New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured today with the title of ‘Dharma Chakravarti’ on centenary celebrations of Jain spiritual leader Vidyanand here.
Speaking on receiving the award, PM Modi said, “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’.”
The event was also attended by Union culture and tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Rashtrasant Paramparacharya Pragyasagar Muniraj, alongside other dignitaries, parliamentarians, and Jain acharyas, said a statement from the Ministry here.
“This day is also special because on June 28, 1987, Acharya Vidyanand Muniraj received the title of ‘Acharya’. It wasn’t just an honour but it was also a ‘pavitra dhaara’ connecting the Jain culture to ideas, restraint and compassion. When we are celebrating his 100th birth anniversary today, it reminds us of that historic moment”, PM Modi said, said the statement.
He also visited a specially curated exhibition titled “Life and Legacy of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj”, which showcased murals, paintings, and rare archival material chronicling the saint’s contributions. On the occasion, a commemorative stamp and coin were released, alongside a biographical volume detailing saint’s life journey.
The centenary celebrations which will be observed until April 22, 2026 mark the beginning of a year-long national tribute to the revered saint and scholar, organised jointly by the Culture Ministry and the Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust.The centenary year will be observed through nationwide cultural, literary, educational, and spiritual programmes.
Born in 1925 in Shedbal, Belagavi (Karnataka), Vidyanand became one of the most respected Jain monks of modern India. He memorised over 8,000 Jain Agamic verses and authored more than 50 influential works, including Jain Darshan, Anekantvad, and Mokshmarg Darshan.
His historical contributions include designing the official Jain Flag and Emblem during the 2500th Nirvana Mahotsav of Bhagwan Mahavir in 1975. The five-colour flag and the Ahimsa hand symbol are now universally accepted across Jain traditions, as per the statement.
He was also pivotal in identifying Basokund in Bihar as Bhagwan Mahavir’s birthplace — a finding recognised by the Indian government in 1956.
UNI
