The 2600 birth anniversary of Jain religious preacher, Vardhaman Mahavir, was celebrated across the country on Thursday with speakers at various functions calling for establishment of a social order based on human values. Exhibitions depicting various beliefs and tenets of ‘Jainism’ highlighting principles of non-violence were also organised to mark the occasion.
Maharashtra chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh inaugurated the Sion flyover bridge named as ‘Bhagwan Mahavir flyover’ in Mumbai.
A beautiful rangoli depicting various events in the life of Mahavir was made at an exhibition organised at August Kranti Maidan in south Mumbai.
President K R Narayanan, vice president Krishan Kant and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee have greeted the people, particularly the Jain community, on the occasion.
“May the noble teachings of Lord Mahavir inspire us to work for peace and non-violence and harmony among our people,” Narayanan said in a message.
“May the cardinal principles of Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya (non-stealing) and Aparigraha (non-possession) as preached by the great tirthankar continue to guide us towards leading a virtuous life based on right conduct,” Vajpayee said.

Speakers at several functions asked people to follow Mahavir's teachings who, by his example of self-renunciation and sacrifice, showed mankind a way of life based on values of truth, charity, non-violence, compassion and love.
Bureau Report