PM Modi Inaugurates Centenary Celebrations of Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj in New Delhi.
National
In June 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the centenary celebrations of revered Jain saint Acharya 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event was organized by the Ministry of Culture (MoC) in collaboration with the Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust, headquartered in New Delhi.
- The celebrations also coincided with the 38th anniversary of Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj being conferred the title of “Acharya.” The event served as a platform to honor his life of renunciation, scholarship, spiritual guidance, and national service, highlighting his significant role in promoting Indian philosophical traditions and ahimsa.
- The centenary celebrations span from June 28, 2025, to April 22, 2026, and will feature a diverse array of events including cultural programs, educational initiatives, spiritual discourses, and literary exhibitions across India. The objective is to spread awareness of Acharya Vidyanand Ji’s contributions and encourage values of peace and discipline.
Main Point :- (i) During the event, Prime Minister Modi was bestowed the title "Dharma Chakravarti" by the Jain community. This honor was given in recognition of his unwavering commitment to Indian spiritual values, cultural heritage, and his leadership in upholding dharma, ethics, and social harmony.
(ii) As part of the celebrations, PM Modi launched a biographical volume chronicling Acharya Vidyanand Ji’s life journey, including his ascetic practices, literary works, institutional contributions, and societal reforms. The book aims to document his impact on Jainism and his advocacy for non-violence, unity, and ethical governance.
(iii) To further mark the centenary, the Prime Minister and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (MoC and Ministry of Tourism – MoT) released a commemorative postage stamp and a Rs. 100 coin in tribute to the saint’s legacy. These philatelic and monetary releases symbolized national recognition of his enduring influence.
About Ministry of Culture (MoC)
Union Minister : Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
Headquarters: New Delhi
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