Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Minister attends Maitri Mahotsav: felicitates achievers, unveils logo of Acharya Vidyasagar Kalyan Seva Sanstha
Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday September 28, 2025 attended the Maitri Mahotsav organised by the Sakal Digambar Jain Samaj in the state capital Raipur. The Guru Sharanam – Maitri Mahotsav – Kshamadan Utsav was held at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium under the auspicious presence of Pujya Aryikaratna 105 Antarmati Mataji Sasangha. MLA Rajesh Munat, office bearers of the Jain community and a large number of dignitaries were present.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Sai offered a Shreephal to Pujya Aryikaratna 105 Antarmati Mataji Sasangha and sought her blessings. He was felicitated with the traditional Jain turban and stole. The Chief Minister also honoured individuals for their outstanding work in various fields and unveiled the logo of Acharya Vidyasagar Kalyan Seva Sanstha.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai said that the Maitri Mahotsav is not just an event but a sacred occasion for inner awakening and purification. He said that the holy land of India has not only been the cradle of civilisation and culture but also a living laboratory of spirituality. “Here, religion is not confined to rituals or worship alone; it is the very art of living,” he remarked.
CM Sai underlined that Lord Mahavir Swami gave the timeless message of “Live and let live.” Referring to the recently observed Kshamadan Parv, he said its essence lies in the principle of ‘Uttam Kshama, Sabse Kshama aur Sabko Kshama’ (supreme forgiveness, forgiveness towards all and by all), which reflects greatness and embodies the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. He stressed that Jainism has beautifully and profoundly articulated this philosophy.
Sai praised the Jain community as a benevolent society and expressed confidence that Chhattisgarh will continue to benefit from its spirit of service.
Highlighting the core values of ahimsa, aparigraha and anekant, Chief Minister Shri Sai said these are the foundations of a harmonious society. “I bow to the revered saints who, through restraint, penance and spiritual practice, have guided society,” he said, while paying homage to Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj and acknowledging the gracious presence of Pujya Aryikaratna 105 Antarmati Mataji Sasangha.
CM Sai described Acharya Vidyasagar Ji’s philosophy as a source of inspiration. “He taught us that true religion lies in renunciation, service and self-restraint. It is the good fortune of Chhattisgarh that Acharya Ji spent many years of his austere spiritual practice here and attained samadhi at Chandragiri Tirth,” he noted.
He further said that the ideals given by Jain Tirthankaras – Ahimsa Parmo Dharma, Anekantavad, Satya and Sanyam – are not only the heritage of the Jain community but also the very soul of the nation.
During the event, President of Sakal Digambar Jain Samaj, Vinod Barjatya, shared details of the Acharya Vidyasagar Kalyan Yojana being implemented by the Sanstha and appealed to members of the community to join the initiative. CII President Sanjay Barjatya also addressed the gathering.
The Chief Minister honoured Manish Jain for his contribution to the construction and preservation of Jain pilgrimage sites, Vijay Godha for his services in Ayurveda, and Sunil Sangolia for his work in social service. He also unveiled the Guru Smriti engraved in silver and the Haiku composed by Acharya Vidyasagar, which too has been inscribed on silver.
The event was attended by several prominent office bearers and members of the Jain community, including Narendra Jain, Yashwant Jain, Ratanlal Barjatya and Sudhir Bakliwal, along with a large number of distinguished citizens.
