Last Updated on March 26, 2026 1:55 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
Staff Reporter / New Delhi
At a time when the world is witnessing rising conflicts, wars and deepening intolerance, the timeless message of peace and non-violence of Lord Mahavir is more relevant than ever, Union Minister Chirag Paswan said on Thursday.
Addressing the Lok-Dharmotsav 2026 organised to mark the 2625th Janma Kalyanak of the Jain Tirthankar at Mavalankar Auditorium in New Delhi, Paswan said that humanity needs a renewed global movement inspired by Mahavir’s ideals of ahimsa (non-violence), compassion and coexistence. He said the sacred land of Bihar, the birthplace of Lord Mahavir, has the potential to send a powerful message of peace to a world struggling with violence and unrest.
He further said that the Jain community should make organized and widespread efforts to establish Bihar as a global land of peace and non-violence and to develop Lord Mahavir’s birthplace into a grand international pilgrimage center. He called for collective initiatives in this direction. On this occasion, several Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, saints, scholars, social workers, and representatives of various organizations were present.
During the program, speakers emphasized that Lord Mahavir’s message of non-violence, Anekant (multiplicity of viewpoints), Aparigraha (non-possession), and “Live and Let Live” is extremely relevant in the present global situation. They also appreciated the efforts of Swami Devendra Brahmachari in making Jainism a people’s religion (Jan Dharma).
Rajya Sabha MP and National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Arun Singh, said in his address, “At a time when the world is passing through an era of war, violence, and intolerance, Lord Mahavir’s message of non-violence and Anekant is the greatest solution for humanity. Mahavir’s philosophy can become the foundation of world peace.” Popular Member of Parliament, renowned artist and singer Manoj Tiwari offered musical tributes to Lord Mahavir and said, “Today there is a need for a revolution of non-violence and morality from Bihar that can give a new direction not only to politics but to the entire world.” Bharat Vikas Parishad General Secretary Shri Suresh Jain said in his speech that Lord Mahavir’s message of non-violence, Anekant, and peace is necessary not only for India but for the entire world, and these principles should be made global.
Founder of Mahavirayatan Foundation, Swami Devendra Brahmachari (Guruji), in his inspirational address said that Lord Mahavir’s life is a great example of self-conquest, discipline, and compassion. He said that Mahavir taught the world the path of conquering oneself. Today, humanity has conquered the world through science but has not conquered the mind, which is why unrest and conflicts are increasing. Mahavir’s path is the path of inner peace, balance, and coexistence. He further said that non-violence does not mean only avoiding physical violence, but also bringing compassion and sensitivity into thoughts, speech, and behavior. Founder of Sukhi Parivar Foundation, Gani Rajendra Vijay Ji Maharaj, was also present on this occasion.
During the program, the book “Nirgun Chadariya” written by renowned author, journalist, and columnist Lalit Garg on Swami Devendra Brahmachari was also released. On this occasion, Lalit Garg said, “Swami Devendra Brahmachari is not just a saint, but a thought, a consciousness, and a spiritual journey. ‘Nirgun Chadariya’ is not merely a biography of a person, but a document of self-awareness, spiritual practice, and human values.”
During the event, several distinguished personalities who made remarkable contributions in literature, journalism, education, medicine, social service, and humanitarian work were honored with the “Lok Seva Ratna Samman.” Prominent among the awardees were noted social worker Shri Dharmendra Jain, Shri Chandra Kumar Jajodia, Shri Maniklal Mulchand Shah, Shri Suresh Poonamia, Shri Manoj Jain Ishika, Shri Sohan Giri, and Shri Lalit Garg for excellence in writing and social service.
Overall, Lok-Dharmotsav 2026 was not just a religious event but emerged as a national festival of non-violence, peace, family values, culture, and human values. The event played an important role in taking the message of Lord Mahavir to the younger generation and different sections of society. This event truly became a celebration of thought, values, and a journey of peace, conveying the message that the world cannot achieve peace through weapons, but through ideas, non-violence, and coexistence. The program was compered by the “magician of voice” Anurag Jain. Several cultural programs depicting India’s unity in diversity and the philosophy of Lord Mahavir were also presented.