“Acharya Ji’s teachings are like a beacon of light, inspiring us to walk on the righteous path,” said Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai.
Raipur / Jain Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj taught us that our culture is our identity. If we lose our culture, we lose our identity in the world. Acharya Ji rose above narrow-mindedness such as communalism, linguistic chauvinism, and casteism, giving a message of humanity and universal brotherhood to all of us. Union Home Minister Shri Shah said this while addressing the bhoomi pujan (groundbreaking ceremony) and tribute ceremony of Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj’s samadhi (memorial) at Chandragiri Tirth in Dongargarh today. The program was presided over by Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai.
The Union Home Minister said that Jain Acharyas and monks have worked to unite the entire country. Jain saints and monks, travelling on foot from Hastinapur in Uttar Pradesh to Shravanabelgola in Karnataka and from Rajgir in Bihar to Girnar in Gujarat, spread the light of knowledge, inspiring people to walk on the righteous path through renunciation and penance. He said that Acharya Vidyasagar Ji lived life like a Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree). His penance and renunciation inspired countrymen every moment. He said that today, everyone here has collectively decided to build a grand samadhi for Acharya Ji, and everyone deserves congratulations for this.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that although revered Acharya Shri Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj is no longer physically present amongst us, his teachings will continue to inspire us to walk on the righteous path for ages to come, like a lighthouse. Acharya Ji travelled miles on foot for the protection of dharma (righteousness) and the strengthening of the nation. He maintained such restraint in his diet and conduct that we are all amazed just thinking about it. Acharya Ji inspired millions of people with his life. He was a national saint, and he had a deep love for Swadeshi (indigenous goods). He always said that we should never abandon our cultural roots. Chief Minister Shri Sai paid respects to revered Samata Sagar Ji Maharaj and all the Jain monks who came from across the country, saying that it is his wish that Chhattisgarh continues to receive the blessings of the saints.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Finance Minister Shri O.P. Choudhary, Lok Sabha Member Shri Santosh Pandey, Dongargarh MLA Smt. Harshita Swami Baghel, Shri Ashok Patni of the Jain community, festival president Shri Vinod Barjatya, Shri Kant Prabhat Jain, Vinod Jain, Manish Jain and other public representatives along with other dignitaries of the society were present.