New Delhi: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday said forgiveness, non-violence and compassion were essential to building a peaceful society, stressing that India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation must be guided by strong values, mutual trust and social responsibility.
Addressing the Mahaparva Kshamapana Ceremony 2026, organised by the Bhagwan Mahavir Memorial Committee and Jain Mahasabha Delhi at Vigyan Bhawan, Radhakrishnan described the occasion as a celebration of forgiveness, friendship, non-violence and inner purification.
He said the Jain tradition’s emphasis on forgiveness as a spiritual discipline held deep relevance for contemporary society. Kshamapana, he noted, was not merely a ritual but an opportunity for transformation of the human heart.
“Forgiveness means choosing reform over revenge, dialogue over hatred and reconciliation over hostility,” he said, adding that forgiveness did not mean accepting injustice or compromising with truth. The practice of Pratikraman, he said, could help individuals and families acknowledge mistakes and resolve conflicts.
Highlighting the universal message of Jain philosophy, the Vice-President said Bhagwan Mahavira’s teaching of friendship towards all living beings and enmity towards none aligned with India’s civilisational ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”. In a world facing conflict and violence, these values offered a path towards peace, coexistence and compassion.
He emphasised that Ahimsa extended beyond the absence of physical violence to include non-violence in thought, word and deed. True strength, he said, lay in overcoming anger, intolerance and revenge.
Radhakrishnan also highlighted Jainism’s historical contribution to Tamil literature and culture, recalling the role of Jain scholars and monks in classical Tamil literature and the presence of ancient Jain temples and centres of learning in Tamil Nadu.
Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, he said development should go beyond economic growth, infrastructure and technological progress. A truly developed India, he said, must have trust among citizens, values in families, character among youth and compassion in society, reflecting the principle of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi”.
The Vice-President called on people to uphold humility, service, unity and responsibility. He also presented the Jain Samaj Ratna Award to K. C. Jain.
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Jain community leaders, religious figures and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.
