PM Modi honoured as ‘Dharma Chakravarti’ at centenary of Jain saint Vidyanand
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday was conferred with the title of ‘Dharma Chakravarti’ at the centenary celebrations of Jain saint Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj.
“On this occasion, you honoured me with the title of ‘Dharma Chakravarti’. I do not consider myself suitable for this. But it is our culture that whatever we receive from saints, we accept it as ‘prasad’. So, I humbly accept this ‘prasad’ and dedicate it to Maa Bharati,” PM Modi said during his speech.
The centenary celebrations mark the formal commencement of a year-long national tribute to the spiritual leader, being organised by the Union Culture Ministry in collaboration with the Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust, Delhi.
Talking about how today’s date is special as Acharya Vidyanand Muniraj received his title on this very day in 1987, which represented a ‘pavitra dhaara’ connecting Jain culture to ideas of restraint and compassion.
“This day is also special because on 28th June 1987, Acharya Vidyanand Muniraj received the title of ‘Acharya’. It wasn’t just an honour but it was also a ‘pavitra dhaara’ connecting the Jain culture to ideas, restraint and compassion,” PM Modi said.