Forgiveness Means Choosing Reform Over Revenge: VP
C. P. Radhakrishnan highlights Jain values of ahimsa, compassion and reconciliation at Mahaparva Kshamapana ceremony
- Radhakrishnan links forgiveness with reform, dialogue and reconciliation.
- He describes ahimsa as non-violence in thought, word and deed.
- Jain philosophy, he says, can guide a peaceful world order.
- He calls for values, trust and compassion in a Viksit Bharat.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 4th Oct: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday called forgiveness a powerful instrument for social harmony, saying it means choosing “reform over revenge, dialogue over hatred and reconciliation over hostility”.
Addressing the Mahaparva Kshamapana Ceremony – 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, organised by the Bhagwan Mahavir Memorial Committee and Jain Mahasabha Delhi, the Vice-President said the Jain tradition transforms forgiveness from a ritual into a discipline for inner and social transformation.
Radhakrishnan said Kshamapana provides an opportunity to transform the human heart and reflect on one’s actions. He said the practice of Pratikraman can encourage individuals and families to acknowledge mistakes, resolve conflicts and move towards reconciliation.
Highlighting the universal relevance of Jain philosophy, he said its message of friendship towards all living beings and enmity towards none resonates with India’s civilisational ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.
In the backdrop of conflicts and violence across the world, the Vice-President said the teachings of Bhagwan Mahavira offer a path based on peace, dialogue, coexistence and compassion.
‘Ahimsa extends beyond physical violence’
The Vice-President said ahimsa should not be understood merely as the absence of physical violence. It also requires eliminating violence from one’s thoughts and words.
He said Bhagwan Mahavira demonstrated that true strength lies in overcoming anger, intolerance and revenge, describing inner victory as an important dimension of the Jain philosophy.
Radhakrishnan also clarified that forgiveness does not mean accepting injustice or compromising with truth. Instead, he said, it should lead individuals towards reform and peaceful resolution of differences.
Jainism’s contribution to Tamil culture
The Vice-President highlighted the historical connection between Tamil Nadu and Jainism, noting the contribution of Jain scholars and monks to classical Tamil literature and culture.
He also recalled the presence of ancient Jain temples and centres of learning across Tamil Nadu.
‘Viksit Bharat’ must go beyond economic growth
Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, Radhakrishnan said national development should not be measured only through economic prosperity, modern infrastructure and technological advancement.
“A truly developed India,” he said, must have trust among citizens, values in families, character among youth and compassion in society.
He called upon citizens to nurture humility, compassion, service, unity and responsibility while pursuing the vision of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi.”
During the ceremony, the Vice-President also presented the Jain Samaj Ratna Award to K. C. Jain.
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, representatives of Jain organisations and religious leaders, including Acharya Shri Visuddh Sagarji Muniraj, were among those present.
