[:en]Ahmedabad, Sunday: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani today inaugurated a Vihar Dham at Vastadi in Surendranagar district on Rajkot-Limbdi Highway.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that Jain monks on constant move need appropriate place to rest on the way. It is built by donors from the Kshatriya Samaj. There have been several Kshatriyas as Tirthankara. He thanked the people of Gujarat ever ready to serve sadhus. They persevered to protect religion and sadhus, notwithstanding sacrifices by several martyrs. It is for this reason that Indian philosophy and culture have been established in several parts of the world.
Mr. Rupani said the state government is paving the footpaths for Jain monks on the 250-km long Palitana-Vallabhipur-Ahmedabad-Shankheshwar – being discussed past several times – and the pilot project is scheduled to be completed soon.
True to the principle of non-violence practised by Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Mahavir, he said that his government has been compassionate towards all living beings – for ants to 108 Ambulance Service for human beings. It recently increased subsidy to voluntary organisations under Karuna Abhiyan.
Surendranagar’s Guardian Minister Kunwarjibhai Bavaliya gave details of the Vihar Dham as part of several development works in and around pilgrimage centres in the state.
The Chief Minister felicitated four disciples. He also administered polio drop to children as part of the state-wide Pulse Polio drive he had launched today from Gandhinagar.
Those present on the occasion included District Collector K. Rajesh, Chaaran Devalma od the Ayee sect, Member of Parliament Mahendrabhai Munjpara. MLA Dhanjibhai Patel, former Minister Kiritsinh Rana, Surendranagar-Dudhrej Nagarpalika President Vipinbhai Toliya and a large number of prominent citizens.[:]
