The Government of Uttar Pradesh has promised to reinstate a new idol of Lord Mahavira at Bhagawan Mahavira park that was defaced by miscreants in Lucknow on August 17, 2012.
Jantar Mantar, New Delhi; August 23, 2012: A rally was organised at Jantan Mantar today from 10 am onwards to protest the defacing of the idol of Lord Mahavira at Bhagawan Mahavir Swamy Park in Lucknow on August 17, 2012. This was a grand success and was well attended by members of the Jain community from all four sects. Jain Gurus, leaders, politicians and members of the Jain samaj had flowen in to the venue.
This was a show of solidarity from the Jain samaj to the world that Jains cannot be taken for granted and will always stand united to fight it out when it comes to protecting their rights & interests.
Sri Sunjay Jain (from Vishwa Jain Sangathan), Sri Chakresh Jain (president, Delhi Jain Samaj), Sri Nirmal Kumar Sethi (president, Digambar Jain Mahasabha) and many other Jain leaders attended the event.
Speaking on the occasion Sri Nirmal Kumar Sethi said that, “It is high time we Jains unite to gether and fight out for our rights. I am over whelmed to see the response received to this protest by the members of the Jain Samaj and particularly the youths who have turned out in large numbers”.
Religious leaders of other communities attended the event to extend their support for the cause. Father Dominick, Sri Pragnanandaji, Sri Paramjit Singhji, Imam Umar Ahman Iliyas (president, All India Imam Organisation) and other religious leaders attended the event.
Imam Umar Ahman Iliyas, expressed shock over the incident. He called upon the Uttar Pradesh (UP) Government to take stern action against the miscreants failing to which he warned of carrying out an “all religious protest march against the UP government”. He further questioned the UP Government as to how more than 500 people with weapons were able to enter the park in the presence of police.
Messages from Jain Gurus – The messages of Acharya 108 Sri Sanmathisagarji Maharaj, Muni 108 Sri Pulak Sagarji Maharaj & Muni 108 Sri Tarunsagarji Maharaj were read out in the rally. Since the chaturmas venues of many Jain gurus were at a very far off place from Jantar Mantar they were unable to attend the event. It is learnt that Acharya 108 Sri Vidyasagarji Maharaj has been briefed about the incident and he has said “Jiyo our Jine Do – Live and Let Live”.
UP Governments Promise to Reinstate Idol – The member of parliement from Lucknow Sri assured the protestors that, “Strict action will be taken against the miscreants. Further he informed that an amount of Rs. 10 Lakhs has been released by the Government of UP to reinstate the Mahavira idol. He promised that a new idol will replace the current idol and will be installed at the earliest”.
Jains of all ages and from all walks of life attended the event. Slogans like – Mahavir Smawy Ki Jai, Ahimsa Vishwa Dharma Ki Jai… went on all through out the event. – Inputs from Nipun Jain, Ayush Jain, Gaurav Jain & Jain Heritage Centres News Services