Indian Consulate, NY, International Ahimsa Foundation, others, observe Mahavir Jayanti

- ADVERTISEMENT -

The Consulate General of India, NY and International Ahimsa Foundation Inc. (IAF), in partnership with JITO USA (Jain International Trade Org – USA), and JAINA (Federation of Jain Associations in NA), hosted Mahavir Jayanti, Lord Mahavir’s 2621^st birth anniversary Celebration, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. The program was attended by about 200 people, a press release from IAF said.

The event, held at the Consulate, also celebrated India’s yearlong initiative, Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (75 years of India’s independence).

India’s Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph was the Keynote Speaker. “Let’s bring more of Lord Mahavir’s message of Ahimsa & Satya ( truthfulness) in our lives,” he said.

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, D-NY, sent his best wishes via video message. Others present included former Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney who emphasized the importance of “Live and Let Live,” a teaching of Lord Mahavir. NYS Assemblyman David Weprin was represented by his Chief of Staff David Sprea and was also joined by Deputy Commissioner of External affairs Miosotis Munoz from the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigration Affairs. Democratic District Leader Gurdip Singh Narula also attended.

Guest speakers included Samniji Nirdeshika Kamal Pragya and Samniji Karuna Pragya.

In her talk, “Non-Violence “A Message of Lord Mahavir,” Dr. Neeta Jain, founder and president of International Ahimsa Foundation Inc., spoke about the spiritual journey of Lord Mahavir who was born in 599 B.C. noting that this would be his 2,621st birth anniversary. She also dwelt on Jain principles to make the world a better place.

Four individuals were honored with the “Ahimsa Award” for “their extraordinary contributions to society,” and their achievements. They included Dr. Ashok Shaha MD (Chair Head and Neck Surgery/Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center), Arvind Vora (Chair, JAINA Interfaith Committee & Shanti Fund of Long Island), Sweta Jain (Founder & President, Goshwara, Luxury Designer Jewelry), Kavita Bafana (Cofounder, Little Ustaads Music & Namaste Book Series).

Deputy Consul General, Dr. Varun Jeph, Board of Director IAF, Dr. Ravi Goyal, President and Founder, Dr. Neeta Jain, Vice President, Amarjyoti Jain and Chair Advisory Board,   Rajeev Pandya presented the awards along with an NYS Assembly Proclamation.

“All four honorees are purveyors of peace and align with our mission to spread Lord Mahavir’s message of ‘Live and Let Live,’” Dr. Jain said. Each of the awardees spoke at the event.

Kavita Bafana spoke of the importance of keeping the culture alive. “It’s one small small trip to the mandir or a simple conversation, or as you saw today a small dance, that will keep out culture alive and our Jain principals ever present through the next generation,” Bafana said.

The event was emceed by Aditi Lamba and began with the American National Anthem sung by Michelle DellaFave, the Indian National Anthem performed by Dr. Smita Guha, a skit   by young Jains on “Color of Thoughts and their impact” directed by Surbhi Pandya. Two performances were presented on  “Mahavir Sa Mujko Banjana Hain” and “Garaj Garaj Aaj Megha.”

The International Ahimsa Foundation Inc., was founded in 2012 with the goal of spreading the message of non-violence and peace based on Jain teachings.