**Executive Summary**
On March 21, 2026, Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan presided over a ceremony at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai, to felicitate the organizers, donors, and families associated with a historic Jain Diksha Ceremony. The event highlighted the societal value of renunciation and service, emphasizing how Jain principles address contemporary global challenges. The Vice-President also reviewed historical Jain scriptures and artifacts, reaffirming the religion's deep cultural roots in India.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Core Values and Global Relevance**
* Jainism promotes the values of non-violence (*Ahimsa*), non-possession (*Aparigraha*), and tolerance/multiplicity of viewpoints (*Anekantavada*).
* These principles are presented as solutions to modern global issues, including social divisions, conflict, and environmental degradation.
* The Vice-President emphasized that mindful consumption and simple living are essential for a sustainable and harmonious future.
**Historical and Cultural Contributions**
* The Vice-President noted the deep historical connection between Jainism and Tamil Nadu, specifically during the Sangam and post-Sangam periods.
* Jain scholars and monks significantly influenced Tamil literature, contributing to classical works such as the *Silappathikaram*.
* The ceremony celebrated India's role as the birthplace of various religions that promote ethical and philosophical ideals.
**Recognition of Spiritual Commitment**
* The act of families supporting members in taking the path of *Diksha* was recognized as an act of great faith that strengthens the moral fabric of society.
* The Vice-President visited a gallery featuring *Ashta Dravya* (Puja Samagris), *Agamas* (Holy scriptures), and the *Holy Abhushan* of Lord Mahavira.
**Distinguished Participation**
* The event was attended by high-level officials, including the Governor of Maharashtra, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, and the Minister for Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation.
**Impact Analysis**
**Organisers, Donors, and Families**
**Impact**
These individuals received formal recognition and appreciation from the Vice-President for their role in facilitating the *Diksha* ceremony and upholding spiritual traditions.
**Action Required**
They are encouraged to continue their efforts for the betterment of society and serve as an inspiration for future generations.
**General Society**
**Impact**
The document positions Jain values as a practical guide for all citizens, regardless of whether they choose a path of total renunciation.
**Action Required**
Individuals are encouraged to adopt kindness, ethical living, and respect for all living beings in their daily lives to contribute to societal strength.
**Government and Cultural Stakeholders**
**Impact**
The presence of state leadership underscores the government's recognition of Jainism’s historical and literary contributions to Indian heritage.
**Action Required**
Officials and community leaders are expected to continue supporting the preservation of cultural artifacts and foundational texts like the *Agam Sutras*.
Key Entities Referenced
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan: Vice-President of India who felicitated the organizers, donors, and families associated with the historic Jain Diksha Ceremony.
Jain Diksha Ceremony: A historic religious event in Mumbai centered on the spirit of renunciation and service, recognized for its cultural and spiritual significance.
Lok Bhavan, Mumbai: The venue where the Vice-President addressed the gathering and emphasized the values and philosophical ideals of Jainism.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice-President Felicitates Organisers and Donors
of Historic Jain Diksha Ceremony at Lok Bhavan,
Mumbai
Spirit of Renunciation and Service is an Inspiration for
Society: Vice-President
Posted On: 21 MAR 2026 8:10PM by PIB Delhi
The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today felicitated the organisers, donors and
families associated with the historic Jain Diksha Ceremony held recently in Mumbai, and said that the
spirit of renunciation and service reflected in the Diksha ceremony is an inspiration for the entire society.
Addressing the gathering at Lok Bhavan, the Vice-President said that Jainism has always stood for service
to society and the values of non-violence, non-possession and tolerance, which are deeply relevant in
today’s world. He noted that while most people live amidst worldly responsibilities, the renunciation
undertaken by those who took Diksha inspires society to reflect, simplify life and adopt mindful living.
The Vice-President highlighted that Bharat is the birthplace of many religions, including Jainism, and
noted the deep historical connection between Tamil Nadu and Jainism. He recalled the significant
contributions of Jain scholars and monks to Tamil literature and culture during the Sangam and post-
Sangam periods, mentioning classical works such as Silappathikaram and other literary contributions that
reflect the philosophical and ethical ideals of Jainism.
Emphasising the universal relevance of Jain philosophy, the Vice-President said that the principles of
Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-possession), and Anekantavada (tolerance and multiplicity of
viewpoints) offer solutions to many contemporary global challenges, including conflict, environmental
degradation and social divisions. He said that the idea of living simply, consuming mindfully and
practicing compassion is not just spiritual wisdom but also a guide for a sustainable and harmonious
future.
The Vice-President said that while not everyone may renounce the world, everyone can adopt these values
in daily life through kindness, ethical living and respect for all living beings. He added that offering one’s
family members to such a noble spiritual path is an act of great faith and strength, and such acts contribute
to the moral and spiritual strength of society.
The Vice-President congratulated the organisers, donors and families associated with the grand Diksha
ceremony and expressed confidence that their efforts for the betterment of society would inspire future
generations.The Vice President also visited the Gallery and the display of Jain Puja Samagris known as Ashta Dravya,
Jain Holy scriptures collectively known as Agamas or Agam Sutras, foundational texts containing
teachings of Lord Mahavira and Holy Abhushan of Lord Mahavira.
The programme was attended by the Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Jishnu Dev Varma; the Chief Minister
of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis; the Minister for Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship &
Innovation, Government of Maharashtra, Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha; trustees, donors, members of the
Jain community, and other distinguished guests.
****
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