Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that a grand memorial will be established in Bhopal in honour of Sant Shiromani Acharya Shri 108 Vidyasagar Ji Mahamuniraj. Addressing the devoted disciples gathered for Guru Vandana at the Guru Gunanuwad Sabha, organized in the Vidhan Sabha premises on the first Samadhi Smriti Divas of Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav extended his heartfelt greetings on behalf of the state government. He emphasized that Acharya Vidyasagar Ji meticulously followed all the essential rules of saintly life. Through his deep connection with nature, his austere lifestyle, selfless service to humanity, and invaluable guidance to society, he was revered as a deity during his lifetime. His personality transcended words like penance, restraint, sacrifice, service, and dedication.
Bhopal MP Alok Sharma, Mayor Smt. Malti Rai, MLA Bhagwandas Sabnani, Chief Secretary Anurag Jain, Assembly Principal Secretary A.P. Singh, public representative Rahul Kothari, senior officials of the Jain community, and a large number of community members were present for the programme.
Chief Minister Yadav was honoured by the organizers of the programme, the Digambar Jain Panchayat Committee Trust, with a crown and a memento. He was also presented with a shawl. Dr. Yadav lit a ceremonial lamp before the portrait of Sant Shiromani Shri 108 Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj and received the blessings of Munishri 108 Praman Sagar Ji Maharaj by washing his feet. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also released 25 books dedicated to the life and contributions of Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav expressed his profound gratitude for having had the opportunity to be in the presence of Sant-Shri in Nemawar. He described Sant-Shri's divine personality as akin to experiencing the darshan of God in person-a true blessing of life. Reflecting on Jain and Sanatan philosophy, Dr. Yadav highlighted the concept of transmigration, where the soul transitions from one body to another, much like changing clothes. From this perspective, he emphasized that it is futile to believe Maharaj Ji is no longer among us. Instead, simply remembering him and making a momentary effort to see him with the eyes of the mind brings forth an effortless sense of Acharya Shri Vidyasagar Ji's presence. Dr. Yadav further noted that due to the profound impact of Sant-Shri's conduct, personality, and teachings, people felt a deep connection with him. Such was the reverence and affection towards him in the state that no one realized he originally hailed from Karnataka.
Yadav said that Acharya Shri Vidyasagar Ji gave direction to society in many areas of life with his willpower. He paved the way for employing women for swarozgar in society and even in jail. He also took care of Gaumata and encouraged activities to change people's nature and their lives. Similarly, his initiative towards increasing the income of farmers is exemplary. Acharya Shri, with his thoughts, feelings and deeds, inspired the society to flourish like nature and God.
Yadav said that Sant-Shri believed education and healthcare should be accessible to all. He emphasized the richness of languages, asserting that understanding linguistic diversity enhances India's internal strength and that linguistic richness is essential for knowledge. The state is making continuous efforts to improve education, including the establishment of 55 colleges of excellence.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has highlighted that the cultural roots of Indian democracy form the foundation of the New Education Policy. As a result, various aspects of India's knowledge traditions, including Jain philosophy, have been incorporated into the policy. Additionally, the state government has taken steps to regulate public order, including closing open meat shops and addressing noise pollution.
