Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the centenary celebrations of the revered Jain spiritual leader Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Saturday. This event marked the beginning of a year-long nationwide tribute to the Acharya, jointly organized by the Union Ministry of Culture and the Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust, Delhi. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Rashtrasant Paramparacharya Shri 108 Pragyasagar Ji Muniraj also attended the ceremony. During the programme, PM Modi and the Union Minister visited an exhibition titled “Life and Legacy of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj”, which displayed paintings and murals illustrating key moments from the Acharya’s life. The Prime Minister also presented gifts to the spiritual leader and exchanged a few words with him.

According to the Ministry of Culture, the centenary year will be observed from June 28, 2025, to April 22, 2026, and will include a wide range of cultural, literary, spiritual, and educational initiatives across the country to honour the Acharya’s contributions. Acharya Vidyanand Ji was born on April 22, 1925, in Shedbal, Belagavi (Karnataka). Initiated at a young age, he emerged as one of the most prominent Jain scholars of contemporary times, memorizing over 8,000 Jain Agamic verses and authoring more than 50 significant works on Jain philosophy and ethics, such as Jain Darshan, Anekantvad, and Mokshmarg Darshan. He journeyed barefoot across India for decades, strictly observing practices like Kayotsarga meditation, celibacy, and extreme austerity.

In 1975, during the 2500th Nirvana Mahotsav of Bhagwan Mahavir, Acharya Vidyanand Ji played a key role in designing the official Jain Flag and Emblem, which were unanimously accepted by all major Jain sects. The five-colour flag and the hand-inscribed Ahimsa symbol have since become universal symbols of Jain unity. He was instrumental in restoring ancient Jain temples in locations such as Delhi, Vaishali, Indore, and Shravanabelagola. He was deeply involved in major events like the Shravanabelagola Mahamastakabhishek and the 2600th Janm Kalyanak Mahotsav of Lord Mahavir. Additionally, he identified Kundgram (now Basokund) in Bihar as the birthplace of Lord Mahavir, a claim officially recognized by the Indian government in 1956.

As the founder of several institutions and pathshalas, Acharya Vidyanand Ji actively promoted education among young monks and children, particularly in Prakrit, Jain philosophy, and classical languages. He also advocated for inter-sect harmony, forgiveness rituals, and spiritual inclusivity through continued dialogue. The centenary celebrations will feature participation from prominent Jain Acharyas, spiritual leaders, Members of Parliament, constitutional authorities, scholars, youth leaders, and other distinguished guests. Over the year, numerous events will be held across India to engage communities, involve the youth, promote interfaith dialogue, revive temple traditions, and raise awareness about Jain heritage—ensuring Acharya Vidyanand Ji’s teachings resonate with future generations.