Leaders discuss governance and development before joining Acharya Padarohan Mahotsav, where they emphasise the enduring relevance of peace, compassion and non-violence
TFP Bureau, Raipur, June 19,2026: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla called on Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at the Chief Minister’s residence in Raipur on Thursday, where the two leaders discussed issues related to the state’s development, good governance, public welfare and the strengthening of democratic values.
Chief Minister Sai welcomed Birla by presenting him with a traditional shawl, a commemorative memento and a coffee table book highlighting Chhattisgarh’s rich cultural heritage and the internationally acclaimed Bastar Dussehra festival. During the meeting, the Chief Minister praised the Lok Sabha Speaker’s contribution to strengthening parliamentary traditions and democratic institutions, expressing confidence that his leadership would further reinforce democratic values in the country.
Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kedar Kashyap, MP Brijmohan Agrawal and other public representatives were also present.
Later in the day, Birla and Sai attended the Acharya Padarohan and Sahastravadhan Tapasya Mahotsav at the Sardar Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in Raipur, where they received blessings from Jain monks and participated in ceremonies marking the elevation of Pujya Vinaykushal Muni Ji Maharaj to the position of Acharya.
Addressing the gathering, Birla said the Acharya position represents the highest ideals of penance, sacrifice, knowledge and spiritual leadership. He noted that the teachings of Lord Mahavir continue to guide humanity towards peace, self-discipline, compassion and non-violence, values that are increasingly important in a world facing conflict and uncertainty.
He also praised the austere and disciplined lives of Jain monks, describing them as an inspiration to society and a force for the welfare of humanity. Birla commended Pujya Vinaykushal Muni Ji Maharaj on his elevation and lauded Shatavadhani Hansbhadra Muni Ji Maharaj for his extraordinary memory, scholarship and spiritual dedication.
Chief Minister Sai described the hosting of the Acharya Padarohan Mahotsav in Chhattisgarh for the first time as a moment of pride for the state. Welcoming saints and devotees from across the country, he said the event had created a spiritually uplifting atmosphere and reinforced values of harmony and service.
He observed that the teachings of Jain philosophy—particularly non-violence, truth, compassion and self-restraint—remain highly relevant in today’s world and praised Pujya Vinaykushal Muni Ji Maharaj for a lifetime devoted to knowledge, discipline and public service. Sai also highlighted the remarkable spiritual accomplishments of 14-year-old Bal Muni Shatavadhani Hansbhadra Muni Ji Maharaj and reiterated the timeless relevance of Lord Mahavir’s message of “Live and Let Live.”
Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh said Jain monks inspire society through rigorous penance and disciplined living, while Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu described the congregation of saints and devotees in Raipur as a matter of great fortune for Chhattisgarh.
The programme was attended by office-bearers of Sakal Jain Shri Sangh, a large gathering of devotees and prominent citizens, along with MPs, MLAs and other public representatives from across the state.
