The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated a Seminar on "Solution of Global Challenges through Mahavira Philosophy” today (April 22, 2013) a few days prior to Mahavir Jayanti. The seminar was organized by Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati.
Speaking on the occasion, the President congratulated the Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati for organizing the seminar on a topic of great relevance to contemporary times. He said that at a time when the world is faced with multiple challenges and we are seeking ways and means to overcome them, the philosophy and teachings enunciated by Bhagwan Mahavira hold great significance. He said that the teachings of Bhagwan Mavaira are still very apt and relevant and this is a time to bring his message and teachings to the forefront of our approach in dealing with today’s problems.
The President stated that the universal truth of Bhagwan Mahavira’s philosophy and teaching make them equally applicable to the modern world. He said that the answers to contemporary problems like erosion of environment and natural resources, violence through war and terrorism, religious intolerance, and economic exploitation of poor could be found in Bhagwan Mahavira’s teachings. The President added that the deterioration of environment and depletion of natural resources has engaged the attention of the world today and Bhagwan Mahavira’s doctrines of Shatjivanikay and Ahimsa are a meaningful approach to address this growing crisis. He further stated that Bhagwan Mahavira’s teachings are in consonance with the need to mitigate economic disparity.
Among the other dignitaries present on the occasion was Union Minister for Coal, Shri Sriprakash Jaiswal.
This release issued at 1600 hrs