Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that love and mercy towards all living beings was the teaching of Jain religion. One who won self was a Jain in real terms.
Chouhan was addressing Kashmavani Parv function at his residence here on Friday. The festival of Sakal Jain Samaj was a part of festivals of all religions being celebrated at Chief Minister's residence. Water Resources and Finance Minister Jayant Malaiya, former chief minister Sundarlal Patwa, former chief minister Kailash Joshi and MP Prabhat Jha were also present on the occasion.
He said that Kshamavani was a unique festival. It taught to shun egoism and sought forgiveness. Winning oneself was the most difficult task in the world. One could win self only after abandoning evils like egoism, hate and discrimination.
He further said that society had to be built in such a way that all were equal and lived harmoniously. Fulfilling materialistic needs was necessary but happiness could not be attained only through wealth.
Real happiness was witnessed only when materialism was combined with spiritualism, he added.
live and let live was the best mantra. State Government had made constant efforts to ensure welfare of all. Samanya Nirdhan Varg Ayog had been constituted to assist poor students of weaker sections. Acharya Vidyasagar Gau-Savardhan Yojana had been implemented through this commission, said Chouhand, adding that society should adopt Beti Bachao Abhiyan as a movement and change mindset towards girls.
Former Chief Minister and Member of Parliament Kailash Joshi said that message of lord Mahavir had been adopted in several countries. Jain religion stressed on importance of forgiveness. life became successful by following path of righteousness.
At the programme, Mangalacharan was presented by Sudha Malaiya. Representatives of various religions, State Planning Commission Chairman Babulal Jain, Fair and Pilgrimage Development Authority Chairman Meghraj Jain, Civil Supplies Corporation Chairman Ramesh Sharma, Chief Minister's wife Sadhna Singh, MlAs Jitendra Daga, Shailendra Jain, former Minister Himmat Kothari, Sudha Jain, Alok Sharma and large number of followers of Jainism were present on the occasion. Vijesh lunawat delivered the welcome address. The programme was conducted by Nitin Nandgaonkar.