The Path of Conquering Oneself
This is Bharat that thinks not just for ‘self’ but for ‘all’. This is Bharat that doesn’t feel just ‘own’ but feels ‘universal’. This is Bharat that thinks not of ‘ego’ but ‘we’. This is Bharat that believes not in ‘limits’ but in ‘boundlessness’. This is Bharat that talks of policy, talks of ‘neti’ (not this) and talks of ‘neti’ (not that). This is Bharat that talks about the universe in the atom, talks about the Divine in the universe, talks about Shiva in the soul.
This magnificent building of Bharat Mandapam is witnessing the beginning of the 2550th Nirvana Mahotsav of Lord Mahavir today. We have just seen the depiction prepared by student friends on the life of Lord Mahavir! The young companions also presented the ‘Vartaman Mein Vardhman’ cultural program. This attraction and dedication of the young generation towards our timeless values, towards Lord Mahavir, instils the belief that the country is heading in the right direction. On this historic occasion, I also have the privilege to release special postage stamps and coins. This event has been made possible especially with the guidance and blessings of our Jain saints and sadhvis. And therefore, I bow to all of you.
Friends,
This 2550th Nirvana Mahotsav of Lord Mahavir is a rare occasion of thousands of years. Such occasions, naturally, bring together many special coincidences. This is the time when Bharat is in the early phase of the ‘Amrit Kaal’. The country is working towards making the centenary year of independence into a golden centenary. This year, our Constitution is also nearing 75 years. At the same time, a grand democratic festival is underway in the country.
The nation believes that from here, the new journey of the future will begin. Amidst all these coincidences, today we are all gathered here together. And you must have understood what it means to be present together? My connection with you all is very old. Everybody has his own world.
Brothers and Sisters,
The concept of ‘Amrit Kaal’ for the nation is not just a grand resolution; it is Bharat’s spiritual inspiration that teaches us to live immortality and eternity. Even 2500 years later, we are celebrating the Nirvana Day of Lord Mahavir today. And we know that even thousands of years later, this country will continue to celebrate such festivals connected with Lord Mahavir. The ability to think in centuries and millennia… this visionary and far-reaching thinking… that’s why Bharat is not only the world’s oldest living civilization, but also a secure haven for humanity. This is Bharat that thinks not just for ‘self’ but for ‘all’. This is Bharat that doesn’t feel just ‘own’ but feels ‘universal’. This is Bharat that thinks not of ‘ego’ but ‘we’. This is Bharat that believes not in ‘limits’ but in ‘boundlessness’. This is Bharat that talks of policy, talks of ‘neti’ (not this) and talks of ‘neti’ (not that). This is Bharat that talks about the universe in the atom, talks about the Divine in the universe, talks about Shiva in the soul.
Friends,
In every era, new ideas emerge according to the needs. However, when there is stagnation in ideas, thoughts turn into arguments, and arguments turn into disputes. But when nectar emerges from disputes and we walk with the support of nectar, then we move forward towards rejuvenation. However, if poison emerges from disputes, then we sow the seeds of destruction at every moment.
For the 75 years since independence, we have debated, argued, and held dialogues, and what has emerged from this churn after 75 years, now it is our responsibility to take that nectar, liberate ourselves from poison, and live this era of ‘Amrit Kaal’.
Amidst global conflicts, countries are becoming war-weary. In such times, the teachings of our Tirthankaras have become even more important. They have provided philosophies like Anekantavada and Syadvada to save humanity from arguments and disputes. Anekantavada means understanding multiple aspects of a subject, being open to seeing and accepting others’ perspectives. Such a liberating interpretation of faith is the uniqueness of Bharat, and this is the message of humanity from Bharat.
Friends,
Today, amidst conflicts, the world is looking to Bharat for peace. The credit for this new role of the new Bharat is attributed to our growing capabilities and foreign policy. But I want to tell you that our cultural image has a significant contribution to this. Today, Bharat has got this role because we uphold vows like truth and non-violence on global platforms with full confidence. We tell the world that the solution to global crises and conflicts lies in Bharat’s ancient culture and tradition. Therefore, Bharat is carving out its place as a ‘Vishwa Bandhu’ (friend of world) for the divided world.
For solutions to crises like ‘climate change,’ today Bharat has laid the foundation for global movements like ‘Mission LiFE.’ Today, Bharat has presented the vision of One Earth, One Family, One Future to the world. For clean energy and sustainable development, we have provided a roadmap for One-World, One-Sun, One-Grid. Today, we are leading futuristic global initiatives like the International Solar Alliance. Our efforts have not only instilled hope in the world but have also changed the world’s perspective on Bharat’s ancient culture.
Friends,
The essence of Jainism is the path of victory, meaning the path of conquering oneself. We have never resorted to aggression to conquer other countries. We have achieved victory by reforming ourselves and overcoming our shortcomings. Therefore, some sage, some wise person has appeared in every era to guide us during difficult times. Great civilizations were destroyed, but Bharat found its way.
Brothers and Sisters,
You must remember what kind of atmosphere prevailed in our country just 10 years ago. There was all-round despair and hopelessness! It was believed that nothing could happen to this country! This despair was equally troubling for Indian culture. Therefore, after 2014, along with physical development, we also took a resolution of pride in our heritage. Today, we are celebrating the 2550th Nirvana Mahotsav of Lord Mahavir. In these 10 years, we have celebrated many such significant occasions. Whenever our Jain Acharyas have invited me, I have made an effort to participate in those programs as well. Before entering the new building of Parliament, I remember these values by saying ‘Micchami Dukkadam.’ Similarly, we have started to preserve our heritage. We have talked about yoga and Ayurveda. Today, the new generation of the country believes that our identity is our pride. When the feeling of pride awakens in the nation, it becomes impossible to stop it. The progress of Bharat is evidence of this.
Friends,
For Bharat, modernity is the body, spirituality is its soul. If spirituality is removed from modernity, then it gives birth to lawlessness. And if there is no sacrifice in behaviour, even the greatest of ideologies become distorted. This is the perspective that Lord Mahavir gave us centuries ago. Reviving these values in society is the demand of the time.
Brothers and Sisters,
Our country has also endured the agony of corruption for many decades. We have witnessed the deep suffering of poverty. Today, the nation has reached a point where we have lifted 250 million people out of the quagmire of poverty. You will remember, I said from the Red Fort, and Pujya Maharaj also reiterated – this is the time, the right time. This is the right time for us to strengthen the ideals of ‘Asteya’ and ‘Ahimsa’ in our society. I assure all you saints that the country will continue its efforts in this direction. I also believe that your support in the journey of building the future of Bharat will strengthen the nation’s aspirations and make Bharat ‘Viksit’ (prosperous).
The blessings of Lord Mahavir will ensure the welfare of 1.4 billion citizens and the entire human race… And I respectfully bow to all the revered saints. In a way, pearls were appearing in their speeches. Whether it was about women empowerment, the journey of development, or the great traditions, all the revered saints have presented what is happening in current systems, and what should happen, in a very short time and in a very wonderful manner. I express my heartfelt gratitude to them for this, and I consider each of their words as a blessing. They are my invaluable treasure, and each of their words is an inspiration for the country. This is my conviction. If perhaps it weren’t an election atmosphere, maybe I would have been in a different mood. But I have made every effort to keep those things aside and come here. I might not have brought them, but you have definitely brought them. But for all of this, no matter how hot it gets, don’t wait for the heat to reduce before stepping out of the house. Come out early in the morning, and there is a direct connection with the lotus, with all our saints, mahants, and divine beings.
(Excerpts of PM’s address on 2550th Bhagwan Mahavir Nirvan Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on April 21)
