambassador’ were also released by the Guests.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of the Art of Living, said that the universal truth of Lord Mahavira’s philosophy and teachings has become applicable to the modern world as well. At the macro level, the prosperity of a country or community is based on the pillars of sustainable development, preservation and promotion of cultural values, protection of the natural environment and establishment of good governance. This environment can be created by following the teachings of Lord Mahavira. Sri Sri said that being honored with the Ahimsa International Award has increased more responsibility towards the society.
Shri Arif Mohammad Khan, Governor of Kerala said that the Jain community, which is non-violent and peace-loving, has a special contribution in society and Nation building. There is an example in the field of social service. Anekant Darshan of Lord Mahavira creates a sense of harmony in society by eliminating religious intolerance, which is more needed at present.
Lt. General Gurmit Singh, Governor of Uttarakhand said that nowadays development is the main issue not only in India but in the whole world. The development of the society and the nation is possible only when there is stability in the society, people of all classes and communities live together in peace and harmony. In the present times, the philosophy and preaching of non-violence, Anekanta and Apa
Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni said on the occasion that Lord Mahavir’s philosophy of non-violence, peace and harmony is more needed and relevant in the present times than it was in past times. The principles of Lord Mahavir have become valid even from the scientific point of view today. By following the path shown by him, a healthy, prosperous and happy society can be built. Acharya Lokesh told that by honoring Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji and Dr. Ajit Gupta ji with the Ahimsa International Award, the award itself has been honored.
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Shri Anurag Thakur congratulating the entire Jain community on Lord Mahavir Jayanti, said that the teachings of Jainism propounded by Lord Mahavir are more useful for a healthy and prosperous society at present times. He said that according to these teachings, we should treat all living beings equally and protect them from any kind of violence, big or small. By following these teachings, peace is maintained in society and problems caused by violence can be resolved.
Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala said that Acharya Lokesh ji is working to spread the philosophy of Lord Mahavir throughout the world. Further, he said that Acharyashri is spreading not only Jainism but the entire Indian culture all over the world. His efforts for all-religion harmony are very useful for society which is quite appreciable.
Union Minister of State Shri Kailash Chowdhary said that Saint Acharya Lokeshji who belongs to same birthplace as mine is spreading the message of Indian culture and Vasudhev Kutumbakam by addressing influential forums like the United Nations, and World Religion Parliament regarding the teachings of Lord Mahavira.
Vinod Dugad, President of the Reception Committee welcomed all the guests during the ceremony. On this occasion, Dr. Ankit Gupta, Manoj Jain, Vasudev Garg, Rajan Chhibber, Subhash Oswal, S.C. Jain, Manindra Jain, Acharya Ramgopal Dixit including a large number of devotees were present. The program was efficiently compered by Vir Chakra winner Colonel Tejendra Pal Tyagi ji.
