Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta on Tuesday said a person who feels compassion towards all creatures is the one who walks on the path of Mahavir with the eternal principles of Lord Mahavir.
On the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, Gupta took part in a commemorative programme organized in Rohini, his assembly constituency, where he appealed for non-violence in every home, truth in business, and the spirit of Anekant (pluralism) in politics, and simplicity in lifestyle.
The event organized by the Digambar Jain Mahasabha was marked by deep spiritual fervor and a collective call for global peace.
During the ceremony, Gupta received blessings from revered Jain saints and was formally honoured for his dedicated service to the citizens of the national capital.
Addressing a large gathering of devotees on the occasion, he translated the ancient wisdom of the 24th Tirthankara into a roadmap for modern governance and social harmony, emphasizing that Mahavir Jayanti is not a mere festival but a “divine call to introspect and test one’s soul.”
Reflecting on the life of Prince Vardhaman, who renounced the throne for the eternal truth, Gupta noted that Lord Mahavir proved that true bravery does not lie in the edge of a sword, but in conquering one’s own mind, victory over anger, greed, and ego. He redefined Ahimsa Paramo Dharma, non-violence, as the pinnacle of courage, not cowardice.
He highlighted the principle of Anekantavada (the multiplicity of viewpoints), calling it a “healing balm” for the present-day society which is slowly fragmenting, noting that “my truth is not the absolute whole; there is light in your truth as well.”
Highlighting the principle of Aparigraha (non-attachment/non-consumption), he noted that Lord Mahavir provided the solution to the global climate crisis centuries ago by teaching us not to exploit nature or indulge in mindless accumulation.
Gupta said the celebration of this occasion is meaningful only when everyone moves beyond processions and begin to live Lord Mahavir’s principles.