PM Modi inaugurates Samrat Samprati Museum, highlights Jain values for India’s future

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the Samrat Samprati Museum in Gandhinagar, describing it as a crucial bridge between India’s ancient spiritual heritage and its future ambitions, while stressing the global relevance of Jain principles in uncertain times.

Addressing a gathering on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti at the Jain pilgrimage site in Koba, Modi said the museum was “not merely a collection of artefacts, but a sacred centre of Jain philosophy, Indian culture, and our ancient heritage.”

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He noted that such institutions play a vital role in preserving centuries-old wisdom while presenting it in a modern format for younger generations.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to Jain spiritual leaders, including Acharya Padmasagar Suriwarji Maharaj and the late Acharya Kailas Sagar Suriwarji Maharaj, crediting their vision for establishing a centre that promotes knowledge, discipline, and values.

“Where such divine energy exists—enriched by the penance of saints—creation and service naturally flourish,” he said, highlighting Kobatirth’s long-standing tradition of spiritual learning.

Referring to the legacy of Samrat Samprati, the Mauryan ruler after whom the museum is named, Modi said he exemplified the integration of governance with ethical values.

“Samrat Samprati is not merely the name of a historical king; he represents a bridge between philosophy and practice in India,” he said, adding that the ruler promoted non-violence, truth, and non-possession while in power.

The museum’s seven galleries, the Prime Minister said, reflect India’s diversity and cultural richness, bringing together Jain teachings and broader civilisational traditions.

“While the world has often witnessed conflict in the name of religion, this museum presents the richness of multiple traditions like a rainbow—something unique to India,” he noted.

Placing the museum’s message in a global context, Modi said its emphasis on non-violence and ethical living is relevant beyond national boundaries. “In today’s world, facing instability and unrest, this message is important not just for India but for all humanity,” he said, calling for greater international engagement from students and researchers.

He also underscored ongoing efforts to preserve India’s knowledge heritage, recalling the destruction of ancient repositories like Takshashila and Nalanda, and highlighting initiatives such as the ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’ aimed at digitising and conserving manuscripts. “This initiative will play a major role in preserving India’s scattered knowledge heritage,” he said.

Linking these efforts to a broader cultural revival, Modi pointed to projects focused on museum development, temple restoration, and the promotion of traditional knowledge systems such as Ayurveda and Yoga. He said these initiatives mark a shift toward presenting India’s history in a more inclusive and comprehensive manner.

Emphasising collective responsibility, the Prime Minister praised the role of religious leaders and society in preserving heritage alongside government efforts. He reiterated key public commitments, including environmental conservation, cleanliness, support for local products, healthy living, and helping the poor, adding that safeguarding India’s heritage has become a shared national mission.

Modi also drew a parallel between cultural preservation and technological advancement, noting his visit to Sanand for a semiconductor-related programme. “Here we connect with our roots, and there we connect with the world,” he said. “This balance—of heritage and high technology—is shaping India’s future.”