26-Oct-2022: PM addresses on occasion of 150th Birth Anniversary of Shri Vijay Vallabh Surishwar
Ministry of Culture, under the aegis of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and in association with Shri Aatm Vallabh Jain Smarak Nidhi, celebrated the Saardh Janm Shatabdi Mahamahotsav (150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations) of Jainacharya Shree Vijay Vallabh Surishwer on 26th October 2022 at Vallabh Smarak Jain Mandir Tirth, Delhi.
A video message from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was played at the event, and Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of State for Culture & Parliamentary Affairs graced the event as the Chief guest. Esteemed guests paid a visit to Jainacharya Vijay Vallabh Surishwer Ji Auditorium cum Multi-Purpose Hall by esteemed guests for shilanyas.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister bowed before bearers of the saint tradition in India, and all the believers of the Jain faith across the world. Shri Modi expressed delight upon getting the opportunity to be in the company of numerous saints and seek their blessings. The Prime Minister remembered the time in Gujarat when he had the opportunity to listen to Santvani in Vadodara and Chhota Udaipur's Kanwat village.
Recalling the beginning of celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of Acharya Shri Vijay Vallabh Surishwar Ji, the Prime Minister informed about the privilege he had of unveiling the statue of Acharya Ji Maharaj. “Today once again I am amongst you saints with the help of technology”, the Prime Minister remarked. He underlined that a commemorative postage stamp and coin dedicated to Acharya Shri Vijay Vallabh Surishwar Ji has been released today with the objective of connecting the masses to spiritual consciousness, the life philosophy of Acharya Shri Vijay Vallabh Surishwar Maharaj Sahib. The Prime Minister further added that the two-year-long celebrations are now coming to an end and the campaign launched to increase faith, spirituality, patriotism and national power is commendable.
Remarking on the present geopolitical scenario in the world, the Prime Minister said, “Today the world is experiencing the crisis of war, terror and violence, and looking for inspiration and encouragement to break out of this vicious circle.” Shri Modi highlighted that in such a situation, it is the ancient traditions and philosophy coupled with the power of today's India that is turning out to be a big hope for the world. He further added that the path shown by Acharya Shri Vijay Vallabh Surishwar and the teachings of Jain gurus is the solution to these global crises. “Acharya Ji lived a life of non-violence, solitude and renunciation, and made constant efforts to spread faith in people towards these ideas is inspirational to all of us”, Shri Modi said. He highlighted that Acharya Ji’s insistence on peace and harmony was clearly visible even during the horrors of partition. Due to this, Acharya Shri had to break the fast of Chaturmas. The Prime Minister drew the similarity with Mahatma Gandhi who, in the freedom movement, adopted the path of ‘aparigraha’ as laid down by the Acharyas. He said, “Aparigraha is not only renunciation but also controlling all kinds of attachment.”
The Prime Minister pointed out, as mentioned by Gachadhipati Jainacharya Shri Vijay Nityanand Surishwar Ji, that Gujarat has given two Vallabhs to the country. He said, “It is a coincidence that today the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Acharya Ji are being completed, and after a few days we are going to celebrate Sardar Patel's birth anniversary, National Unity Day.” The Prime Minister highlighted that the 'Statue of Peace' is one of the largest statues of saints and the ‘Statue of Unity’ is the tallest statue in the world. Shri Modi said, “These are not just tall statues, but they are also the greatest symbol of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.” Throwing light on the contributions of the two Vallabhs, the Prime Minister highlighted that Sardar Sahib had united the India which was divided into princely states while Acharya Ji travelled to different parts of the country and strengthened the unity, integrity and culture of India.
Highlighting how religious tradition and indigenous products can be promoted simultaneously, the Prime Minister quoted Acharya Ji and said “The prosperity of a country is dependent on its economic prosperity, and by adopting indigenous products, one can keep the art, culture and civilization of India alive.” He further added that Acharya Ji’s clothes used to be white and always made of Khadi. The Prime Minister underlined that the message of Swadeshi and self-reliance is extremely relevant in the Azadi ka Amritkaal. He said, “This is the mantra of progress for self-reliant India. Therefore, from Acharya Vijay Vallabh Surishwar Ji to the present Gachhadhipati Acharya Shri Nityanand Surishwar Ji, this path has been reinforced, we have to strengthen it further.”
On the occasion Minister of State for Culture Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal said it was through the efforts of everyone that the release of Coin and stamp has been made possible. He also said that in Jain philosophy there is a concept of ‘Live and let live’ and today the spread of terrorism can be stopped by embracing this concept. He also highlighted the importance of Nonviolence and truth for spreading compassion among humankind.
The event commemorated the life and teachings of Guru Vallabh ji. He worked much beyond the normal rigorous life of a Jain Saint and took upon himself to ameliorate the masses through education, social reforms, inclusive and participative approach to tackle burning issues and problems apart from spiritual enlightenment of his disciples. Born at Vadodara in 1870 AD to Shri Deep Chand Ji and Smt. Icchya Bai, he found peace and happiness in listening to the sermons of Jain saints and these inclinations led Him to sainthood at the tender age of 17.
The commemoration under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav witnessed beautiful performances by students from Jain Bharati Mrigavati Vidyalay (JMV), an inspiring prawachan by the present Gachhadhipati of Vijay Vallabh Suri Samuday – Jainacharya Shree Vijay Nityanand Surishwer Ji M.S. which was streamed live from Chennai, and release of Commemorative Coin and postage Stamp on Guru Vallabh by Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal. The day ended with addresses by Chief guest and guests of honour, and a Bhangra performance by students of JMV on “Vallabh Ji Taranhar hue”.
24-Oct-2022: PM congratulates Rishi Sunak on being chosen as UK PM
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi congratulated Mr. Rishi Sunak for becoming the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
The Prime Minister tweeted:
“Warmest congratulations @RishiSunak! As you become UK PM, I look forward to working closely together on global issues, and implementing Roadmap 2030. Special Diwali wishes to the 'living bridge' of UK Indians, as we transform our historic ties into a modern partnership.”
22-May-2022: Year-long celebrations to commemorate 250th Birth Anniversary of Raja Ram Mohan Roy begin
Under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM), the Ministry of Culture held inaugural ceremony to commemorate the yearlong celebration of the 250th Birth Anniversary of Raja Ram Mohan Roy from today in Kolkata. It will continue till next year 22nd May. The inaugural ceremony took place at Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library Foundation, Salt Lake, Kolkata, and at Science City Auditorium, Kolkata. The programme was organized by Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC), Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Union Minister of Culture, Tourism and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Shri G. Kishan Reddy joined the ceremony virtually. The Governor of West Bengal, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar was also present on the occasion. Today is the 50th foundation day of Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library Foundation also.
Shri Reddy unveiled an iconic statue of Raja Ram Mohan Roy in virtual mode at Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata.
The Governor of West Bengal, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, said that future generations must continue to follow the ideas of Ram Mohan Roy.
During his address the Union Minister said, “Today, on the 250th birth anniversary of Raja Ram Mohan Roy ji, on behalf of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and the Central Government, I would thank and pay my regards for his great contribution for the emancipation of our Indian society. It is a wonderful coincidence that today is the 250th birth anniversary of the great social reformer and the Historical 50 Years of Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library Foundation is also being completed”. He added, “As we all know that “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” is an occasion to pay respect and remember our great men and heroes who sacrificed their lives for the independence of our country. The installation of the idol of Raja Ram Mohan Roy is our way of paying a true tribute to him. I congratulate the Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library Foundation for this important step. The statue of this great man will inspire us and our younger generation. It will remind all of us about the great deeds, high ideals and the philosophy of his life”.
While remembering the contribution of Raja Ram Mohan Roy the Union Minister said, “On taking his name the image of an independent and visionary thinker who was not only a great social reformer but he was also a great philosopher, an educationist and a great journalist. His scholarly mind can be gauged from the fact that he learned Bengali, Persian, Arabic and Sanskrit languages at the age of 15. Later he also learned Hindi and English. The work he did for education and the improvement of conditions of women is incomparable. On child marriage, he clearly believed that the age of marriage for women should be increased and women should get the right of remarriage. In true sense he was the architect of Modern India and the father of Bengal Renaissance”.
The Union Minister Shri G Kishan Reddy hailed the efforts of the Ministry of Culture for promoting and upgrading the libraries across the country. He said, “The Ministry of Culture provides assistance for one State Central Library and one District Library under the National Library Mission. They have also provided more than 54 crores to 50 libraries across the country. We are continuously trying to expand and modernize the libraries across the country”.
He added, “Today I appeal to the Authorities of the States and the Union Territories, that the Public Library System should be strengthened more in the "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav". Active participation in the programs of National Model Library should be ensured and we should also move in the direction of E-Book and digital library. I think only knowledge and skills will make India a strong and a self-reliant nation. We all need to make new resolutions and move in the direction of making this great nation a Vishwaguru once again”.
Several other events were arranged at Science City Auditorium, Kolkata. A seminar and quiz program for children were organized. A multimedia presentation on various facets of the life of Shri Raja Ram Mohan Roy was presented too.