Ahimsa is the Absolute Truth. Its importance was there in the Past, is there in the Present and will always be there in the Future. The ultimate achievement of non-violence is the state of ‘boduless’. However, the dire need and necessity of non-violence cannot be denied with that state of body. That is why it is said ‘Parasparopagraho Jivanam’. Living beings exist with mutual support. Though the society and the world cannot function without non-violence, even for the survival of its own being, non-violdence is a must. Non-violence is not only a religious practice needed outside the World by but is also required in our day to day practical life.

The main objectives of this Ahimsa Yatra are : • A Non-Violent Society • To spread the message of Ahimsa all over the World • To promulgate a feeling of Morality among the people • To bring the international groups working for Non-Violence together • To make the people aware about the effects of violence on Society and the World.

This Ahimsa yatra has been regarded as one of the most significant and historical expeditions of the present era and has proved really useful in the present context. Due to its importance and objective, it has been well received and welcomed by most of the top dignataries of the Country. The Heads of various Religious Sects have also actively particpated in this yatra. The views and thoughts of Acharya Shri were taken into high consideration for creating a peaceful environment in Gujarat. The personal visit of Acharya Shri amidst the Rath Yatra really gave a lot of comfort and relaxation to the people who were frightened and apprehending any calamity.

Let us take a vow to dedicate ourselves completely for this noble cause of spreading Acharya Mahapragya’s message of Non-Violence and Peace. Our beloved and Honourable President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is so much impressed by this great Philosopher that he preferred to celebrate his birthday in Surat with Acharya Mahapragya and released ‘Surat Spiritual Declaration’. There after, the President has expressed his willingness to write a book jointly with Mahapragya.

Under the able guidance of Acharya Mahapragya, a central Forum for Peace and Non-Violence has been formed in the name of ‘Ahimsa Samvay’. On 25th October 1999 Ahimsa Samvay was reckoned as a forum to solve various problems. Though a number of people and organisations are busy in carrying out the various programmes for establishing Ahimsa but as they lack the total involvement, the partial works have not brought the desired results. Ahimsa is an Eternal and Absolute Truth. The value of Ahimsa has much more increased in the current violent environment. According to Acharya Mahapragya all individuals and institutions should sit together and think at the forum of Ahimsa Samvay and evolve an unanimous plan on Ahimsa and implement it amicably. This dynamic concept and forum has been now fortified by an increasing number of various religious leaders and social workers.

Acharya Sri Mahapragya’s views on this was very highly appreciated at international level. It had received a warm response from all corners, when he expressed this while representing Jainism in the International Inter-Religious Meet at Delhi. This Meet was presided by Late Pope John Paul. It was live telecast in most of the countries of the world.

The broad concept of Ahimsa lies in the development of the power of controlling one’s desires (Sanyam). Importance is being given to a pollution-free-environment and armament-free atmosphere. There are very little efforts for the transmution of thoughts. It is sure that unless the consciousness for Ahimsa is awakened, the dangerous phenomenon taking place in the
present context cannot be eradicated. Until one is ready to sacrifice and curtail his/her desires and materialistic comforts, just by chanting the word ‘International Peace’, the peace cannot be established. This necessarily requires a change of heart and Ahimsa Consciousness.

This Non-Violence Rally directed by Acharya Shri Mahapragya is impressing the general masses. People from every caste, group and sect are participating in this yatra. On the one hand with its influence, when the rural are taking the path to refrain from drinking and addictions, the top dignitories of the respective areas and many other prominent personalities from different disciplines apart from general masses admire Acharya Mahapragya for his dedicated services for promoting world peace. It is worthwile to mention here the heartfelt appreciations for this yatra from some of our national leaders.

In their own words
• Mr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam : Acharya Mahapragya is above Sectarianism. It may be specifically
mentioned to the political, social and religious leaders coming for Darshan of your Lordship
that the burning probelms of the Nation can only be solved once they are above grouppolitics
and then only can the Nation be further developed.
• Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee : The efforts being put forward by Acharya Sri Mahapragya at
this age also is really unique. Ahimsa yatra can definitely overcome terrorism.
• Lal Krishna Advani : He has accepted non-violence as the basic principle or policy and this
is indeed a great thing.
• Smt Sonia Gandhi : We should spread this (Acharya Shri Mahapragya’s) message to the utmost so that society is filled with a consciousness of non-violence and fraternity.

Acharya Shri is quite hopeful that all the people who are concerned with the development of nonviolent, moralistic and healthy society will certainly come forward and play an active role and participate in this yatra.

Through the expedition of Ahimsa Yatra, His Highness has created an atmosphere of Non- Violence, Universal Friendship and Fraternity which is a historical event.

For the continuous and perpetual efforts of His Highness in the act of strengthening the feeling of Non-Violence, National Integration and Communal Harmony, an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has adorned his highness with the prestious National Communal Harmony Award.

A glorious function was organized on the 2nd August 2005, at the Planery Hall in the Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, in which all the at the dignitaries including the President of India Dr. A.P.J.
Abdul Kalam, Vice President Sri Bhairosingh Shekhawat, the Prime Minister Dr. Manohan Singh, the Home Minister Sri Shivraj Patil, the opposition leader Sri Lal Krishna Advani saluted and paid their obeisance to this Great Saint ignoring all protocol.

While presenting the award to His Highness Acharya Mahapragya, the President said, “Acharya Mahapragya is such a remarkable Great Saint who has put forward most of his energy in establishing peace and tranquility in the World”. He further said, “Acharya Shri has advised me to make a Missile of Peace. His order seemed like a challenge to me. I am totally involved in this mission with His blessings”.

The Vice President said - “There are very few personalities like Acharya Shri whose thoughts and words are not different. I am closely in touch with Gurudev impressed by the Anuvrat Movement promulgated by him.

The Prime Minister said - “An unprecedented atmosphere or communal harmony was formed in Gujarat by the Ahimsa Yatra. To adorn Acharya Mahapragya with this National Communal Harmony Award is an appraisal for his efforts of awakening the feeling of tolerance and wisdom in society”.

The Home Minister said - “Acharya Mahapragya has really done a great favour to the country and the billions of people by accepting our request to receive this award”.

Acharya Mahapragya said while accepting the award Government of India has given me this National Communal Harmony Award. I dedicate this award to all those who have made efforts in this great cause of creating Harmony.

In a true sense, this award is the respect paid to the glorious traditions of this Great Country My stay in Delhi has proved to be quite effective and purposeful.