• 08 Feb 2025

Samadhi Smriti Mahotsav in Chhattisgarh

Why in News? 

Recently, the Union Home Minister addressed the first Samadhi Smriti Mahotsav of Shri Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh. 

 Key Points 

• Addressing the Mahotsav: 
  • He also participated in Shri 1008 Siddhachakra Vidhan Vishwa Shanti Mahayagya. 
  • During the event, the minister released: 
    • A commemorative coin of Rs 100 
    • A special postal envelope of Rs 5 
    • 108 footprints and portrait of Acharya Shri Vidyasagar Ji 
    • Laid the foundation stone of the proposed Samadhi Smarak 'Vidyayatan' 
• Education and Social Development Initiatives: 
  • The minister announced the foundation stone of a girl’s school in Dindori district, Madhya Pradesh, which will offer free education, skill development, and employment opportunities. 
• Role of Jain Saints in National Unity: 
  • The minister acknowledged the contribution of Jain saints, who spread the spiritual message from Uttar Pradesh to Karnataka, Bihar to Gujarat. 
    • He highlighted that Acharya Ji taught us that India’s identity is deeply rooted in its culture. 
  • Acharya Ji wrote the Hindi epic 'Mookmati,' which has been translated into many languages and remains a significant work on philosophy, ethics, spirituality, and the nation. 

 Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj 

 

• Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj was a highly respected monk in the Jain community, known for his wisdom and spiritual leadership. 
• He embraced monasticism at a young age and attained the esteemed title of Acharya, signifying his deep knowledge and spiritual achievements. 
• He actively worked in the fields of education, healthcare, environmental protection, and sustainable agriculture. 
• He encouraged societal progress and urged people to participate in democratic processes. 
• In his final days, he undertook Sallekhana (a voluntary Jain practice of fasting to death) and abstained from food and liquids for the last three days of his life. 

Global United Consciousness Conclave

Why in News? 

The three-day Global United Consciousness Conclave 2025 is being organized in Ujjain from 14 to 16 February 2025. Thinkers, scholars, spiritual leaders and yogacharyas from more than 20 countries will participate in the conclave. 

Key Points 

• Objective:  
  • The objective of organizing this conclave is to establish a culture of peace in the country and the world.  
  • It includes topics like spirit of unity, welfare, service, spirituality and yoga, ecology, education and democracy, inclusion and participation and sustainable economy. 
• Event:   
  • The event is being organised by United Consciousness, Yoga Vidya-Germany, European Yoga Federation and Akshara Kids Academy-Ujjain at Kalidas Academy.  
  • The collaborating institutions include Maharaja Vikramaditya Research Centre, Department of Culture, Madhya Pradesh Government, Kalidas Sanskrit Academy and Vikram University, Ujjain. 
  • The event is in line with G20 "One Earth, One Family, One Future" mission and aims to promote peace, stress relief and improve relationships. 
• Theme:  
  • The key themes of this conclave are: 
    • Culture of peace through the spirit of unity 
    • A Culture of Peace through Wellness 
    • Culture of Peace through the Spirit of Service 
    • Culture of Peace through Spirituality and Yoga 
    • Culture of Peace through Ecology 
    • Culture of Peace through Education and Democracy 
    • A culture of peace through inclusion and participation 
    • A culture of peace through a sustainable economy 

 United Consciousness 

• United Consciousness is a global initiative of Project Self Inc., a non-profit organization registered in the US and India.  
• It aims to promote universal peace, spiritual enlightenment, spirit of unity and happiness throughout the world. 
• It believes in the power of one consciousness, one existence. 

Uttar Pradesh Inland Waterways Authority

Why in News? 

Recently, the Uttar Pradesh government approved the formation of 'Uttar Pradesh Inland Waterways Authority' to promote water transport and water tourism in the state. 

Key Points 

• Uttar Pradesh Inland Waterways Authority:  
  • Its objective is to promote water transport by developing waterways, which will reduce pressure on road and rail networks.  
  • Major cities situated along the banks of the Ganga River and other waterways hold significant potential for water tourism development. 
  • Structure:   
    • The Authority will be headed by a Minister of Transport or an expert in Waterways, Shipping, Navigation, Ports and Maritime Affairs nominated by the Chief Minister.  
      • The Vice-Chairman will be appointed by the State Government.  
      • A representative nominated by the Chairman of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) will also be its member. 
      • The Transport Commissioner of Uttar Pradesh will be the Chief Executive Officer of this Authority. 

• Waterways in Uttar Pradesh:  
  • It is notable that 111 national waterways have been declared in the country, of which Uttar Pradesh has a total of 11 national waterways including Ganga and Yamuna. 

 Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) 

• IWAI is a statutory body under the Ministry of Shipping . 
• It was constituted under the IWAI Act, 1985 by the Indian Parliament. 
• Its headquarter is located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. While regional offices are in Patna, Kolkata, Guwahati and Kochi and sub-offices in Pra 

Lakhisarai Museum

Why in News? 

On 6 February 2025, the Chief Minister of Bihar inaugurated the Lakhisarai Museum built at a cost of Rs 35.8 crores . 

Key Points 

• About Lakhisarai Museum: 
  • This is the second largest museum of Bihar.  
  • The ancient statues, inscriptions, pottery, Buddhist stupas and precious stones recovered from excavations in various areas of Lakhisarai district which were kept at Ashokdham temple and other places will now be preserved in this museum. 
  • It will promote tourism, which will help people know the history and culture of the state and will benefit the local economy. 
  • The museum can help in showcasing the cultural and historical importance of Lakhisarai. 

 Lakhisarai District 

• The district was established on 3 July 1994. Earlier Lakhisarai was a subdivision in Munger district. 
• Some of the important temples and religious places within the district are Ashokdham, Bhagawati Temple of Barhiya, Shringi Rishi, Jalappa Sthan, Abhaynath Sthan, Abhipur Mountain, Maharani Sthan of Abhipur, Govind Baba Sthan (Mandap) Rampur and Durga Sthan Lakhisarai etc. 
• Lakhisarai is bordered by Munger, Sheikhpura, Begusarai and Patna on the east, south, west and north.