Where Spiritual Grace Meets Intellectual Brilliance

New Delhi Anupma Jain (VNI ) 18 October   It was truly an unique and distinguished ceremony, celebrating the beautiful confluence of spiritual wisdom and intellectual excellence. Young Jaina Awards 2026  A prestigious event organised by "Maitree Samooh" group ,  A group dedicated to spreading and  promoting  teachings of  Rev Digambar Jin Muni Acharya Shree' Vidyasagar'Maharaj' s  esteemed discipline Muni Shree  Kshama sagar ji Maharaj, honoured meritorious Jain students from across the country in both the senior and junior categories. Ceremony was attended by award-winning students and their families, as well as past award recipients who now hold prestigious positions and are making valuable contributions to society

The 26th Young Jaina Awards 2026 ceremony, held last week in Shri Mahaveerji, Rajasthan, was a heartfelt celebration of knowledge, spiritual wisdom and the enduring values of Jainism.

The event honoured meritorious Jain students from across the country in both the senior and junior categories, recognising their dedication, perseverance and academic achievements. Their families, whose encouragement and support had been integral to their success, shared these proud moments, along with former award recipients who now hold distinguished positions and make meaningful contributions to society. The gathering reflected a beautiful bond between generations, united by a shared commitment to learning, strong values and service to society.,

The ceremony also brought together eminent personalities, distinguished industrialists and accomplished individuals, including Mr. P N Benada, a prominent industrialist President of the  Shree Mahaveerji Temple Eexcutive Committee Mr Sudhanshu Kasliwal, treasurer Mr Hemant Sogani

The two chief guests, a renowned senior journalist, Editor in Chief of VNI news portal ,columnist and international affairs expert,Ex president IWPC Ms Shobhna Jain  and Mrs. Renu Jain , a distinguished educationist and former vice-chancellor of Devi Ahilya Bai Holhar university  presented the awards and inspired the young achievers with their blessings and words of wisdom, encouraging them to strive for excellence while remaining firmly rooted in spiritual and ethical values.

The prestigious Young Jaina Awards, organised by the Maitri Group, were instituted in 2001 with the blessings of the revered Acharya Shri Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj, a great ascetic, saint, philosopher and spiritual guide, and Acharya Shri Samaysagar Ji Maharaj. The initiative was inspired by Pujya Muni Shri Kshamasagar Ji Maharaj, a worthy disciple of Acharya Shri Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj. The awards were established to recognise tthe academic achievements of meritorious Jain students from across the country and inspire them to build a bright future.

Addressing the award-winning students, Ms. Shobhna encouraged them to pursue academic excellence without compromising their values, ethics or cultural upbringing. She urged them to practise Anekantavada, a fundamental principle of Jain philosophy that teaches respect for diverse perspectives rather than a one-sided view. She also emphasised the importance of forgiveness towards all living beings, becoming responsible citizens and nurturing relationships with mutual respect. These values, she noted, are essential to realising the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakamthe ,world as one family and fostering harmony, mutual understanding and social cohesion

Mrs. Renuu urged the young achievers to embrace Indian cultural values and follow the principles of Jain philosophy in their daily lives. She encouraged them to develop strong moral character, study with dedication and gain a deeper understanding of India’s rich cultural heritage, keeping its timeless values at the heart of their lives

Launched in 2001 in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, the Young Jaina Awards have grown into a prestigious national initiative that recognises and encourages young talent within the Jain community. The initiative aims not only  honour academic achievements but also to build students’ self-confidence, promote ethical values, foster social responsibility and inspire a commitment to nation-building. These ideals served as the guiding principles for selecting this year’s award recipients.

The Young Jaina Awards 2026 extended their reach beyond national boundaries, gaining international recognition. According to the organisers, a total of 2,422 entries were received this year from three countries, representing 23 states and Union Territories. Participation by students from 20 different educational boards further highlighted the growing reach and significance of the initiative.

As in previous years, the number of girl awardees surpassed that of boys. Girls accounted for 59 per cent of the students honoured, highlighting their growing achievements in education and the importance of women’s empowerment. The participation of students with disabilities further reinforced the initiative’s ccommitment to equal opportunities for all.

Another major highlight was the outstanding academic performance of students, with 330 students scoring 100 per cent marks in one or more subjects.

Significantly, Acharya Shri Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj was himself a prolific writer and scholar who authored numerous works on Jain philosophy, including the celebrated epic Mookmati, regarded as a timeless literary masterpiece. More than 40 research scholars have reportedly pursued doctoral studies on this monumental work, reflecting its profound literary and philosophical significance.

Pujya Muni Shri Kshamasagar Ji Maharaj also had a remarkable academic background. After completing his M.Tech in engineering, he chose the path of renunciation rather than pursuing a conventional career or establishing a business. He devoted his life to spiritual discipline and austerity, remaining steadfast in his practices even while battling a serious illness.

A deeply sensitive poet, Muni Shri Kshamasagar Ji Maharaj authored books on various aspects of Jainism as well as several published collections of poetry. His verses reflect a profound quest for self-discovery and reveal an extraordinary sensitivity towards nature and birds, capturing their beauty and subtle nuances with remarkable depth and feeling.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the Young Jaina Awards is that the event is organised every year by former award-winning students who now hold prestigious positions. They work alongside younger students, who participate with renewed enthusiasm and energy. In this way, the baton of responsibility and service is passed on from one generation to the next, ensuring that the journey continues.

What began as an initiative led by a few dedicated individuals is now being carried forward by many committed professionals, including Nisha-Denior Govt Official, Reshu- IT professional, Dr Abha Jain- Joint Cmmissioner GST Saurabh Jain-Senior Railway Official, .They not only bring laurels to their respective workplaces but are also valuable assets to the Jain community.

When people across generations, including young professionals, teenagers and little children, are seen enthusiastically fulfilling their responsibilities as volunteers, it inspires confidence that the future is in safe hands. This journey continues to grow, and the achievements of students who meet the award’s eligibility criteria stand as proof of the initiative’s progress.

This success is undoubtedly a testament to the growing popularity of the Young Jaina Awards and their efforts to bring talented young members of the Jain community together on a common platform.

A parent of one of the award recipients described the Maitri Group’s approach as truly inspiring, particularly its emphasis on combining academic excellence with moral values and personality development, guided by the teachings of Maharaj Shri.

Through career guidance, motivational sessions and academic interactions, the Young Jaina Awards encourage students to set clear goals, face challenges with confidence and use their abilities for the welfare of society.

Over the years, the awards have evolved beyond an academic recognition programme into a meaningful initiative that brings together education, spirituality, ethical values, personality development and social responsibility. The initiative encourages young people to stay connected to their cultural and spiritual roots while striving for excellence in modern education and diverse professional fields.

According to a volunteer, the Maitri Group’s sustained efforts have provided talented members of the Jain community with a valuable platform to showcase their abilities while fostering a spirit of service, integrity and social commitment.

The 26th Young Jaina Awards reaffirmed the vision of nurturing a confident, conscientious and responsible younger generation through the harmonious integration of education and values.

May this inspiring journey continue to flourish, guiding generations towards knowledge, compassion, excellence and a deeper sense of social responsibility. END