New Delhi, Nov 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged spiritual leaders to amplify the
message of AatmaNirbharta (self reliance) as had happened during freedom struggle, and preach the benefits of ‘vocal for local’.
After unveiling ‘Statue of Peace’ in Pali, Rajasthan, via video conferencing to mark the 151st Birth
anniversary celebrations of Jainacharya Shree Vijay Vallabh Surishwer Ji Maharaj, Mr Modi, said the way the country supported the local during Diwali festival, is an ‘energising feeling.’
India has always shown the path of peace, non-violence and friendship to the world, he said and added that the world is looking towards India for similar guidance.
‘If you look at history of India, whenever need arose, some saintly figure emerged to guide the society. Acharya Vijay Vallabh was one such saint,’ Mr Modi said.
Mentioning about the educational institutions established by Jainacharya, the Prime Minister lauded his efforts
to make the country ‘AatmaNirbhar’ in the field of education as he established many institutes imbued with Indian values in states like Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. These institutions had given many industrialists, judges, doctors, and engineers to India, he said.
The Prime Minister the country owed a debt to these institutions for their efforts in the field of women’s education. These institutions kept the flame of women’s education alive in those difficult times. The Jainacharya established many institutions for girl children and brought women into the mainstream.
He said, the life of Acharya Vijay Vallabh ji was full of kindness, compassion and love for every living being. With his blessings, Bird Hospital and many gaushalas are running in the country today. These are not ordinary institutions. These are the embodiment of the spirit of India and the hallmarks of India and Indian values.
The Statue unveiled in honour of the Jain Acharya has been named as the ‘Statue of Peace’. The 151 inch tall statue has been made from Ashtadhatu i.e. 8 metals, with Copper being the major constituent, and is installed at Vijay Vallabh Sadhana Kendra, Jetpura, in Pali, Rajasthan.
Talking about two ‘Vallabhs’, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel and the Jainacharya Shree Vijay Vallabh Surishwer Ji Maharaj, the Prime Minister said he feels blessed by the fact that after dedicating to the nation the world’s tallest statue of Sardar Patel- ‘Statue of Unity’, he unveiled the ‘Statue of Peace’ of the Jainacharya Shri Vijay Vallabh.
