Mahavir Jayanti celebrated at Indian Consulate

To spread the message of non-violence and make the world a better place, the Consulate General of India, NY, and International Ahimsa Foundation hosted Mahavir Jayanti

Our Bureau

New York City, NY

Lord Mahavir’s 2,621^st birth anniversary, Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated by 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, on Saturday, May 20, 2023.

More than 200 people graced the occasion held at the Consulate and celebrated India’s Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (75 years of India’s independence) initiative also. 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) into our lives,” he said.

Prominent congressmen, NYS assemblymen, and personnel from NYC Mayor’s office attended the event and emphasized the teachings of Lord Mahavir as ‘Live and Let Live.’ 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. and dwelt on Jain principles to make the world a better place.

Four individuals were honored for “their extraordinary contributions to society” with the “Ahimsa Award.” Namely, 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.

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