PM Modi Electrifies Audience with Veiled Nod to Operation Sindoor at Jain Spiritual Event
New Delhi: In a surprise that electrified the atmosphere at Vigyan Bhawan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent waves of excitement through a spiritual gathering on Saturday by subtly invoking the spirit of Operation Sindoor—India’s recent, high-precision military response to cross-border terrorism.
While addressing the centenary celebrations of Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj Ji, a towering Jain spiritual luminary, PM Modi cleverly referenced a Jain seer’s earlier speech and stirred the crowd with the now-iconic phrase:
“Jo humein chhedega…”. The moment he uttered those words, the audience roared in recognition, breaking into thunderous ‘Modi, Modi’ chants.
Flashing a knowing smile, the Prime Minister playfully responded, “I am among followers of non-violence… and I had only said half the sentence, but you all completed it! Even though you didn’t say it out loud, your enthusiasm was your blessing to Operation Sindoor.”
(“Ahinsawadiyon ke beech hu… aur abhi toh aadha vaakya bola hu… aapne poora kar diya… kehne ka tatparya yeh hai… bhale aapne shabdon mein nahi kaha par aap Operation Sindoor ko aashirwad de rahe the.”)
The crowd erupted with applause at Modi’s clever mix of humour, humility, and patriotic undertone, proving that even in a gathering dedicated to peace and non-violence, India’s resolve to defend itself resonates deeply with the people.
Honouring a Spiritual Giant
The event, organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust, marked the 100th birth anniversary of Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj Ji, a revered figure in Jain philosophy, literature, and social reform.
Calling him a “Yug Purush” and a “Yug Drashta”, PM Modi hailed the Acharya’s contribution to reviving ancient Indian thought and the Prakrit language, and restoring age-old temples. With over 50 books authored, Acharya Vidyanand’s legacy, Modi said, “is not confined to pages, but woven into the fabric of Indian spirituality.”
Ancient Wisdom, Modern Vision
The Prime Minister used the moment to spotlight India’s spiritual heritage as the bedrock of its modern resurgence. “Our India is the oldest living civilisation because our thoughts are immortal, our philosophy is timeless, and our culture, eternally relevant,” he declared.
He emphasized that Jain values of non-violence, compassion, and truth continue to guide the government’s welfare-driven policies—from PM Awas Yojana and Jal Jeevan Mission to Ayushman Bharat. “These aren’t just schemes; they reflect our commitment to serve the last person in the queue, a vision inspired by the saints of our land,” he said.
Language, Legacy, and Digitisation
Highlighting his government’s efforts to promote Indian languages, PM Modi proudly noted that Prakrit, the language of Jain scriptures, was granted Classical Language status in October 2023. He also mentioned the digitisation drive for ancient manuscripts, revealing that a significant share includes rare Jain religious texts and works of revered Acharyas.
A Spiritual Celebration with a National Mission
Also present at the event were Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Jain seer Rashtrasant Paramparacharya Shri 108 Pragyasagar Ji Muniraj, who spoke on the enduring relevance of Jain teachings. The centenary celebrations, which span June 28, 2024, to April 22, 2026, will include a series of cultural, literary, and spiritual events across India.
With his trademark charisma and deep respect for India’s spiritual heritage, PM Modi turned a centenary homage into a celebration of India’s ancient wisdom and modern might. His brief but bold reference to Operation Sindoor, couched in the language of peace, served as a powerful reminder that India’s strength lies in both its sword and its soul.
