India Gate Should Be Renamed Bharat Dwar, Says Acharya Pragya Sagar Maharaj In Presence of PM Modi

New Delhi: Acharya Pragya Sagar Maharaj, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urged that India Gate be renamed ‘Bharat Dwar’. He made this appeal while addressing a gathering to commemorate the centenary of Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj.

The event, held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, was attended by Prime Minister Modi, along with several other dignitaries, saints, and political leaders including BJP leader Bansuri Swaraj, daughter of the late Union Minister Sushma Swaraj.

As Maharaj voiced his suggestion, the hall echoed with applause, signalling widespread approval from the audience.

He emphasised that since the nation was named after Bharata, it would be fitting to rename India Gate as ‘Bharat Dwar’. He also praised the government’s earlier decision to rename Rajpath as Kartavya Path.

During the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the title of 'Dharma Chakravarti' at the centenary celebrations of Jain saint Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj.

Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, “On this occasion, you honoured me with the title of 'Dharma Chakravarti'. I do not consider myself suitable for this. But it is our culture that whatever we receive from saints, we accept it as 'prasad'. So, I humbly accept this 'prasad' and dedicate it to Maa Bharati."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled that on this day – June 28 – in 1987, Vidyanand Maharaj was conferred the title of Acharya that marked the beginning of a sacred journey that connected Jain traditions with thought, discipline, and compassion.

“This day is also special because on 28th June 1987, Acharya Vidyanand Muniraj received the title of 'Acharya'. It wasn't just an honour but it was also a 'pavitra dhaara' connecting the Jain culture to ideas, restraint and compassion," PM Modi added.

"When we are celebrating his 100th birth anniversary today, it reminds us of that historic moment. On this occasion, I bow to the feet of Acharya Shri Munirajji. I pray that his blessings are with us always. People, these centenary celebrations are not just any normal event. It has the memory of a time period and the remembrance of an ascetic life. Today, to make this moment memorable, postal stamps have been made, for this too, I greet the people," the Prime Minister added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi further emphasised the significance of the occasion in India’s spiritual tradition.

The Centenary celebrations were organised by the Government of India in collaboration with Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust to honour Jain spiritual leader and social reformer on his 100th birth anniversary.

The government in order to commemorate this occasion released special coins and postage stamps.

PM Modi greeted and congratulated Acharya Shri Pragya Sagar Maharaj and said that under his guidance, millions were following the path laid by Acharya Vidyanand.

Politician Sadhvi Prachi shared a tweet on X saying before greeting Acharya Pragya Sagar Maharaj, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took of his shoes at the event.