Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 13: Mahavir Jayanti, the 2613th birth anniversary of the last Tirthankara, was celebrated today with religious fervour and enthusiasm.
An impressive function in this regard was organized by S S Jain Sabha Jammu, here today wherein rich tributes were paid to the last Tirthankara who spread the message of peace and non-violence.
Raman Bhalla, Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture, was chief guest on the occasion while MLA Jammu-East Ashok Khajuria was the guest of honour. Prof Sudhir K Jain, Vice-Chancellor of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, presided over the function.
Sadhvi Preeti Ji Maharaj delivered sermons on the occasion and said that ultimate objective of Mahavir’s teaching is how one can attain the total freedom from the cycle of birth, life, pain, misery, and death, and achieve the permanent blissful state of one’s self. “This is also known as liberation, nirvana, absolute freedom, or Moksha,” she added and asked people to practice non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity and non-possession to make the life peaceful.
While extending warm greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion, Raman Bhalla described Lord Mahavira as an apostle of truth and righteousness. He said that the best way to observe such auspicious occasions is to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, amity, harmony and secular ethos for which Jammu and Kashmir has been known since centuries past.
Ashok Khajuria said that the Jain community has contributed a lot in the socio-economic development of Jammu and by imparting quality education to children in their prestigious schools they have also produced one of the finest human beings who are serving our society in a bigger way.
Prof Sudhir K Jain stressed upon the people to follow noble path shown by Bhagwan Mahavir. He said that the preaching of Lord Mahavira of ahimsa, compassion, harmony and peace in our personal as well as social life was essential for world peace and prosperity. “Lord Mahavir preached that right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct together help in attaining the liberation of one’s self which people must follow,” he said. Raj Kumar Jain, president of the S S Jain Sabha Jammu also addressed the gathering while general secretary of the Sabha, Raman Jain conducted proceedings of the function.
A large number of Jain families besides prominent citizens, including State president of RSS, Brig Suchet Singh and representatives of Aggarwal Sabha, Mahajan Sabha etc attended the function.
On the occasion, the Sabha honoured meritorious students of the community while students of Jain School and youth members of Jain organizations presented various cultural items based on the message of peace, brotherhood, non-violence and safe environment.
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