<p>Hubballi: Stating that India’s 5,000-year-old culture has not just survived but thrived through its embrace of plurality and inclusivity, Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar said India’s tradition of ‘Sarvadharma Samabhava’ demonstrates how diverse beliefs enrich rather than divide humanity, while this is also a message to the global fraternity to find solutions for transgressions. </p><p>Dhankhar was speaking after inaugurating the 405 feet tall ‘Sumeru Parvata’ Jain temple complex at Navagraha Teerthakshetra at Varur near Hubballi on Thursday, as part of Panchakalyanaka Pratishta Mahotsav and Mahamastakabhisheka.</p><p>“Ancient doctrine of ‘Anekantvad’ of multiple view points provides a framework for global diplomacy in today’s complex world. It encapsulates a sense of expression and dialogue. Much of the problems of humanity emanates because expression is compromised and dialogue is negated. Dialogue gives you the other perspective. We should not be arrogant to subscribe to a viewpoint. We must lend our ears to the wiser counsel by engaging in dialogue,” he said.</p><p>“In India, we don’t celebrate diversity, but we sanctify it, we live with it, and we disseminate it,” he added.</p><p>Observing that true development must balance material progress and spiritual growth, the vice president stated that those who are engaged in reckless pursuit of materialism realise too late the importance of spiritual aspect which is quintessential to human satisfaction.</p><p>Coexistence of ‘dharma’ and ‘vikas’ offers the humanity a path to global peace through timeless wisdom, he said, tradition should also be preserved while embracing progress.</p><p>Stressing the importance of maintaining highest ethical standards, he said, any dilution in that will deprive one of peace, while no temptation or allurement irrespective of the size is a justifiable ground to deviate from ethical path.</p><p><strong>Spiritual strength</strong></p><p>“Our temples form a network of spiritual power which is much beyond nuclear power. It has a transformative power to bring about positive change of dimensions that have unthinkable proportions. We have preserved and nurtured it inspite of assaults and foreign invasions. Our Bharat is a global spiritual centre, attracting people in search of peace and solace from all over the world,” Dhakhar said.</p><p>Mutts and temples are not just places of worship, but they are living institutions of social change, adapting ancient wisdom to address contemporary challenges, he noted.</p><p>In an era of environmental crisis, Jain principle of Ahimsa ‘Ahimsa’ towards all living beings and mindful resource utilisation offer solutions for sustainable development towards Viksit Bharat in 2047. We cannot be reckless or over consumptive about natural resources only because we can afford, but that should be optimal and frugal, he said.</p><p>Dhankhar said, adding that ‘Ahimsa’ towards all living beings and mindful resource utilisation offer solutions for sustainable development towards Viksit Bharat in 2047.</p><p>Highlighting the principles of Ahmisa, Aparigrah and Anekanthvad, he said they define sublimity of civilisation, and they offer solutions to global challenges, violence, over consumption and ideological polarisation. </p><p>He also said, three ethical tenets of Jainism - right faith, right knowledge and right conduct - are more relevant today.</p><p><strong>‘Need to stop misguided souls’</strong></p><p>Observing that the rich culture, sublimity and essence of civilisations in India are under challenge emanating out of evil design by forces that are inimical to the country, Dhankhar stated that such ‘misguided souls’ cannot be allowed to set afloat narratives that are anti-national and aimed at destroying harmony and fabric of our constitutional institutions.</p><p>“Challenge for our rich culture is orchestrated through invidious narratives by forces that are inimical to our country. It is our bounden duty to do all we can to preserve the sanctity of our culture and the wealth of knowledge. We must enlighten these misguided souls and try to make them wiser. If they still persist with their evil designs and invidious strategy, we must take steps to neutralise them. Our Dharm teaches this,” he said.</p><p>Jagdeep Dhankhars’ wife Sudesh Dhankhar, Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Dharmasthala Dharmadhkari D Veerendra Heggade and others were present. Kunthusagar Maharaj, Gunadharanandi Maharaj, and other Jain saints graced the occasion.</p>
<p>Hubballi: Stating that India’s 5,000-year-old culture has not just survived but thrived through its embrace of plurality and inclusivity, Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar said India’s tradition of ‘Sarvadharma Samabhava’ demonstrates how diverse beliefs enrich rather than divide humanity, while this is also a message to the global fraternity to find solutions for transgressions. </p><p>Dhankhar was speaking after inaugurating the 405 feet tall ‘Sumeru Parvata’ Jain temple complex at Navagraha Teerthakshetra at Varur near Hubballi on Thursday, as part of Panchakalyanaka Pratishta Mahotsav and Mahamastakabhisheka.</p><p>“Ancient doctrine of ‘Anekantvad’ of multiple view points provides a framework for global diplomacy in today’s complex world. It encapsulates a sense of expression and dialogue. Much of the problems of humanity emanates because expression is compromised and dialogue is negated. Dialogue gives you the other perspective. We should not be arrogant to subscribe to a viewpoint. We must lend our ears to the wiser counsel by engaging in dialogue,” he said.</p><p>“In India, we don’t celebrate diversity, but we sanctify it, we live with it, and we disseminate it,” he added.</p><p>Observing that true development must balance material progress and spiritual growth, the vice president stated that those who are engaged in reckless pursuit of materialism realise too late the importance of spiritual aspect which is quintessential to human satisfaction.</p><p>Coexistence of ‘dharma’ and ‘vikas’ offers the humanity a path to global peace through timeless wisdom, he said, tradition should also be preserved while embracing progress.</p><p>Stressing the importance of maintaining highest ethical standards, he said, any dilution in that will deprive one of peace, while no temptation or allurement irrespective of the size is a justifiable ground to deviate from ethical path.</p><p><strong>Spiritual strength</strong></p><p>“Our temples form a network of spiritual power which is much beyond nuclear power. It has a transformative power to bring about positive change of dimensions that have unthinkable proportions. We have preserved and nurtured it inspite of assaults and foreign invasions. Our Bharat is a global spiritual centre, attracting people in search of peace and solace from all over the world,” Dhakhar said.</p><p>Mutts and temples are not just places of worship, but they are living institutions of social change, adapting ancient wisdom to address contemporary challenges, he noted.</p><p>In an era of environmental crisis, Jain principle of Ahimsa ‘Ahimsa’ towards all living beings and mindful resource utilisation offer solutions for sustainable development towards Viksit Bharat in 2047. We cannot be reckless or over consumptive about natural resources only because we can afford, but that should be optimal and frugal, he said.</p><p>Dhankhar said, adding that ‘Ahimsa’ towards all living beings and mindful resource utilisation offer solutions for sustainable development towards Viksit Bharat in 2047.</p><p>Highlighting the principles of Ahmisa, Aparigrah and Anekanthvad, he said they define sublimity of civilisation, and they offer solutions to global challenges, violence, over consumption and ideological polarisation. </p><p>He also said, three ethical tenets of Jainism - right faith, right knowledge and right conduct - are more relevant today.</p><p><strong>‘Need to stop misguided souls’</strong></p><p>Observing that the rich culture, sublimity and essence of civilisations in India are under challenge emanating out of evil design by forces that are inimical to the country, Dhankhar stated that such ‘misguided souls’ cannot be allowed to set afloat narratives that are anti-national and aimed at destroying harmony and fabric of our constitutional institutions.</p><p>“Challenge for our rich culture is orchestrated through invidious narratives by forces that are inimical to our country. It is our bounden duty to do all we can to preserve the sanctity of our culture and the wealth of knowledge. We must enlighten these misguided souls and try to make them wiser. If they still persist with their evil designs and invidious strategy, we must take steps to neutralise them. Our Dharm teaches this,” he said.</p><p>Jagdeep Dhankhars’ wife Sudesh Dhankhar, Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Dharmasthala Dharmadhkari D Veerendra Heggade and others were present. Kunthusagar Maharaj, Gunadharanandi Maharaj, and other Jain saints graced the occasion.</p>
