PRESS RELEASE

Sub: Mahavir Jayanti Celebrations at Consulate General of India, New York

On May 6th, 2018, the Consulate was happy to host the celebrations of Mahavir Jayanti organized by the International Ahimsa Foundation Inc., founded by Dr. Neeta Jain. The event saw the congregation of over 200 attendees at the Consulate to celebrate Lord Mahavira’s birth anniversary and his message of non-violence and peace. Born in 600 B.C., Lord Mahavira was the 24th and last Tirthankara of the Jains and established the core principles of Jainism. Lord Mahavira emphasized non-violence and peace through thought and action, and his message is more relevant now than ever given the current world affairs. 

2. Sandeep Chakravorty, Consul General, United States government elected officials, including, Hon’ble Congressman Joseph Crowley, Assemblyman David Weprin, Councilmen Rory Lancman, Barry Grodenchik, Peter Koo, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and Ex-Comptroller, Mr. John Liu. Professor Jeffery Long, Samani Sanmati Pragyaji, Anika Jain, Dr. Uma Mysorekar and International Ahimsa Foundation Inc. board members Dr. Devbala Ramanathan and Pramod Jain were present amongst other members of the community of civic leaders and academicians highlighting the need to create a positive ripple throughout the world using engaged conversation and action rooted in Jain principles. 

3. The event kicked off with the traditional Indian lamp lighting ceremony followed by welcome remarks from Dr. Neeta Jain and the Inaugural Address by Consul General who spoke about diversity and religious harmony in India. Hon’ble Congressman and Special Guest Joseph Crowley reiterated the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the United States economic and cultural development. Hon’ble Assemblyman David Weprin spoke about peace and non-violence among Jains and the interactions in different communities in Queens County, NY. Hon’ble Councilman Rory Lancman reinforced the philosophy of “Live and Let Live” as an excellent reference point through which to live our lives. Hon’ble Councilman Barry Grodenchik also spoke of Lord Mahavira’s influence on American civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Professor Jeffery Long related Jain principles of non-violence to how we can resolve issues of environmental damage, ethno-nationalism and religious extremism in modern society. Guest speaker Samani Sanmati Pragyaji called upon the community to be engaged and participate in peaceful dialogue. The celebration did true justice to the legacy of Lord Mahavir while providing a platform to the attendees to continue his teachings in their respective communities.

4. Rhythm Dance Academy children stole every ones heart by their breath taking performances on Jain songs.

New York

May 11, 2018