PM Modi Attends Centenary Celebrations of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj in New Delhi
New Delhi, June 29, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the centenary celebrations of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj, a respected Jain spiritual leader, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Saturday. This event marks the beginning of a year-long national tribute to the Acharya, which is jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture and the Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust.
The celebration featured an exhibition titled “Life and Legacy of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj,” showcasing paintings and murals that chronicled the spiritual leader’s impactful journey. PM Modi, accompanied by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Rashtrasant Paramparacharya Shri 108 Pragyasagar Ji Muniraj, also had a brief interaction with the Acharya and presented gifts in reverence.
The centenary year will be observed from June 28, 2025, to April 22, 2026, and will include a nationwide series of cultural, educational, and spiritual events aimed at sharing the Acharya’s timeless teachings with future generations.
Born in Shedbal, Karnataka, on April 22, 1925, Acharya Vidyanand Ji memorized over 8,000 Jain Agamic verses and authored more than 50 scholarly works, including “Jain Darshan,” “Anekantvad,” and “Mokshmarg Darshan.” His contributions span areas such as inter-sect harmony, temple restoration, spiritual egalitarianism, and education. In 1975, he played a pivotal role in creating the official Jain Flag and Emblem, symbolizing unity among all Jain traditions.
He also identified Basokund in Bihar as the birthplace of Bhagwan Mahavir, a claim that was later officially recognized by the Government of India in 1956.
Acharya Vidyanand Ji’s legacy is deeply rooted in Kayotsarga meditation, Brahmacharya, and austerity. He traveled barefoot for decades across various Indian states, promoting Ahimsa, education, and Jain values. His influence continues through the pathshalas and institutions he founded to educate young monks and children in Prakrit and classical Jain philosophy.
The centenary celebrations will involve interfaith dialogue, youth engagement, temple outreach, and awareness campaigns across India to carry forward his enduring message of peace, knowledge, and non-violence.
