Paryushan 2025

By Justice Katju

Jainism is a religion in India with about 4.5 million followers, mostly in Western India e.g. Gujarat, Rajasthan, Western Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, etc ( though there are some Jains even in south India ).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainism

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Jainism

The most important Jain festival is called Paryushan, which is going on this year from August 20 to 25

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paryushan

As a student of philosophy in Allahabad University I was deeply impressed by the Jain philosophy of Anekantavad, about which I have written the article below :https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/satyam-bruyat/anekantavad-of-jainism/

In my opinion Indians need to follow this philosophy of tolerance, as we are a country of great diversity, and so to remain united and to progress we must be tolerant of all religions, and not bigoted. This is all the more important today as nowadays there is so much religious polarisation and hatred against minorities being propagated by certain vested interests in India.

https://www.hastakshepnews.com/2024/08/emperor-akbars-engagement-with-jainism.html?m=1

https://www.jansatta.com/blog/jainisms-philosophy-necessary-for-india-in-these-times-says-former-justice-markandey-katju/1545320

The great Mughal Emperor Akbar ( 1542-1605 ), whom I regard as the real Father of the Indian Nation, had great respect for Jainism and Jain saints, as mentioned in my article below :
https://justicekatju.com/emperor-akbar-and-the-jains-a2a3fac46eb2

( See also from para 51 onwards of my judgment in the Supreme Court given below :

https://indiankanoon.org/doc/560071/ ).

I have always supported the small Jain community, as I did in this article

On this occasion of Paryushan, I extend my warm greetings to the Jains in India and elsewhere.

Long live the Jains !