In June 2025, Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated and addressed the Centenary Celebrations of the revered Jain spiritual leader, Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, Delhi. The event was organized by the Ministry of Culture(MoC) in collaboration New Delhi based Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust, headquartered in New Delhi.
- The occasion also marked the 38th anniversary of Acharya Vidyanand Ji being bestowed the title “Acharya.”
- The centenary year will be observed from June 28, 2025, to April 22, 2026, featuring a diverse range of cultural, literary, educational, and spiritual initiatives across the country. These events aim to honor and celebrate the life, teachings, and enduring legacy of Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj.
Highlights of the Event:
i.During the event, PM Narendra Modi was honoured with the title of “Dharma Chakravarti”, by the Jain community in recognition of his commitment to Indian culture, spiritual values, and service to humanity.
- The title symbolizes a righteous ruler and upholder of righteousness.
ii.As part of the celebration, PM Narendra Modi also launched a biographical volume, detailing Acharya Vidyanand’s renunciatory path, literary works, institutional efforts, and role as a reformer.
iii.He also participated in an exhibition titled “Life and Legacy of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj,” which featured paintings and murals depicting the leader’s life and contributions.
PM Narendra Modi Unveils Commemorative Stamp and Coin:
i.PM Narendra Modi along with Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Ministry of Culture(MoC) and Ministry of Tourism(MoT) , released a commemorative postage stamp and Rs.100 commemorative coin on the birth anniversary of Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj.
ii.The stamp features his portrait, spiritual symbols and Jain iconography symbolizing his dedication to non-violence and knowledge. The special postage stamp was issued by the Department of Posts (DoP), MoC.
iii.The coin was released by the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GOI, to honour his birth centenary. It is crafted from 99.9% pure silver and weighs 40 grams. It has a diameter of 44 millimetre (mm) and features an edge with 200 serrations.
- The front side of the coin shows the Lion Capital of Ashoka with the words “सत्यमेव जयते” below it. Around the edge, it has “भारत” in Hindi and “INDIA” in English, along with the ₹ symbol and the number “100.”
- The back side features a picture of Acharya Shri Vidyanand Ji Maharaj, with the years “1925” and “2025” on either side. It also has the text “आचार्य श्री विद्यानन्द जी महाराज की जन्म शताब्दी” in Hindi and “BIRTH CENTENARY OF ACHARYA SHRI VIDYANAND JI MAHARAJ” in English.
About Acharya Shri Vidyanand Ji Maharaj:
i.He was born on April 22, 1925, in Belagavi, Karnataka. He was one of the most revered Digambar Jain Acharyas.
ii.He dedicated his life to the propagation of Jain philosophy, revival of ancient texts, and promotion of ethical living based on non-violence, truth, and penance.
- In 1975, during the 2500th Nivana Mahotsav of Bhagwan Mahavir, Acharya Vidyanand played a historic role in designing and introducing the Jain Flag and Emblem.
iii.On June 28, 1987, he was formally conferred the title of ‘Acharya’, the highest spiritual rank in the Digambar Jain tradition.
iv.He authored more than 50 books on Jain philosophy and ethics, including Jain Darshan, Anekantvad, and Mokshmarg Darshan.
v.Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj passed away on September 18, 2023, at the age of 98.
About the Ministry of Culture (MoC):
Union Minister – Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Constituency – Jodhpur, Rajasthan)
Minister of State (MoS) – Rao Inderjit Singh (Constituency – Gurugram, Haryana)
