Navkar Mahamantra Divas

Prelims – Current events of national and international importance.

Mains (GS-I) – Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

Why in News?

Recently, Navkar Mahamantra Divas was inaugurated in line with celebration of Mahavir Jayanti.

Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated on April 9the every year to commemorate the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.

Navkar Mantra – It is not just a mantra but the core of our faith and the essence of life.
It is central to Jain prayer, is more than a collection of sacred syllables, it is a rhythmic flow of energy, stability, and light.
9 resolutions are anchored in a commitment to knowledge, action, harmony, and rooted progress.
Repeating the mantra 9 times, or in its multiples like 27, 54, or 108 represents spiritual completeness and intellectual clarity.

Navkar Mantra – Nine Resolutions for a New India
9 Resolutions	Description
1 Water Conservation	Emphasizing the need to value and save every drop of water.
2 Plant a tree in Mother’s Name	Planting of over 100 crore trees in recent months and urging everyone to plant a tree in their mother’s name and nurture it like her blessings.
3 Cleanliness Mission	Understanding the importance and contributing to cleanliness in every street, neighbourhood and city.
4 Vocal for Local	Promotion of locally made products, turning them global and supporting items that carry the essence of Indian soil and the sweat of Indian workers.
5 Explore India	To explore India’s diverse states, cultures, and regions before traveling abroad, emphasizing the uniqueness and value of every corner of the country.
6 Adopting Natural Farming-	The Jain principle of “One living being should not harm another”, and for freeing Mother Earth from chemicals, supporting farmers, and promoting natural farming.
7 Healthy Lifestyle	Following Indian dietary traditions, including millets (Shri Anna), reducing oil consumption by 10%, and maintaining health through moderation and restraint.
8 Incorporating Yoga and Sports-	Making yoga and sports a part of daily life, whether at home, work, school, or parks, to ensure physical health and mental peace.
9 Helping the Poor	Assisting the underprivileged, whether by holding a hand or filling a plate, as the true essence of service.

Ecological relevance of Jainism - Lord Mahavir’s timeless teachings align beautifully with Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), a national call for sustainable living.
Jainism’s emblem, “Parasparopagraho Jivanam”, meaning the mutual interdependence of all life offers a deeply ecological worldview.

On Mahavir Jayanti in April 2024, a commemorative stamp and coin on the occasion of 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav.