NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvana Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. He also released a commemorative stamp and coin at the event.

Addressing the Mahotsav, PM Modi said, “Bharat Mandapam today witnesses the beginning of the 2550th Nirvan Mahotsav of Lord Mahavira…I extend my wishes to the people of the country on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. To be part of such a program during the hustle and bustle of elections is comforting."

The PM further said that India is not only the oldest living civilisation in the world but also a safe haven for humanity. “It is India which thinks not for itself but for the whole...It is India that talks about policy and destiny,” he said.

Referring to the ongoing wars across the world, PM Modi said, “Today the world caught in conflict is expecting peace from India. The credit for this new role of new India is being given to our growing capability and foreign policy. But I want to tell you, our cultural image has a big contribution to this. Today India has come into this role because we keep forth truth and non-violence on global platforms with full confidence.”

Earlier in the day, PM Modi greeted people on Mahavir Jayanti, saying that Lord Mahavir's message of peace and goodwill is an inspiration for the country in building a 'Viksit Bharat'.

“My best wishes to all the family members of the country on the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti…Lord Mahavir's message of peace, restraint and harmony are an inspiration for the country in building a ‘Viksit Bharat’,” he wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, in Hindi.