"Reflection of penance, sacrifice, service": Amit Shah honors legacy of Acharya Guruvar Shri Vidyasagar

New Delhi [India], February 6 (ANI): Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday honoured the legacy of Acharya Guruvar Shri Vidyasagar Ji Mahamuniraj, describing his life of penance, sacrifice, and service as an inspiration for all.
Amit Shah said that the life of the most revered Acharya Guruvar Shri Vidyasagar Ji Mahamuniraj is a reflection of penance, sacrifice and service and is exemplary.
In his memory, a Rs100 commemorative coin, a special postal envelope, and his 108 footsteps and picture were unveiled, along with the foundation stone laying of the proposed Samadhi Smarak 'Vidyayatan.'
"The life of the most revered Acharya Guruvar Shri Vidyasagar Ji Mahamuniraj, a reflection of penance, sacrifice and service, is exemplary for all.Today, in his memory, a commemorative coin of Rs 100, a special envelope prepared by the postal department, his 108 footsteps and picture were unveiled and the foundation stone of the proposed Samadhi Smarak 'Vidyayatan' was laid. This memorial will inspire the future generation to follow the ideals and principles of Acharya Shri Vidyasagar," posted Amit Shah on X.
Earlier in the day, Amit Shah highlighted that the "spiritual relationship" had developed between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Acharaya Guruvar Vidyasagar Ji Mahamuniraj, when the latter took a 'samadhi,' dedicating his life to Digambara Jainism.
Shah was attending the 'Samadhi Smriti Mahotsav' in honour of the spiritual leader in Chhattisgarh.
Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj embraced death on February 18, 2024, through the practice of 'Sallekhna', a voluntary fasting unto death for spiritual purification.
Talking about the 'Samadhi' of the spiritual leader, Shah recounted how the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) national convention was also going on at the same, and a homage was paid to the Acharya.
"When Acharya ji took 'Samadhi', then BJP's national convention was going on, on that stage, while paying homage to Acharya ji, I read the emotions of PM Modi. I can clearly say between Acharya ji and PM Modi, a spiritual relationship had begun," Shah said during his address at Samadhi Smriti Mahotsav.Mentioning that despite having less time in Chhattisgarh, PM Modi made sure to take the blessings of the Acharya.
"Even when there was less time for him (PM Modi) in Chhattisgarh, he came in early morning to take the blessings of the Acharya and then went back. The work, words, and the message of Acharya, is influential across the country, and we need to protect that," Shah added.
Calling himself a follower of Acharya Vidyasagar, Shah said, "(Acharya Vidyasagar) had garnered a lot of followers through his work, and I too am included in the many followers of his. Dedicating his life to the country, Dharam..."
Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj attained Samadhi through 'Sallekhna' at Chandragiri teerth at 2:35 am.
Sallekhna is a Jain religious practice involving voluntary fasting unto death for spiritual purification. (ANI)