Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the centenary celebrations of revered Jain spiritual leader Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj at Vigyan Bhawan, marking the beginning of a year-long tribute to the Acharya’s legacy.
Organised jointly by the Union Ministry of Culture and the Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust, the centenary year will span from June 28, 2025, to April 22, 2026. The launch event was also attended by Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Rashtrasant Paramparacharya Shri 108 Pragyasagar Ji Muniraj.
During the event, PM Modi visited an exhibition titled “Life and Legacy of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj”, featuring paintings and murals that illustrated the Acharya’s spiritual journey. The Prime Minister also interacted briefly with the spiritual leader and presented him with commemorative gifts.
Born on April 22, 1925, in Shedbal, Belagavi (Karnataka), Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj emerged as a towering figure in Jain scholarship. He memorised over 8,000 Agamic verses and authored more than 50 texts on Jain philosophy and ethics, including seminal works such as Jain Darshan, Anekantvad, and Mokshmarg Darshan. Known for his austere lifestyle and barefoot pilgrimages across India, the Acharya adhered rigorously to Jain spiritual practices like Kayotsarga meditation and brahmacharya.
In 1975, during the 2500th Nirvana Mahotsav of Bhagwan Mahavir, he played a pivotal role in creating the official Jain Flag and Emblem—an initiative that garnered unanimous support from all major Jain sects and continues to serve as a symbol of unity in the Jain community.
Acharya Vidyanand Ji has been instrumental in restoring several ancient Jain temples in Delhi, Vaishali, Indore, and Shravanabelagola. He also identified Kundgram (modern-day Basokund in Bihar) as the birthplace of Bhagwan Mahavir, a claim later recognised by the Government of India in 1956.
As an education reformer, he founded multiple institutions and pathshalas to promote classical Jain studies among young monks and students. His efforts also extended to inter-sect harmony, spiritual egalitarianism, and the revival of Jain forgiveness rituals.
The centenary year will include nationwide programmes promoting youth engagement, interfaith dialogue, Jain heritage awareness, and community service, ensuring that Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj’s teachings and values resonate with future generations.
The event witnessed participation from spiritual leaders, Members of Parliament, constitutional authorities, youth representatives, and other dignitaries from across the country.
