Will PM Modi Inaugurate the Centenary Celebrations of Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Centenary celebrations for Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj inaugurated by PM Modi.
- Event to feature participation from various dignitaries.
- Year-long programs dedicated to Jain philosophy and ethics.
- Focus on restoring ancient Jain temples across India.
- Promoting education in Jain philosophy and classical languages.
New Delhi, June 27 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to inaugurate the centenary celebrations of Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj in the national capital this Saturday. The inaugural ceremony will take place at Vigyan Bhawan and will feature numerous Members of Parliament (MPs), scholars, spiritual leaders, esteemed Jain Acharyas, youth representatives, and various distinguished dignitaries from across the nation.
This program will kick off a year-long homage to the esteemed Jain spiritual leader and social reformer, organized by the Central Government in partnership with the Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj.
The extensive celebrations will encompass a series of literary, educational, and spiritual initiatives throughout the country, designed to honor his life and legacy while promoting his ideals.
Born on April 22, 1925, in the Belagavi district of Karnataka, Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj authored over 50 works focusing on Jain philosophy and ethics. He was key to the restoration and revival of ancient Jain temples scattered across India.
Numerous ancient Jain temples in areas such as Delhi, Vaishali, Indore, and Shravanabelagola were restored and refurbished during his leadership.
This revered Jain guru was intimately involved with the Shravanabelagola Mahamastakabhishek and the 2600th Janm Kalyanak Mahotsav of Lord Mahavir.
As the founder of various institutions and pathshalas, Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj promoted education for young monks and children, especially in Prakrit, Jain philosophy, and classical languages.
Initiated at a young age, he emerged as one of the most prolific Jain scholars of modern times, mastering over 8,000 Jain Agamic verses. He authored more than 50 works on Jain philosophy and ethics, including Jain Darshan, Anekantvad, and Mokshmarg Darshan.
Throughout his life, Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj adhered to Kayotsarga meditation, brahmacharya, and austerity, traveling barefoot across the nation to disseminate the profound ideals of Jainism.