New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today emphasized the importance of adopting a sustainable lifestyle to combat climate change, citing the long-standing practices of the Jain community as a model. Speaking at the Navkar Mahamantra Divas event in New Delhi, PM Modi praised the Jain philosophy, which has embraced simplicity, restraint, and environmental sustainability for centuries.
In his address, the Prime Minister acknowledged climate change as the most urgent crisis facing humanity and stressed that the solution lies in embracing a sustainable way of life. He lauded the Jain community for consistently upholding these values and called on people to adopt similar practices in their daily lives.
On India’s growing global influence, PM Modi noted that the world’s trust in the country is steadily increasing. He connected India’s progress to the values of Jainism, particularly its emphasis on mutual cooperation and sustainability. Modi highlighted that the global community now looks to India with high expectations, encouraging the country to ramp up its efforts on the international stage.
The Prime Minister also advocated for the promotion of local products through the “Make in India” initiative, urging citizens to shift from a local to a global mindset. He linked this vision to the ideals of the Navkar Mahamantra, emphasizing its role in shaping a developed and harmonious India.
PM Modi called for nine resolutions to guide citizens’ actions in daily life: saving water, planting a tree in honor of one’s mother, supporting cleanliness initiatives, promoting local products, encouraging domestic tourism, embracing natural farming, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, incorporating yoga and sports, and helping the underprivileged.
He also underscored the significance of Jainism in India’s historical, spiritual, and intellectual identity, highlighting Jain literature as a vital part of the country’s intellectual heritage. Modi praised the government’s decision to grant Classical Language status to Prakrit and Pali, stressing the importance of preserving this knowledge for future generations.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister shared his vision for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), where progress and heritage go hand in hand. He noted that India’s advancements in Artificial Intelligence could serve as a powerful tool for innovation, while also showcasing the nation’s spiritual leadership on the world stage.
The event saw PM Modi participating in the chanting of the Navkar Mahamantra alongside attendees from over 108 countries. He described the mantra not only as a spiritual guide but as a transformative tool for individual growth and societal well-being, rooted in the principles of nonviolence, humility, and respect. The mantra, he said, unites individuals in a shared journey of self-purification and mutual respect.
