Modi Highlights Jainism’s Timeless Role in Shaping India’s Identity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the profound influence of Jainism in forging India’s cultural and spiritual identity during a speech on Wednesday at an event celebrating ‘Navkar Mahamantra Divas.’ He underscored that the religion’s core principles provide solutions to pressing global issues such as terrorism, conflict, and environmental degradation.

Speaking to attendees, Modi reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to safeguarding Jainism’s rich heritage, pointing to its visible impact on landmarks like the Parliament building, where tirthankara idols and teachings are represented. He highlighted the doctrine of anekantavada a Jain philosophy advocating non-absolutism and the acceptance of multiple viewpoints as a vital perspective the world urgently needs.

The Prime Minister noted that Jainism’s recognition of life’s interconnectedness inherently rejects even the smallest acts of violence, offering valuable lessons for fostering peace, harmony, and ecological preservation. He described Jain literature as a cornerstone of India’s spiritual legacy and detailed government efforts to protect it, including a recent initiative to digitize ancient texts and the recognition of Pali and Prakrit as classical languages.

Modi also urged the public to adopt nine practical pledges to enhance national well-being: conserving water, planting trees in honor of mothers, championing cleanliness, supporting local products, exploring domestic tourism, embracing natural farming, prioritizing a healthy diet with increased millet consumption and reduced edible oil use by 10 percent, aiding the underprivileged, and integrating sports and yoga into daily life.

In closing, he encouraged the audience to spread a message of unity nationwide and to warmly welcome anyone who chants “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”