Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao today greeted the people of the state on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, and urged them to follow as ideals the teachings of Mahavir.
"Mahavir's teachings of peace, patience, true perception (samyak jnana) are all inspiring and worth emulating. Jainism has always thrived in our state, historically. The footprints of Jain Tirthankaras make our state a sacred region. The philosophy central to the lives of the people of Telangana, which is live and let live despite all external conflict and problems, has its roots in the philosophy of the great Jain Tirthankara. We should always try and abide by this idea," the CM said.
Speaking about the special significance of Mahavir to the Telangana agitation, he pointed out, "On the one hand, Gandhi ji had led the non-violent movement for the freedom of our country inspired by the teachings of Mahavir, on the other, the second Telangana statehood movement also incorporated the principles of peace and patience espoused by Mahavir, albeit subtly. And that peaceful, non-violent movement led to the formation of the state.
KCR also added, "During these troubled and turbulent times of the Covid-19 pandemic, everyone should have patience and take inspiration from the teachings of Mahavir, follow his principles, and prevail over the pandemic."