Raipur: In a grand celebration of Jain values, the Sakal Digambar Jain Samaj hosted the Guru Sharnam – Maitri Mahotsav – Kshamadan Utsav at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in the state capital Raipur. The event, held under the auspices of Pujya Aryikaratna 105 Antarmati Mataji, saw the attendance of prominent figures, including Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, MLA Rajesh Munat, and several social and community leaders.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai Honoured by Jain Community
At the event, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai was presented with a traditional pagdi (headgear) and gamchha (scarf) by the Jain community, as a mark of respect and gratitude. He also had the privilege of receiving blessings from Pujya Mataji after offering a shrifal (sacred coconut). During the ceremony, several individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields were honoured for their dedication to service and society. The Acharya Vidyasagar Kalyan Seva Sanstha also launched its new logo, adding a ceremonial touch to the event.
Maitri Mahotsav: A Spiritual Awakening and Cleansing
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai addressed the gathering, emphasising that the Maitri Mahotsav was more than just a cultural event — it was a time for spiritual awakening and self-purification. He highlighted India’s status as the birthplace of not only civilization and culture but also spiritual practices. According to the CM, dharma in India is not limited to rituals but extends to becoming a way of life, guiding individuals towards spiritual progress.
Message of Peace and Forgiveness: ‘Live and Let Live’
Reiterating the timeless teachings of Lord Mahavir, CM Sai reminded the audience of the core Jain principle: “Live and let live”. This message was central to the Kshamadan Utsav, which he described as a celebration of the virtues of forgiveness, compassion, and reconciliation. The essence of this festival, as the CM noted, lies in the Jain ideal of “Uttam Kshama, Sabse Kshama, Sabko Kshama” — the highest form of forgiveness, forgiving everyone, and seeking forgiveness from all. This practice, he said, epitomizes the Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam philosophy of global unity and harmony.
Jain Society: A Model of Service and Charity
CM Vishnu Deo Sai further acknowledged the Jain community’s unwavering commitment to charity and social service. He lauded their efforts in spreading the message of Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), and Anekant (multiple perspectives), which he believes are the foundations of a harmonious society. His speech underlined how these principles are critical to building social equity and peace, especially in today’s world.
Acharya Vidyasagar: A Beacon of Inspiration
The Chief Minister also paid tribute to Acharya Vidyasagar Ji, calling his life a source of inspiration. According to the CM, Acharya Vidyasagar Ji’s dedication to self-discipline, renunciation, and service has become a powerful example of how one can live a life of deep spiritual meaning while serving humanity. CM Sai mentioned that Chhattisgarh is fortunate to have been the place where Acharya Vidyasagar Ji spent many years of his life in meditation and spiritual practice, before attaining samadhi at Chandragiri Teerth.
Jain Principles: The Soul of the Nation
Speaking about the core Jain values such as Ahimsa Paramo Dharma (Non-violence is the supreme religion), Anekantvada (The doctrine of non-absolutism), Satya (Truth), and Samyama (Self-control), CM Sai said that these values are not just the heritage of the Jain community, but the very soul of the nation. He stressed that the teachings of the Tirthankaras transcend religious boundaries and hold profound relevance for everyone, regardless of their faith or background.
Introduction to Acharya Vidyasagar Kalyan Seva Sanstha’s Initiatives
During the event, Vinod Badjatya, President of the Sakal Digambar Jain Samaj, provided an overview of the initiatives being undertaken by the Acharya Vidyasagar Kalyan Seva Sanstha. He encouraged the community to actively engage with the institution’s efforts to further the principles of selfless service and spiritual welfare. Additionally, Sanjay Badjatya, President of the CII (Confederation of Indian Industry), addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of community-driven Deoelopment and the role of social organizations in contributing to national progress.
Recognizing Excellence in Social Service
In keeping with the event’s focus on community service, several individuals were honoured for their outstanding contributions to various fields. Among the honorees were:
- Manish Jain, recognized for his efforts in the construction and preservation of Jain temples.
- Vijay Godha, awarded for his work in Ayurvedic medicine and healthcare.
- Sunil Sangolia, lauded for his exceptional community service.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai also launched a commemorative silver plaque, engraved with Guru Smriti, and released a hikeu written by Acharya Vidyasagar Ji, which beautifully encapsulates the Jain ethos.
Prominent Figures and Community Leaders in Attendance
The event saw the presence of several prominent personalities from the Jain community and beyond, including Narendra Jain, Yashwant Jain, Ratanlal Badjatya, and Sudhir Bakliwal, among others. These respected figures were celebrated for their contributions to the community and their continued advocacy for Jain values.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Jain Ideals and Social Responsibility
The Maitri Mahotsav and Kshamadan Utsav successfully underscored the Jain community’s dedication to peace, forgiveness, and social welfare, while also paying tribute to the timeless spiritual teachings of Lord Mahavir. With contributions in various sectors like education, healthcare, and temple preservation, the Jain society continues to set an example of service, spirituality, and social responsibility for all of Chhattisgarh and the nation.
