US President Joe Biden extended warm greetings to the Jain community on Mahavir Jayanti, commemorating the birth of Mahavira, the revered founder of Jainism.
In a message shared on X, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden expressed their wishes for a joyful Mahavir Jayanti.
"Jill and I wish a joyous Mahavir Jayanti to people of the Jain faith," Biden conveyed. He emphasized the enduring significance of Mahavira's teachings, encouraging everyone to embrace love, joy, and harmony on this auspicious occasion.
Jill and I wish a joyous Mahavir Jayanti to people of the Jain faith.
— President Biden (@POTUS) April 21, 2024
Today, let us continue to recognize the values Mahavir Swami embodied and celebrate by spreading love, joy, and harmony.
Biden is the first US President to officially acknowledge Mahavir Jayanti.This year it is being observed on April 21. It holds special significance for over 150,000 Jains residing in the United States, comprising at least a third of the global Jain diaspora.
The presence of Jains in America traces back to the 20th century. However in 1893 Virachand Gandhi represented Jainism as the first Jain delegate at the inaugural Parliament of World Religions in the US.
Today, the United States boasts the highest number of Jain temples outside India, underscoring the vibrant presence of Jainism across the nation. The Federation of Jain Associations of North America serves as the overarching body uniting the Jain community in the US, symbolizing their collective strength and identity.
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