Nayab Singh Saini pays tribute to Acharya Bhikshu Swami Ji at 300th birth anniversary celebrations

Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the thoughts and principles of great personalities continue to guide us on the right path in life. If we adopt their ideals and put them into practice, it becomes possible to build a society grounded in morality and strong character. 

The dream of a developed India can be realised only when every individual in society is imbued with moral values. If we aspire to build a strong and self-reliant nation, the foundation must be a morally upright and principled society. 

This vision can be achieved only by drawing inspiration from the lives and teachings of great personalities. The Chief Minister made these remarks while addressing the 300th birth anniversary celebrations of Acharya Shri Bhikshu Swami Ji in here today. 

He paid his respects to all the revered saints present on the dais, including Munishri Vinay Kumar Alok Ji, Munishri Sudhakar Ji, Munishri Abhay Kumar Alok Ji, Munishri Naresh Ji and Swami Sampurnanand Brahmachari Ji Maharaj. He expressed his gratitude and said it was his privilege to be among the devotees of the Terapanthi community on this auspicious occasion.

He said that India is a land of saints, and it is because of them that our cultural heritage remains vibrant. The Chief Minister praised the austere lifestyle of Jain monks, describing them as symbols of sacrifice and self-discipline in today’s materialistic world. 

He added that the principles laid down by the saints and sages continue to given direction to humanity.

Acharya Bhikshu Swami Ji was a visionary social reformer and a pioneer of ideological revolution

The Chief Minister said that Acharya Shri Bhikshu Swami Ji was not merely a monk, but a courageous and revolutionary thinker. He challenged the prevailing distortions in religion and gave spirituality a rational and enlightened direction. Born in Vikram Samvat 1783 in Kantalia village, the early life of ‘Bhikkhan’, as he was known before becoming an Acharya, was marked by sacrifice, penance, and a deep pursuit of truth. 

In Vikram Samvat 1817, he founded the Terapanth sect—not merely as the inception of a new tradition, but as a bold movement to restore religion in its purest and most principled form. The foundational principle of “one Acharya, one discipline, one ideology” became the hallmark of Terapanth, symbolizing discipline, unity, and unwavering devotion.

Bhikshu Swami Ji’s thoughts are relevant in today’s era

The Chief Minister said that the teachings of Acharya Bhikshu Ji remain highly relevant even in today’s times. He emphasized that non-violence is not merely the absence of physical conflict, but also the purity of thought, speech, and action, this, he said, is the true essence of non-violence. 

In today’s tense and increasingly intolerant environment, such a principle can play a vital role in uniting society. Speaking about Anekantavad, he described it as the very soul of democracy, a philosophy that encourages respect for diverse perspectives. 

He further stated that the message of Aparigraha serves as a moral antidote to the modern tendencies of consumerism, hoarding, and corruption.

Youth must practice self-discipline and follow ideals

The Chief Minister said that Acharya Bhikshu Ji believed that when an individual transforms for the better, society and the nation will naturally follow. He emphasized that the strong foundation of any nation must rest on moral values. 

Addressing the youth in particular, the Chief Minister urged them to draw inspiration from the life of Acharya Shri Bhikshu Swami Ji, to read about his teachings, and to imbibe his thoughts. He described Acharya Ji’s life as a profound example of fearlessness, truth, self-restraint, and service to the nation. 

He further stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, India is steadily progressing toward the goal of becoming a developed nation. However, this vision can only be realized when our society is rooted in character, discipline, and moral integrity.

On this occasion, Munishri Vinay Kumar Alok Ji and Munishri Sudhakar Ji shed light on the life of Munishri Bhikshu Ji Maharaj and the foundational principles of the Terapanth sect. They said that while it may be easy to speak about the teachings of great personalities, it is far more challenging to put those teachings into practice. 

They emphasized the need for everyone to adopt these values in their daily lives. A key feature of the Terapanth tradition, they said, is the principle of “one Guru, one discipline,” and the unwavering faith of its followers in their Guru.