Ahimsa Varsh 2600th Birth Anniversary of Mahavir Swami

Author(s): Naresh Jain, P Jayaraman
Publisher: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan

Page 7

A note from the Chairman of the Celebration Committee
Jai Jinendra
other
A
Dr, Navin Mehta
other India is compassion incarnate. She loves the whole universe and wishes good for all. She knows only to embrace all cultures - all beings. She looks
at the world as one family - Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Her motto is: "Sarve Janah Sukhino Bhavantu" - Let all be happy.
"Ma Vidvishavahai" - We should not hate each other. In other words, we should love every being.
All religions of India - Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism, as well as the religions born in other parts of the world and represented and practiced in India, have uniformly declared that to love one another is the only way for peace within and without. Of all these religions, Jainism and its founders - Tirthankaras - have declared Ahimsa (non-violence) as the supreme dharma, (virtue), of life; Non-violence in thought, speech and action - This is the keynote of the preaching of all Tirthankaras. Of the five principles of Jainism - nonviolence, truth, non-coveting, purity of mind and body and non-possessiveness expounded by Bhagwan Mahavir Swami, the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara, the first and foremost principle is Ahimsa.
This 2-day celebration is dedicated to this Supreme concept of Ahimsa as we commemorate the 2600th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Mahavirji.
We are happy and proud that Honorable Member of Parliament, lawyer, constitutional expert, scholar, author and orator Dr. L. M. Singhvi is with us in the celebration. His presence and keynote speech will add grace and dignity to this event of international character; and highlight the message of Ahimsa in the world community.
Several monks, sadhus, sadhvis, scholars, and artists are here to share their wisdom and devotion with us. You have all come from various places to be part of this event.
We welcome all of you and seek your blessings for enabling us to organize such events from time to time for the benefit of mankind.
Vande Mataram
Dr. Navin Mehta