Udaipur: The celebrations of completion of fifty years of Digambar Jain saint Aachrya Shree Vidyasagarji's deekhsha will begin on 28th June 2017 as 'Sanyam Swarn mahotsav'. This will conclude on 30th June 2018. It is to be noted that the Champaran Styagrah by Mhatma Gandhi covering Swadeshi and Jan jagaran will be completing its 100 years in 2017. Aacharya Shree Vidyasagar ji Maharaj, 72, is such a Digambar Jain Aacharya who is closely associated with Meditation and Human welfare. After his Deeksha, for the last 50 years he has been a central point of reverence for millions. During the year long celebrations many activities of human Welfare, cultural and religious programs will be organized in various towns and cities. The main program will be held on 28th, 29th and 30th June 2017, in Dongargdh (dist: Rajnandgaon) of Chhatisgadh, where the great saint is presently staying. The celebrations will be attended by more than one lac of his followers from all over the country and abroad.Those followers, who will not be able to witness the grand celebrations at Dongargadh are busy in preparing to celebrate in their towns and cities. On this memorable day Prabhat Feri (morning Processions) will take place in all important Jain tamples and the musical worship of Aachryashree will also be organized. Mass Plantation will also take place. Fruits and other materials will be distributed in Hospitals, orphanage and old Homes. Food and clothes will also be distributed to the needy.
Achryashree Vidyasagar Ji Mharaj
Acharyashree Vidyasagr Ji Maharaj, was born on the Holy occasion of Sharad Poornima the 10th Oct 1946 in Sadlaga village of Belgaum dist of Karnataka. When he was 22 he adopted Pichhi Kamndlu and renounced all worldly materials.
After Deeksha he always walked on foot without using any vehicle. During the 49 long years of his sainthood Acharyshree continued to flow the spiritual Ganga
by traveling barefoot thousands of kilometers in Maharashtra,Gujrat, Chhatisgadh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarpradesh, West Bengal and Bihar. With his spiritual efforts millions of people gave up intoxication. Acharyashree also made successful efforts to strengthen the national integration. When he used to walk in villages, people of every walk of life used to gather in crowds and create a scene as if the great Bhagwan Mahaveer himself is walking there.
Even when the thorns pierced in his feet or ulcers there, his travel was uninterrupted and continued. He never used to disclosed his programs. In real sense he is a saint of the masses. Impressed with greatness of Acharya Vidyasagar ji, his mother, father and two younger brothers Anantnath and Shantinath along with two sisters Suvarna and Shanta also adopted deeksha. Achryashree Vidyasagar ji Maharaj sleeps only for a short while, on hard wooden Takht without any mattress or cover. He is an early riser and wakes up at 2 AM. He is staunch follower of Jain Muni code of conduct and accordingly takes food and water only once in 24 hours through hands (Panipatra). His food excludes green vegetables, milk, salt and sugar.
Strong supporter of public welfare and Swadeshi
With the inspiration of acharyashree more then 100 Gaushalas (cow shelters) are being operated in various places mainly of Gujrat, MdhyaPradesh, chhatisgadh and Maharashtra. He is also instrumental in reconstruction of many places of pilgrimage and the places are decorated with art of sculptures. A modern hospital with all modern amenities, 'The Bhagyodaya Teerth Chikitsalaya' is also in operation at Saugor.
A strong supporter of 'Stree Shiksha' (Women Education) and education in mother tongue
With the holy inspiration of Gurudev, Model Girls' school with boarding facilities are in operation with the title 'Pratibha Sthali'. Where preferred attention is given for all round development of the girl students. With such efforts these schools affiliated with CBSE are giving cent per cent results and all the students pass in first division. Contrary to the common trend of English medium, these schools are providing education through Hindi medium.
As per the principle of Acharyshree the education in all the developed countries is provided in their own mother tongues. Acharyashree is of the strong opinion that education through Hindi medium helps in developing mind of the student without any hindrance. They also develop tendency for use of new methods and capacity to innovate with scientific approach. According to Acharyashree all educationists and the UNSCO are also supporting education in mother tongue.
Self reliance through Hand looms and Swadeshi With the inspiration of Achryashree the hand looms are being started at various places. Which is promoting use of 'Khadi'. A better class of clothes are being manufactured which provides large scale employment and promoting Swadeshi. These hand woven clothes are completely non violent and skin friendly.
