New Delhi: Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution, Chirag Paswan, said that the birthplace of Lord Mahavir in Bihar is not only a sacred land for the Jain community but for the entire humanity, representing faith and peace. He stated that in today’s atmosphere of war and unrest, a revolution of peace, non-violence, and love should arise from this land to guide the world.
He was addressing the Lok-Dharmotsav 2026 as the Chief Guest on the auspicious occasion of the 2625th Janma Kalyanak of Tirthankar Lord Mahavira. The event was organized by the Mahavirayatan Foundation and was held today at Mavalankar Auditorium, New Delhi, in a grand, dignified, and inspirational atmosphere.
He further said that the Jain community should make organized and widespread efforts to establish Bihar as a global land of peace and non-violence and to develop Lord Mahavira’s birthplace into a grand international pilgrimage center. He called for collective initiatives in this direction. On this occasion, several union ministers, MPs, saints, scholars, social workers, and representatives of various organizations were present.
Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution Chirag Paswan lighting the lamp at the event.
During the program, speakers emphasized that Lord Mahavir’s message of non-violence, Anekant (multiplicity of viewpoints), Aparigraha (non-possession), and “Live and Let Live” is extremely relevant in the present global situation. They also appreciated the efforts of Swami Devendra Brahmachari in making Jainism a people’s religion (Jan Dharma).
Rajya Sabha MP and National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Arun Singh, said in his address, “At a time when the world is passing through an era of war, violence, and intolerance, Lord Mahavira’s message of non-violence and Anekant is the greatest solution for humanity. Mahavira’s philosophy can become the foundation of world peace.”
Member of Parliament, renowned artist and singer Manoj Tiwari offered musical tributes to Lord Mahavira and said, “Today there is a need for a revolution of non-violence and morality from Bihar that can give a new direction not only to politics but to the entire world.” Bharat Vikas Parishad General Secretary Suresh Jain said in his speech that Lord Mahavira’s message of non-violence, Anekant, and peace is necessary not only for India but for the entire world, and these principles should be made global.
Devendra Brahmachari of Mahavirayatan Foundation said that Lord Mahavira taught the world the path of conquering oneself.
Founder of Mahavirayatan Foundation, Swami Devendra Brahmachari, in his inspirational address, said that Lord Mahavira’s life is a great example of self-conquest, discipline, and compassion. He said that Mahavira taught the world the path of conquering oneself.
Today, humanity has conquered the world through science, but has not conquered the mind, which is why unrest and conflicts are increasing. Mahavira’s path is the path of inner peace, balance, and coexistence. He further said that non-violence does not mean only avoiding physical violence, but also bringing compassion and sensitivity into thoughts, speech, and behavior. Founder of Sukhi Parivar Foundation, Gani Rajendra Vijay Ji Maharaj, was also present on this occasion.
During the program, the book “Nirgun Chadariya,” written by renowned author, journalist, and columnist Lalit Gargg on Swami Devendra Brahmachari, was also released. On this occasion, Lalit Garg said, “Swami Devendra Brahmachari is not just a saint, but a thought, a consciousness, and a spiritual journey. ‘Nirgun Chadariya’ is not merely a biography of a person, but a document of self-awareness, spiritual practice, and human values.”
During the event, several distinguished personalities who made remarkable contributions in literature, journalism, education, medicine, social service, and humanitarian work were honored with the “Lok Seva Ratna Samman.”
Prominent among the awardees were noted social worker Dharmendra Jain, Chandra Kumar Jajodia, Maniklal Mulchand Shah, Suresh Poonamia, Manoj Jain, Ishika, Sohan Giri, and Lalit Gargg for excellence in writing and social service.
Overall, Lok-Dharmotsav 2026 was not just a religious event but emerged as a national festival of non-violence, peace, family values, culture, and human values. The event played an important role in taking the message of Lord Mahavir to the younger generation and different sections of society.
This event truly became a celebration of thought, values, and a journey of peace, conveying the message that the world cannot achieve peace through weapons, but through ideas, non-violence, and coexistence. The program was compered by the “magician of voice” Anurag Jain. Several cultural programs depicting India’s unity in diversity and the philosophy of Lord Mahavir were also presented.
(All photos courtesy of Lalit Gargg)
