Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with the title of 'Dharma Chakravarti' at a special ceremony commemorating the 100th birth anniversary of Jain saint Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj. The event, held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Saturday, marked the beginning of a year-long national tribute to the revered spiritual leader. The Union Culture Ministry and the Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust are jointly organizing the tribute.

During the celebrations, PM Modi humbly accepted the title, stating that he did not consider himself worthy of such an honor. However, he acknowledged the Indian tradition of accepting gifts from saints as "prasad," and dedicated the honor to Maa Bharati.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the significance of the date, noting that Acharya Vidyanand Muniraj received his own title on the same day in 1987. He described this as a "pavitra dhaara" (sacred stream) connecting Jain culture to the principles of restraint and compassion. PM Modi bowed to the feet of Acharya Shri Munirajji and expressed hope that his blessings would always be with them.

PM Modi also unveiled commemorative postage stamps in memory of Acharya Vidyanand during the event. He emphasized that these centenary celebrations were not just another event but a remembrance of a time period and the ascetic life of Acharya Vidyanand.

Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj, born on April 22, 1925, in Shedbal, Belagavi, Karnataka, was a prominent Jain scholar who authored over 50 books on Jain philosophy and ethics, including "Jain Darshan," "Anekantvad," and "Mokshmarg Darshan". He is known for having memorized over 8,000 Jain Agamic verses. Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj made significant contributions to preserving Jain heritage and reviving interest in ancient Indian languages. He played a vital role in rejuvenating historic Jain temples and promoting traditional education.

The centenary program will include various activities such as cultural exhibitions, scholarly seminars, educational initiatives, and interfaith dialogues across the country to honor Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj's life, teachings, and contributions. He was known for his commitment to non-violence, spiritual reform, and promoting Jain philosophy.

The 'Dharma Chakravarti' title is the latest in a series of honors bestowed upon PM Modi by foreign countries and organizations. Recently, in April 2025, he received Sri Lanka's highest civilian award, the Mithra Vibhushana, for strengthening bilateral ties and promoting shared cultural and spiritual heritage. The Mithra Vibhushana medal features the Dharma Chakra, symbolizing the shared Buddhist heritage between India and Sri Lanka.