Governor lauds contributions of Jain community

DIMAPUR — Nagaland Governor, La. Ganesan, on Sunday lauded the Jain community of Dimapur for their immense contributions towards the socio-economic development of Nagaland in the last 140 years.

The governor stated this while attending the 24th Diksha Mahotsav of Acharya Pramukh Sagarji Maharaj at Mahavir Bhavan in Dimapur on Sunday.

Speaking on the occasion, the governor stated that he was honoured to share the dais with the revered 108 Acharya Shree Pramukh Sagarji Maharaj, who had renounced the world at a young age of 21 years. Ganesan added he would always cherish the memory of Diksha diwas with the maharaj in the commercial hub Dimapur in Nagaland, who have walked on bare feet through numerous cities across the country.

“From the first Lord Rishabhnath to the 24th Lord Mahavira, Jains have been the flag bearers in propagation of ideals and practices that emphasize ahimsa, truth, asceticism and harmonious existence. The impact of Jain Tirthankaras extends beyond religious rituals, significantly influencing Indian culture and philosophy. Their teachings on non-violence inspired other prominent figures such as Mahatma Gandhi. The principles of compassion and non-attachment advocated by these spiritual leaders remain relevant in today’s world, promoting a lifestyle that minimizes harm to living beings and the environment,” the governor said.

He stated that establishment of Jain schools and girls’ colleges, charitable hospital have yielded better lives for the beneficiaries. He added that organising blood donation camps, medical camps, donation of prosthetic limbs, free ration and food distributions in orphanages, free education have been synonymous with the Jain individually as well as organizationally, stated a press release from the Raj Bhavan.

“Global corona pandemic has seen the Jains rising to the occasion befittingly by offering community quarantine centre first, besides COVID-19 vaccination to more than a lakh beneficiaries, it stated.

The governor further stated that the teachings of Lord Mahavira, particularly the principle of ‘Live and let live’ are of paramount importance in the present era as the nations engaged in conflict to adopt a more peaceful stance.

“The urgency underscored by the rapidly advancing doomsday clock highlights the looming threat of a potential nuclear conflict, we earnestly hope that the prayers of every peace loving citizens including the esteemed Jain monks will be answered positively, ensuring the establishment of global peace,” the governor said.

In conclusion, Ganesan greeted everyone on the occasion of the Diksha Diwas and also expressed gratitude to the Pramukh Sagarji Maharaj for his revered presence in Dimapur.