Jain Community Urges Centre To Declare June 12 As ‘Jeevdaya Divas’ In Honour Of Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani

Revered Jain saint Namramuni Maharaj has urged the union government to declare Air India as ‘Jeevdaya Day’ as a tribute to former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani’s compassion towards animals. At the ‘gunanjali ceremony’ to pay respect to Rupani, a ‘Vijay Rupani Scholarship’ was also announced to sponsor education of 68 students every year.

The Jain community mourned the death of Rupani, who lost his life in the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, which killed 241 people travelling on-board. While multiple prayer meetings were held in Gujarat to pay respect to the former CM, the Jain community organised a ‘Gunanjali Ceremony’ at Rajkot’s Hemu Gadhvi Hall as a tribute to the first Jain CM of India.

The ceremony was attended by various revered Jain saints like Jagat Shekhar Vijayji Maharaj of the Shwetambar sect, Devendramuni Maharaj, Sushantmuni Maharaj of Sthanakvasi Gondal sect, Namramuni Maharaj of Parasdham, saints from the Limdi Ajramar sect, and several Jain sadhvis. It was also attended by Rupani’s family and relatives as well as political leaders including union minister Purshottam Rupala, Rajya Sabha MP Ram Mokariya, Rajkot MLA Ram Tilara and Ghatkopar MLA Parag Shah. Hundreds of community leaders and thousands of people from 180 countries also joined virtually.

Rupani was conferred the title of ‘Jeevdaya Ratna’ by Namramuni Maharaj in 2017 for his steadfast commitment to non-violence. He urged the union government to declare June 12 as ‘Jeevdaya Day’ as a gift to Rupani, honouring his lifelong compassion towards animals. He proposed that on this day, all slaughterhouses in India remain shut annually as a living tribute to his legacy.

Remembering his love for education, the Jain saint inspired the establishment of ‘The Vijaybhai Rupani Scholarship’, through which 68 students will receive annual scholarships, ensuring that his light continues to shine for generations. “Among millions who fade into history after their departure, he was the one who created history,” the saint said. 

Recalling his memories with the former CM, Rupala reflected, “In a karma-driven society, I have lost a comrade who worked without expectations, a true commander in the journey of service.” Rupani’s son Rupani recalled his father as a man who embodied the core values of Jainism and described him as a ‘CM’ beyond common man, a committed man, cultivated man and cultured man.

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