The Consulate General of India, NY and International Ahimsa Foundation Inc. in partnership with JITO USA (Jain International Trade Org - USA), and JAINA (Federation of Jain Associations in NA), hosted Mahavir Jayanti, Lord Mahavir’s 2621^st birth anniversary Celebration  on Saturday, May 20th, 2023, at the Ballroom of the Consulate General of India in NY. The event also celebrated India’s yearlong initiative: Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (75 years of India’s independence).The program was attended by about200 people altogether.

The event was graced by many dignitaries and community leaders. T,  such as: Deputy Consul General of India Hon. Dr. Varun Jeph as a Key note Speaker, he said in his remarks “ Lets bring more of Lord Mahavir’s message of Ahimsa & Satya ( truthfulness) in our lives. ” Congressman Gregory W. Meeks sent his best wishes via video message. He said that This year’s occasion will bring together the community to honor Lord Mahavir’s principles of non-violence and peace.” Former Hon. Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney also emphasized the importance of “Live and Let Live” in todays time, a teaching of Lord Mahavir. NYS Assemblyman David Weprin was represented by his Chief of Staff David Sprea  and was also joined by Ms. Miosotis Munoz, Deputy Commissioner of External affairs, NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigration Affairs. She also mentioned that Mayor Adams truly believe in non-violence.  Democratic District Leader Gurdip Singh Narula also attended the event.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our esteemed guest speakers, Samniji Nirdeshika Kamal Pragya and Samniji Karuna Pragya, for their blessings and enlightening talks. Their profound insights and teachings on non-violence were truly

Dr. Neeta Jain, Founder and President of International Ahimsa Foundation Inc. dwelt on Lord Mahavir who was born in 599 B.C. during the program entitled, “Non-Violence “A Message of Lord Mahavir” on his 2,621st birth anniversary.. She stressed on teaching children the 5 Jain principles to make the world a better place. She further mentioned that Lord Mahavir is the one that told the world that “Non-Violence is the Supreme Religion and it’s more relevant in todys world then ever. We should pass his teachings to our next generation so they can learn how to adopt the virtues of non violence  in their lives and make this world a better place to live in peace and harmony.”

On this occasion. Organization honored 4 distinguished  individuals with the “Ahimsa Award” for their extraordinary contributions to society- We also extend gratitude to our distinguished honorees, Dr. Ashok Shaha MD (Chair Head and Neck Surgery/Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center), Mr. Arvind Vora (Chair, JAINA Interfaith Committee & Shanti Fund of Long Island), Ms. Sweta Jain (Founder & President, Goshwara, Luxury Designer Jewelry), Ms. Kavita Bafana (Cofounder, Little Ustaads Music & Namaste Book Series), for their remarkable contributions and achievements. Their presence inspired many youngsters who attended the event.

“Ahimsa Awards” and a NYS Assembly Proclamation were presented to honorees by Hon. Deputy Consul General, Dr. Varun Jepj, Board of Director IAF, Dr. Ravi Goyal, President and Founder, Dr. Neeta Jain, Vice President, Mr. Amarjyoti Jain and Chair Advisory Board, Mr. Rajeev Pandya.

“All four honorees are purveyors of peace and align with our mission to spread Lord Mahavir’s message of ‘Live and Let Live,’” Dr. Jain said. Dr. Ashok Shaha said in his acceptance speech that “Forgiveness is the most Important virtue in Life”

Mr. Arvind Vora another honoree expressed his views after the event as “ one can’t expect better way to celebrate Mahaveera Jayanti than the confluence of dignified location of Indian Consulate, partner organizations like JITO & JAINA, stage decorations including Gandhi on a spinning wheel, participation by youths in dance and skit conveying messages of Mahavir and diverse audiences. Everything was wrapped up very efficiently.”

Ms. Sweta Jain also emphasized in her speech, the importance of practicing “Practicing Ahimsa in today’s time is even more essential in order to promote peace and harmony in society and that is exactly what The International Ahimsa Foundation is striving to achieve for over a decade. And I feel extremely blessed to be honored by it at the #Indianinewyork on the auspicious occasion of #MahavirJayanti  along with JITO and #JAINA.

Ms Kavita Bafana expressed her views of how important is to keep our culture alive, she sad “t’s one small small trip to the mandir or a simple conversation, or as you saw today a small dance , that will keep out culture alive and our Jain Principals ever present through the next generation.”

The International Ahimsa Foundation Inc., was founded in 2012 with the goal of spreading the message of non-violence and peace based on Jain teachings throughout the world. The foundation's mission has been to promote nonviolence and peace teachings in thought and action across cultures through discourse, peace-building activities, and civic involvement. The foundation wants to inspire students and the general public to participate in making the world a better place.

The event was emceed by Aditi Lamba and began with the American National Anthem sung by Michelle DellaFave, the Indian National Anthem performed by Dr. Smita Guha, a skit was acted by young Jains on “Color of Thoughts and their impact” directed by Surbhi Pandya. Two mesmerizing performances were presented on  â€œMahavir Sa Mujko Banjana Hain” and “Garaj Garaj Aaj Megha”.by Little Ustad Arts: Directed by Kavita Bafana and Vanita Kothari.Mr. Rajeev Pandya Chair, Advisory Board of IAF thanked all the sponsors, media partners and volunteers. At the end, Jain lunch was served for all of the attendees!

You can watch the vedio at Indian Consulate fb @indiainnewyork or IAF fb page. You can also follow International Ahimsa Foundation on our website:

International Ahimsa Foundation New York!

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