Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that the world is looking towards India to ensure global peace in these times of conflict. Mr. Modi said that credit for this new role of New India is being given to its growing capabilities, foreign policy, and cultural image. He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on the auspicious occasion of Mahaveer Jayanti. Mr. Modi said that the dedication and commitment of the youth towards the values of Bhagwan Mahaveer is a sign that the nation is moving forward in the right direction. He said that amidst global conflicts with countries at war, the teachings of India’s Tirthankaras have become even more important. Prime Minister Modi said that today India puts forward the principles of truth and non-violence with full confidence in the global forum and also tells the world that the solution to the global problem is found in its ancient culture and tradition. Mr. Modi said that this is the reason that India is making a place for itself as ‘Vishwa Bandhu’ in a divided world.

Prime Minister Modi also mentioned various initiatives undertaken to combat climate change, including Mission LiFE and the vision of One Earth, One Family, and One Future. He said that these initiatives have not only created hope in the world but have also led to a change in global perception of India’s culture and tradition. He added that the new generation believes that India’s identity is its pride, and India is an example of how it becomes impossible to stop a nation when the feeling of self-respect awakens.

The Prime Minister said that for India, modernity is its body and spirituality is its soul. He said that if spirituality is removed from modernity, anarchy is born. He stressed that following the teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir as a revival of those values is the demand of the time. He also said that India is emerging from a period of corruption and despair, as more than 25 crore Indians have come out of poverty. Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said that the principles of Lord Mahaveer are relevant even today. He said the principle of living and letting live is very important and relevant. Mr. Modi also released a commemorative stamp and coin on the occasion. Bhagwan Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar, illuminated the path of peaceful co-existence and universal brotherhood through Jain principles like Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity), and Aparigraha (non-attachment).

21st April 2024 is the Janma Kalyanak of Bhagwan Mahavir Swami, and the government is commemorating the occasion with the Jain community by organising a cultural programme in Bharat Mandapam along with saints from the Jain community gracing the occasion and blessing the congregation.