Mumbai: For the first time in its history, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) invited a Jain spiritual monk – His Holiness Spiritual Sovereign Jainacharya Yugbhushansuri, the 79th successor of Tirthankar Shri Mahavir, to grace their campus and address a conference ˜on the topic of the root cause of discrimination in current world order`.
Speaking on one of the pervasive contemporary issues – discrimination, His Holiness highlighted that the systematic and deep-rooted causes of discrimination are embedded in the current world order set by western powers post-World War II. And the cause of such world order lies yet deeper into racism in the form of white supremacy. In his words he said, Poverty is Not an Accident; It`s Engineered. This engineered poverty and resulting under-development in current world order is the major cause of multiple discrimination seen today. He pointed out such systemic discrimination stays in the backyard and superficial discriminations are pointed out targeting the global south. The only solution to all this which his holiness pointed out is reform of world order based on the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
Alongside the seminar, a 200-foot exhibition displayed His Holiness’s insights on modern political, social, and religious issues, drawn from ancient scriptures and an understanding of current global affairs. Among the key exhibits was a journey unveiled in the third edition of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ki Aur conclave series. The journey highlighted how the centuries old merger of spiritual and temporal sovereignties which resulted in absolute sovereignty led to turmoil in current world order.
Another highlight was an illustrative comparison of the Basic Structure Doctrine from ancient Bharat and modern India. The exhibition also featured two contrasting models: one representing the existing flawed global order rooted in Western values, and another embodying the scriptural philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
The event saw the participation of an audience of over 200 from various fields. Among the dignitaries present were Niranjan Hiranandani, MD of Hiranandani Group; Dilip Derai, Executive Director of Reliance; renowned cardiologist Dr. Bhaskar Shah; Dhaval Shah and Hardik Shah, co-founders of PharmEasy. Prominent academicians such as Prof. Ahona Roy from IIT Bombay and Prof. Kaushal Jain, HOD of Commerce at Sydnam College, also graced the occasion.
The seminar was in continuation of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ki Oar conclave 3.0, an initiative by Jyot, aimed at educating ideas of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam as a mantra for a free, fair, and just world order. So far, three conclaves and other subsidiary activities have been organized, bringing together policymakers, legal experts, corporate leaders, and academicians, providing a unique platform for dialogue with spiritual leaders.
