Those who could not give life have no right to take life either: Gujarat CM defends cow slaughter ban on Mahavir Jayanti

Ahmedabad, April 9, 2017: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani here today said that following the Bhagwan Mahavir’s principles of Ahimsa, Anekant and Aparigraha is the true path to peace and happiness.

Speaking at the Bhagwan Mahavir Jayanti celebration on the Sabarmati Riverfront, he said that Indian culture is based on the concept of religious punishments providing directions to governance. Bhagwan Mahavir’s principle of pity, compassion and sympathy is based on the live and let live. The people of Gujarat are basically peace-loving, gentlemanly and businessmen. He said that non-violence is the ultimate religion to serve the people.

In the wake of raging debate on cow slaughter and transportation of beef, he defended the bans saying that those who could not give life have no right to take life either.

Mr. Rupani called for maintaining 24×7 cleanliness at eight religious places including Palitana for which Rs.20-crore have been earmarked. It is desired that the preaching of the Tirthankaras on for the last several millenniums continue forever at the top of the Shetrunjay hills. He said a pedway is also being constructed as a pilot project from Vallabhipur to Palitana to save the pedestrians from vehicular accidents.

The 14 dreams of Bhagwan Mahavir’s mother Trishala was enacted befitting the Jayanti on a 50-foot high platform through a colourful programme 3D mapping. He unveiled the new logo for Gyanarth Ganga of Jyot Sanstha.

Prominent among those present on the occasion included Yugbhushan Surishwarji Maharaj, MLA Rakeshbhai Shah, Shreyanshbhai Shah, Shripalbhai Shah, Bharatbhai Bagadiya, Jain monks and followers.