Jain Spirit 2003 10 No 16

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 12

GLOBAL NEWS
CELEBRATING LORD MAHAVIR'S
BIRTH ANNIVERSARY
The
SPECIAL COVER
Che भगवान महावीर
***
May
Special cover commemorating Mahavir Jayanti On 15 April 2003, Jains around the people have been killed not only by world celebrated the birth anniversary weapons but also by the desire to of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara. establish superiority of religious As well as a community-organised scriptures. On the occasion an event, this special day in the Jain unanimous resolution was passed calendar - known as Mahavir Jayanti - demanding that an inter-religion cowas also commemorated in official ordination forum be formed to settle circles: in honour of the Jain principle religious disputes. of non-violence, the State Government Both the President and the Prime of Bihar declared Lord Mahavir's birth Minister of India gave special national anniversary a day free from the addresses to mark Mahavir Jayanti. consumption of meat and alcohol. In Reminding us of Lord Mahavir's addition, a special cover, pictured here, legacy, President Kalam spoke thus: was released to mark the occasion. "On the auspicious occasion of
To mark the beginning of Mahavir Mahavir Jayanti, I extend my greetings Jayanti celebrations, Jain Mahasabha to all my fellow citizens. May Lord Delhi, an apex organisation of Jains, Mahavir's noble teachings inspire us to organized an interfaith meeting at Vice- work for peace, non-violence and President's residence in New Delhi. harmony among our people. Let us The Honourable Vice-President Shri emulate his preaching of right faith, Bharon Singh Shekhawat inaugurated right knowledge and right conduct. On the function by lighting the lamp of this day, we should take a vow to reahimsa (non-violence) before the statue dedicate ourselves to work for the of Bhagwan Mahavir. In his inaugural welfare of humanity." Prime Minister address, while advocating the relevance Vajpayee, also keen to reinforce the of religious harmony, the Vice- 24th Tirthankar's legacy, hoped that the President said that immortal teachings occasion of Mahavir Jayanti would of non-violence, trust and compassion rekindle "the spirit of selfless service, as preached by Lord Mahavir about dedication and devotion, as symbolised 2600 years ago have perhaps never by Lord Mahavir." been as relevant as they are today. He There were numerous ceremonies emphasized that the teachings of Lord enjoyed by the Jain communities the Mahavir should be observed in our world over. The celebrations in daily lives. In his welcome address, Vaishali, India - the birthplace of Lord Prof. Rattan Jain, secretary general of Mahavir - were held in the presence of Jain Mahasabha remarked that the thousands of Jains from all over the history of mankind teaches us that state. Ex-Chief Minister of Bihar Sri
London celebrations Laloo Prasad Yadav conducted a pooja to bless the developmental works undertaken at Vaishali. Sri Nirmal Kumar Sethi, President of Bharatha Varshiya Digambara Jain Tirtha Samrakshan, Member of Parliament Raghuvansha Prasad Sinha and other dignitaries also graced the occasion. Religious meetings and discussions on Jainism organised by the State Government of Bihar formed a key aspect of the celebrations in Vaishali.
In Patna, India, the celebrations included a street procession, the showing of a film of Lord Mahavir's life and a seminar and quiz competition on his life and ideals. Speaking as chief guest on the occasion, the pro ViceChancellor of Nalanda Open University, Vishwanath Agarawal, said the teachings of Lord Mahavir on nonviolence were very much relevant in the present age and could save the world from destruction.
In the UK, the Oshwal Association celebrated Lord Mahavir's birth anniversary with a very well received cultural programme, in which the participants were children aged between 6 and 15. The children entertained the audience by performing various cultural items, including Jain devotional songs and a play about Abhay Kumar, a devotee of Lord Mahavir. The play conveyed the principles of non-violence and compassion as the key message.
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Jain Spirit . September - November 2003
Photo: Jainey Gudka
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