The Assam Tribune
JALUKBARI, July 9 - Acharya Mahashraman Chaturmas Vyavastha Samiti and Gauhati University jointly organised a lecture, ‘Social Transformation and Harmony’ in the BKB auditorium, GU today. Jain Vishwa Bharati Institute, Ladnun (deemed university) also participated as co-organiser.
On the occasion Acharyashri Mahashraman gave a lecture on promoting non-violence, moral values and principles. He expressed happiness to be attending the function at the Gauhati University, where human resources are produced.
Attending the meeting as the chief guest, Union Minister of State for Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal highlighted the contributions of Acharyashri and appealed to the people to follow the path shown by him. He said that despite being an acharya of a religious order, Acharyashri’s views are liberal and secular. He derives satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment only from diligent work.
Acharyashri Mahashraman, the supreme head of the Terapanth Jain sect who reached Guwahati on Friday, is leading an Ahimsa Yatra that will cover a distance of 20,000 km on foot.
Among the dignitaries who spoke on the occasion were Dr Mridul Hazarika, Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University and Dr SK Nath, Registrar, GU. Dr Hazarika laid stress on the need for social harmony and integrity in society. Ullhas Kulkarni, Assam Kshetra Prasarak, RSS spoke on social harmony and peace.
The Acharyashri is accompanied by more than 100 monks in his mission to spread the messages of non-violence, unity, social uplift and anti-drug campaign.
The vote of thanks was offered by Dr Ranjan Kr Kakati, Director, Students’ Welfare, Gauhati University. The programme was attended by thousands of people, including GU teachers, officials, invited guests, dignitaries and students.
Our Azara correspondent adds: Jain saint Acharyashri Mahashraman is arriving Garal, the mega chaturmas (4 months) site under Azara PS in Kamrup (M) district, tomorrow at 8 am. The Acharya will stay here till November 17.
Talking to The Assam Tribune, Bimal Oswal, one of the members of the Acharya Mahashraman Chaturmas Pravas Management Committee, said that around 5,000 Jain, Chetambar and Terapanthi devotees from different parts of the country will attend different programmes to be held at the site.
Preparations are almost complete to welcome the Acharya and other devotees. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and several other ministers are likely to attend the function tomorrow, Oswal added further.