Chicago: The esteemed Parliament of World’s Religions has extended a distinguished invitation to the prominent Jain leader, Acharya Lokesh Muni, to speak at its grand opening ceremony on August 14. This five-day event in Chicago is set to witness the presence of approximately 10,000 delegates from 80 countries, making it the largest gathering of religious leaders from around the globe.
In a media release issued on Thursday, it was revealed that Jain Acharya Lokesh Muni, the visionary founder of Ahimsa Vishva Bharati and the World Peace Centre, received an email from the Parliament of World’s Religions, inviting him as a speaker at both the inaugural ceremony and the interfaith session to be held in the Plenary Hall.
Additionally, Acharya Lokesh Muni will address two more sessions focusing on the critical subjects of climate change and world peace.
Expressing his delight on being invited to address this prestigious gathering, Acharya Lokesh Muni stated, “It is an honor to be a part of the Parliament of World’s Religions, where diverse spiritual traditions come together to foster harmony and cooperation. I am humbled by this opportunity to share the teachings of Jainism and advocate for global peace and environmental consciousness.”
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The historical significance of the Parliament of World’s Religions is deeply rooted in its tradition of bringing together leaders, scholars, and practitioners from different faiths and beliefs to engage in open dialogue and promote understanding among diverse communities. It serves as a platform to address pressing global challenges and to highlight shared values that can lead to positive social transformation.
Notably, the Parliament of World’s Religions witnessed the profound participation of Swami Vivekananda in 1893, who left an indelible mark on the spiritual world with his insightful speech. During that time, Veerchand Raghavji Gandhi represented Jainism at the event.
Apart from Acharya Lokesh Muni, several other Indian religious leaders have been invited to this momentous event in Chicago. One of the distinguished invitees is Nivedita Raghunath Bhide, the all India vice-president of Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari. Recognized for her remarkable contributions, Bhide is the author of 15 books and was honored with the Padma Shri award in 2017 for her exemplary social service.
As the anticipation builds, the presence and wisdom of these eminent spiritual leaders at the Parliament of World’s Religions promise to inspire profound discussions and forge paths toward a more harmonious and compassionate world.
