New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the title of ‘Dharma Chakravarti’ on Saturday during the centenary celebrations of Jain saint Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj in Delhi. The event, organised by the Union Culture Ministry in collaboration with the Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust, marks the beginning of a year-long tribute to the revered spiritual leader.
“On this occasion, you honoured me with the title of ‘Dharma Chakravarti’. I do not consider myself suitable for this. But it is our culture that whatever we receive from saints, we accept it as ‘prasad’. So, I humbly accept this prasad and dedicate it to Maa Bharati,” PM Modi said in his address.
Highlighting the significance of the date, the Prime Minister said:
“This day is also special because on 28th June 1987, Acharya Vidyanand Muniraj received the title of ‘Acharya’. It wasn’t just an honour but also a ‘pavitra dhaara’ connecting Jain culture to ideas of restraint and compassion.”
🎨 Commemorative Stamp & Tribute Initiatives:
During the event, PM Modi, accompanied by Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, unveiled commemorative postage stamps dedicated to the Acharya’s life and contributions. He also visited the exhibition titled “Life and Legacy of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj”, which showcased paintings and murals representing his spiritual journey.
“These centenary celebrations are not just any normal event. It has the memory of a time period and the remembrance of an ascetic life. Today, to make this moment memorable, postal stamps have been made—for this too, I greet the people,” said PM Modi.
📖 Legacy of Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj:
Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj, born on April 22, 1925, in Shedbal, Karnataka, was one of the most prolific Jain scholars of the modern era. He memorised over 8,000 Jain Agamic verses and authored more than 50 works on Jain philosophy, ethics, and metaphysical doctrines, including Jain Darshan, Anekantavada, and Mokshamarg Darshan.
He was known for extreme austerity, adherence to Kayotsarga meditation and brahmacharya, and his barefoot travels across India. He played a pivotal role in the restoration of Jain temples in cities like Delhi, Indore, Vaishali, and Shravanabelagola, and was instrumental in identifying Kundgram (Basokund), Bihar, as the birthplace of Bhagwan Mahavir.
📅 Centenary Year Plans:
The centenary year celebrations will span from June 28, 2025, to April 22, 2026, with a nationwide calendar of cultural, educational, literary, and spiritual activities aimed at honouring the saint’s legacy. The programs will focus on:
- Community engagement
- Youth and interfaith dialogue
- Temple outreach
- Promotion of Jain heritage and values
“India is the oldest living culture of the world. We have been immortal for thousands of years because our ideas are immortal, our thoughts are immortal, and our philosophy is immortal. The source of this philosophy is our sages, saints and acharyas,” the Prime Minister said.