New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the global institutions are now looking towards India because of its progress, which opens pathways for others.
Inaugurating the Navkar Mahamantra Divas at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, he underscored that the world’s trust in India is deepening, with India’s efforts and results becoming a source of inspiration.
He connected this to the Jain philosophy of “Parasparopagraho Jivanam,” emphasizing that life thrives on mutual cooperation. PM Modi noted that this perspective has raised global expectations from India, and the nation has intensified its efforts.
The Prime Minister remarked that in today’s world of information, knowledge is abundant, but without wisdom, it lacks depth. He emphasized that Jainism teaches the balance of knowledge and wisdom to find the right path.
He highlighted the importance of this balance for the youth, saying where technology must be complemented by human touch, and skills must be accompanied by the soul.
Modi stated, “The Navkar Mahamantra can serve as a source of wisdom and direction for the new generation.”
Addressing the pressing issue of climate change, he identified sustainable lifestyles as the solution and highlighted India’s launch of Mission LiFE.
He remarked that the Jain community has been living the principles of simplicity, restraint, and sustainability for centuries. Referring to the Jain principle of Aparigraha, he emphasized the need to spread these values widely.
The Prime Minister urged everyone, regardless of their location, to become flag bearers of Mission LiFE. During the event, the Prime Minister unveiled “nine resolutions” and asked the gathering to take these gatherings aimed to promote sustainability for a healthy nation.
The first resolution being ‘Water Conservation’, he recalled the words of Buddhi Sagar Maharaj Ji, who predicted 100 years ago that water would be sold in shops. The PM emphasized the need to value and save every drop of water.
The second resolution is to ‘plant a tree in Mother’s Name’ and highlighted the planting of over 100 crore trees in recent months and urged everyone to plant a tree in their mother’s name and nurture it like her blessings.
Modi mentioned ‘cleanliness mission’ as the third resolution. ‘Vocal for Local’ being the fourth resolution, he encouraged the promotion of locally made products, turning them global, and supporting items that carry the essence of Indian soil and the sweat of Indian workers.
The fifth resolution is to ‘explore India’ and he urged people to explore India’s diverse states, cultures, and regions before traveling abroad, emphasizing the uniqueness and value of every corner of the country.
‘Adopting Natural Farming’ being the sixth resolution, the Prime Minister referred to the Jain principle of One living being should not harm another and called for freeing Mother Earth from chemicals, supporting farmers, and promoting natural farming.
He also proposed ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ as the seventh resolution and advocated for a return to Indian dietary traditions, including millets (Shri Anna), reducing oil consumption by 10%, and maintaining health through moderation and restraint.
He proposed ‘Incorporating Yoga and Sports’ as the eighth resolution and emphasized making yoga and sports a part of daily life, whether at home, work, school, or parks, to ensure physical health and mental peace.
Highlighting the importance of assisting the underprivileged, whether by holding a hand or filling a plate, as the true essence of service, he proposed ‘Helping the Poor’ as the ninth and final resolution.
He emphasised that these resolutions align with the principles of Jainism and the vision of a sustainable and harmonious future.
“These nine resolutions will infuse new energy into individuals and provide a fresh direction to the younger generation. Their implementation will foster peace, harmony, and compassion within society,” he added.
