New Delhi, 31 March (H.S.):
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his greetings to the people of India on the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, celebrating the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. In his message, PM Modi urged citizens to walk the path of compassion, mercy and non‑violence in daily life.
Emphasis on truth, non‑violence and kindness
Prime Minister Modi said that the life and teachings of Lord Mahavira illuminate the way of truth, non‑violence and compassion. In a social‑media post, he noted that Mahavira’s ideals are spiritually inspiring and remain highly relevant in today’s world. He added that the emphasis on equality and kindness serves as a constant reminder of the shared responsibility each individual carries toward society.
Message of empathy and ethical conduct
In another post,PM Modi highlighted that Mahavira’s teachings, rooted in truth, goodwill, proper conduct and equality, carry deep inspiration for modern individuals and communities. He said that the Tirthankara’s great ideas will continue to guide humanity for generations to come.
The Prime Minister also shared a Sanskrit subhashit (aphorism): “Śrūyatāṁ dharma‑sarvasvaṁ śrutvā cāvadharīyatāṁ | Ātmanaḥ pratikūlānāṁ parān nāvācharaṇīyat” — which means: behaviour that one feels to be unpleasant or unacceptable for oneself should not be inflicted upon others. This teaching reinforces the core message of Mahavir Jayanti: a life guided by non‑violence, truth, non‑attachment and equality.
About Mahavir Jayanti celebrations
Mahavir Jayanti marks the birth of Lord Mahavira, who is regarded in Jain tradition as the 24th and final Tirthankara of the present cosmic cycle. According to Jain belief, he was born in 599 BCE in Kundalapura near Vaishali in present‑day Bihar.
On this day, Jain temples across the country hold special prayers, processions and religious discourses, while devotees observe fasting and engage in acts of charity and self‑restraint. The festival’s central theme revolves around ahimsa (non‑violence), satya (truth), aparigraha (non‑possessiveness) and samanta (equality), encouraging followers to adopt these values in both personal and public life.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
