19-04-2026:Address by the Hon’ble Governor at the ‘World Peace & Harmony Conference’ on the auspicious occasion of the Birth Anniversary of Revered Jain Acharya Lokesh Ji

Jai Hind!

On this sacred occasion dedicated to non-violence, compassion, equality, and global brotherhood, I extend my heartfelt greetings and respectful salutations to all present—Founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti, global ambassador of peace, Revered Jain Acharya Shri Lokesh Muni Ji Maharaj; Hon’ble Governor of Punjab, Gulab Chand Kataria Ji; respected saints and spiritual leaders from various traditions; scholars, academicians, and peace seekers from across the world.

Today’s occasion is not merely a celebration of the birth anniversary of a great soul, but a tribute to those timeless values that guide humanity—values that lead the world from division to harmony and from unrest to peace. Revered Acharya Lokesh Ji, through his penance, sacrifice, and dedication, has re-established the eternal principle of “Ahimsa Parmo Dharma” (Non-violence is the supreme religion) in the modern era.

Acharya Lokesh Ji is not just a Jain monk, but a bridge of humanity—connecting East and West, spirituality and science, thought and action. He has taken religion beyond narrow boundaries and transformed it into a medium for public welfare, service, and global well-being.

I congratulate the Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti family for organizing this grand ‘World Peace & Harmony Conference.’ This conference is not just an event—it is a movement of consciousness that offers healing to a world troubled by conflict and lights a lamp of hope in times of despair.

Distinguished friends,

Today, the world is going through a deep conflict and paradox. We have means of communication, yet lack meaningful dialogue. We possess abundant resources, yet lack contentment. We have power, yet lack peace. This situation compels us to reflect whether, in our pursuit of development, we have left behind our core values.

Challenges like terrorism, environmental crises, social inequality, and cultural intolerance stand as serious threats before humanity. These cannot be resolved merely through policies or plans; they require inner transformation, moral awakening, and spiritual upliftment. The path to peace lies not through force, but through non-violence and compassion.

History bears witness that violence never brings lasting solutions—it only leads to destruction. Dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation are the true foundations of enduring peace.

The teachings of Lord Mahavira remain as relevant today as ever. His message of non-violence extends beyond physical actions to thoughts, words, and deeds. His philosophy of Anekantavada teaches us that truth has multiple perspectives, and understanding others can dissolve many conflicts. Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) encourages restraint and balance—especially vital in today’s consumer-driven world.

What is peace? Peace is not merely the absence of war; it is a divine state of the soul where balance, contentment, and harmony reside permanently. As Mahavira said, “Appa So Parmappa”—realizing the self is realizing the supreme. Until we resolve inner conflicts, external peace will remain an illusion.

From my experience as a soldier, I can say that weapons can protect borders, but only non-violence and compassion can win hearts. Weapons may safeguard territories, but only non-violence can safeguard humanity.

Acharya Lokesh Ji has transformed this truth into a powerful social movement in modern times. The ‘World Peace Center’ established by him serves as a spiritual energy hub, fostering positivity in individuals, harmony in society, and peace across the globe.

Brothers and sisters,

The relevance of Anekantavada is even greater today. If we accept that “my perspective is not the absolute truth,” it opens doors to dialogue, expands tolerance, and reduces conflict. This is the essence of Indian philosophy and the soul of our democratic values.

The message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji—“Ik Onkar”—teaches that the entire universe is an expression of one supreme reality. When we internalize this truth, divisions and hatred naturally dissolve.

India’s culture has always been rooted in the ideal of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family. When the world was driven by self-interest, India shared the vision of universal welfare. This is not just an ideal, but a way of life that leads us toward coexistence, harmony, and empathy.

Under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, India is moving forward with the vision of ‘Developed India @2047.’ This development is not merely material, but also cultural and spiritual. We aspire to build an India that shows the world the path of Buddha, not war.

I come from the sacred land of Uttarakhand, where the holy rivers Ganga and Yamuna flow, and where traditions of yoga, meditation, and spirituality are still alive. This land teaches us sacrifice, service, and dedication. Just as rivers do not drink their own water, India’s knowledge and culture exist for the welfare of all humanity.

Dear young friends,

You are not just the future—you are the leaders of today, the builders of this era. You hold immense power in the form of technology—artificial intelligence, digital revolution, and innovation. But remember: progress without ethics is not progress, but the beginning of destruction. We must balance ethics and technology and create innovations that unite humanity rather than divide it.

Acharya Lokesh Ji has demonstrated that true religion is that which brings light into the lives of the last person in society. His work in de-addiction, environmental protection, women’s empowerment, and social harmony is truly exemplary.

Friends,

Through this conference, let us take a pledge—not just to witness peace, but to create it. Let us embody peace and harmony in our thoughts, speech, and actions.

Let us build a world where the echoes are not of weapons, but of songs of peace; where there are no lines of division, but bridges of unity; where humanity, compassion, and love are the highest values.

In conclusion, I once again extend my heartfelt greetings to Acharya Lokesh Ji on his birthday and pray for his long, healthy, and illustrious life.

May your guidance, your penance, and your ‘World Peace Center’ continue to illuminate the path of humanity for generations to come.

Namo Jināṇam! Vande Mataram! Jai Hind!