Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan arrived in Karnataka today on his maiden visit to the State after assuming office. In a social media post, Mr. Radhakrishnan said he was warmly welcomed in Bengaluru by the Governor of Karnataka, Thaawar Chand Gehlot, and Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, H. D. Kumaraswamy, along with other dignitaries. The Vice-President was also accorded a Guard of Honour upon his arrival.

Addressing a gathering at the commemoration of Jain seer Acharya Shanti Sagar Maharaj in Shravanabelagola, Hassan district, Mr. Radhakrishnan highlighted the profound contribution of Jain philosophy to India’s spiritual journey and heritage. He recalled the valuable contributions of Jain monks and scholars to Tamil literature during the Sangam and post-Sangam periods.

The Vice-President underscored the importance of the core tenets of Jainism — non-violence, self-restraint, and renunciation — which have deeply influenced the spiritual ethos of Indian society. Speaking about Acharya Shanti Sagar Maharaj, he said the seer’s quest for inner peace and salvation continues to inspire people.

Mr. Radhakrishnan also remembered how Emperor Chandragupta Maurya spent his final years in Shravanabelagola after renouncing worldly life. He said that in a world torn by war and conflict, Jainism’s message of peace and harmony has even greater relevance today.

The Vice-President thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for declaring Prakrit a classical language and for launching a mission to digitize all religious scriptures belonging to Jainism.