New Delhi, June 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday was conferred with the title of 'Dharma Chakravarti' at the centenary celebrations of Jain saint Acharya Shri 108 VidyanandJi 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.
Noting that today holds special significance for another reason, Modi recalled that on 28 June 1987, Acharya Shri Vidyanand Ji Muniraj was formally conferred the title of ‘Acharya’.
He emphasised that this was not merely a title, but the beginning of a sacred stream that connected Jain tradition with thought, discipline, and compassion.
The Prime Minister remarked that as the nation celebrates the centenary of Acharya Vidyanand Ji Muniraj, the date serves as a reminder of that historic moment. Paying respects to Acharya Shri Vidyanand Ji Muniraj, Shri Modi wished that may everyone be showered with Acharya’s blessings.
“The centenary celebration of Shri Vidyanand Ji Muniraj is not an ordinary event, it carries the memory of an era and echoes the life of a great ascetic”, remarked the Prime Minister, highlighting that to commemorate this historic occasion, special commemorative coins and postage stamps have been released.
Modi specially acknowledged and saluted Acharya Shri Pragya Sagar Ji, noting that under his guidance, millions of followers are walking the path shown by the revered Guru.
Modi mentioned that on this occasion, he has been conferred the title of 'Dharm Chakravarti' and humbly expressed that the Indian tradition teaches one to accept whatever is received from saints as a blessing. He therefore accepted the title with humility and dedicated it at the feet of Mother India.
Reflecting on the profound emotional connection shared with the divine soul whose words have served as guiding principles throughout life, the Prime Minister noted that speaking about such a revered figure naturally stirs deep emotions.
He expressed that rather than speaking about Shri Vidyanand Ji Muniraj, he wished they could have had the privilege to listen to him once more.
Modi remarked that encapsulating the journey of such a great personality in words is no easy task. He stated that Acharya Vidyanand Ji Muniraj was born on 22 April 1925, on the sacred land of Karnataka, and was given the spiritual name 'Vidyanand'.
He highlighted that Acharya's life was a unique confluence of knowledge and bliss. His speech carried profound wisdom, yet his words were so simple that anyone could understand them.
Mentioning that Acharya Vidyanand Ji authored over 150 texts, undertook thousands of kilometres of barefoot journeys, and connected millions of youths with discipline and cultural values through his tireless efforts, the Prime Minister described Acharya Shri Vidyanand Ji Muniraj as a ‘visionary of the era’.
He expressed his fortune in having the opportunity to personally experience the spiritual aura of the Acharya and receive his guidance and blessings over time. He stated that at this centenary celebration, he could still feel the same affection and closeness from the revered Acharya.
