Media Coverage | 12-03-2023
Grand ceremony in Mumbai witnesses mega gathering of dignitaries
Rashtrasant Padmasagar Surishwarji Maharaj on Saturday conferred the title of ‘Acharya’ on Jain Guru Naypadmasagarji Maharaj in a grand ceremony at Mahalaxmi Race Course, Mumbai. Along with Naypadmasagarji Maharaj, Prashantsagarji Maharaj was also conferred with the title of ‘Acharya’ in the same event. Several Sadhus, Sadhvis, and followers of Jain sects from many countries attended the ceremony.
Many dignitaries from politics and administrative services were also present.
Addressing the followers, Acharya Naypadmasagarji Maharaj said today was a very auspicious day. “We now have the responsibility of ensuring the welfare of entire world. We will try to advance in the eyes of God through our selfless work. I am especially happy that Sadhus, Saints, and Sadhvis from all sects of Jainism have come to bless us,” he said.
Yoga guru Baba Ramdev, who was also present, said, “This was a historic ceremony. Acharya Naypadmasagarji Maharaj has united the society and created organisational awareness among them. It is a matter of great pride to honour a sage who has devoted himself to taking society forward.”
National President of Sakal Jain Samaj Vijay Darda said he was glad to attend the ceremony of conferring the title of Acharya on Naypadmasagarji Maharaj. He is a great Acharya who awakened the power of the Jain community by going outside the usual tradition, he added.
The Acharya established Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO) and Jain International Organisation (JIO). He made untiring efforts to empower women through JITO, said Darda and underlined the need for Jain community to give IAS, IPS, IRS officers, and even judges to country. “We should set up special schools for that so that they can work in the system of this country based on Jain principles and teachings,” he opined. Similarly, he observed that lakhs of people can get employment when businesses are launched based on the principles of religion.
Highlights:
Several programmes were held from 9 am onwards. Crowds of people were seen arriving at the Mahalaxmi Race Course from various parts of Mumbai. The presence of people dressed in traditional clothes in very attractive colours and the playing of devotional music enhanced and elevated the atmosphere.
While entering the Race Course, people marched in line in a very disciplined manner to reach the venue. As the red carpet was laid at the venue, everyone who entered felt they had come to an important event. Excellent arrangements were made for drinking water and toilets.
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Many followers came not only from Mumbai and Maharashtra but also from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Devotees from London, New York, and Nigeria also attended the event.
When there was a flood in Kerala, Acharya Naypadmasagarji Maharaj devoted himself to the relief work there. He also helped by collecting crores of rupees for the relief work there.
– Eknath Shinde,
Chief Minister
Acharya is not just a title but a great penance. Acharya Naypadmasagarji Maharaj has done a great deal of public welfare work while doing this penance. He is not only a saint but also a visionary. Besides religion, he also teaches patriotism.
– Devendra Fadnavis,
Deputy Chief Minister
Presence of dignitaries
Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar, Women and Child Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, BJP Mumbai President Ashish Shelar, BJP MP Gopal Shetty, MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar, former Justice Kishore Tated, retired IPS officer P K Jain, Chairman of Cello Group and Founder Chairman of Jito Pradeep Rathore, BJP Treasurer Kirit Bhansali, BJP leaders Raj Purohit, Prithviraj Kothari, Champalal Vardhan and Saurabh Bora among others were present.
Welcome & Cheers…
A grand stage was erected for Acharya Padgrahan ceremony. A ramp was built in front of it. When Naypadmasagarji Maharaj and Prashantsagarji Maharaj came to the dais for Acharya Padgrahan ceremony, they were welcomed with the beating of drums and playing musical instruments. A special choir welcomed them through a variety of musical veneration. Thousands of people attending the ceremony welcomed both of them by hoisting flags.
Naypadmasagarji Maharaj, the founder and promoter of the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO) was conferred the title of Acharya at a grand function in Mumbai. Prominently present on the occasion are Rashtrasant Padmasagar Surishwarji Maharaj, National President of Sakal Jain Samaj and Chairman of the Editorial Board of Lokmat Media Group Vijay Darda, former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar, BJP treasurer Kirit Bhansali and skills, entrepreneurship, tourism, women and child development minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha.
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