What is Ahinsa Yatra?

Introduction

Acharya Shri Mahapragya started the Ahimsa Yatra on 5th December 2001 at Sujangrah (Rajasthan) to inspire that consciousness which is non-violent and for development of the moral values of people. This ahimsa Yatra, which will conclude in 2004 at Rajasthan itself, will travel through Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. [extended till 2006 - Editors]
The main objective of Ahinsa Yatra is to transform the negative emotion into positive ones through some processes. Acharya Shri says that problems like poverty, corruption, injustice, crime, and pollution cannot be solved just by training the basic principles of religion and social system. These can only be solved by awakening the consciousness for non-violence and providing job oriented training to the people for their smooth livelihood.

Change of Direction

Acharya Shri specifies that vision of Ahimsa Yatra and its programmes are not based on mere non achievable imagination. The edifice of its structure is based on practical and achievable foundation. Whatever can be achieved and changed in due course of time in the direction of the circulating violence has only been set forth as the objective of this great expedition.

Path for Non-Violence

Acharya Shri firmly believes that a strong determination and the commitment is necessary for the people who would like to dedicate themselves for the caused of non-violence. As such, the main points of this so-called 'Sankalp Patra' are taken as below.

• I will make all my sincere efforts to reduce the instances of violence in my life.
• I will respect the thoughts and beliefs of others.
• I will try to settle all disputes, scuffles, and controversies with peace and harmony.
• I will endeavour and work for solving the basic problems of injustice, illiteracy, exploitation, poverty, and unemployment.
• I will practice hard work, self-independency, self-restraint, and self-control.
• I will introspect on a daily basis.

Necessity for Non-violence

Ahinsa is the absolute truth. Its importance was there is the past, is there in the present and will always be there future. The ultimate achievement of non-violence is the state of human soul. That is why it is said 'Parasparo Grah Jivanam'. (Living beings exist with mutual support). Thought the society and the world cannot function with out non-violence, even for survival of his own being, non-violence is must. Non-violence is not only a religious practice needed out side this world but is also required is our day to practical life.

Participation in Yatra

This non-violence rally impresses the general masses. People from every caste, group, and sect are participating in this Yatra. On the one hand with its influence, when the rural are taking the path of refrain from drinking and addictions, the top dignitaries of the respective areas are also taking active part in it. Some of the important participants are President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Dy. P.M. Shri. L.K. Adavani, Finance Minister Shri Jasavant Singh, Foreign Minister Shri Yashawant Sinha, Defence Minister of state Shri Haren Pathak, Chief Minister Shri Ashok Gahalot, Chief Minister Shri Ajit Jogi, Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Governor Shri Anshuman Singh, Governor Shri Sundar Singh Bhandari, Congress Leader Shri Shivaraj Patil, smt. Girija Vyas, R.S.S. Chief Shri K.C. Sudarshan etc. The head of various religious sects have also actively participated in this Yatra. The views and thoughts of Acharya Shri were taken in to high consideration for peaceful environment in Gujarat. The personal visit of Acharya Shri amidst the Rath Yatra really gave a lot of comfort and relaxation to the people who were frightened and apprehending any calamity.
Acharya Shri is hopeful that all the peoples who were concerned with the development of non-violent and moralistic and a healthy society will certainly come forward and play an active role and participation in this Yatra.

Words Of Eminent Personalities

• Acharya Shri is one of the distinguished personalities of the Indian saint tradition. The programmes given by him the welfare of humanity really helps in saving the religion. The culture and traditions that were prevalent during the tenure of Buddha and Mahavir are still alive. His effort of spreading the message to each corner should be successful.
  Dalai Lama
  
• It is duty of human beings to be of service to the poor and needy. We should serve them with high moral values. Moralistic behaviour is ideal of our life and it should always be kept intact. Acharya Shri talks of value system. This is indeed matter of pride for the human race
  Mother Teresa
  
• The object of Anuvrat Movement is to lead towards right path by self-awakening and the development of moral values. This endeavour is so important by itself that everybody should welcome it.
  Dr. Rajendra Prasad
  
• Our youngsters are fast getting inclined towards materialism. At this point of time any movement like this is most welcome which increases self confidence and will power. Anuvrat movement is the only one, which has undertaken this task. This movement should definitely be given support and encouragement.
  Dr. S. Radhakrishnan
  
• Anuvrat movement has presented such programs on non-violence and peace that it can become a lifeline for the coming century. There is a dire need for Anuvrat today because human beings are very frightened of the possibility and consequences of nuclear weapons. The modern concept of training and a forum of non-violence (Ahimsa Samanvay) which Acharya Shri is presenting is indeed a concrete step in the above direction.
  Shri Venkataraman
  
• Acharya Mahapragya is above sectarism. It may be specifically mentioned to the political, social and religious leaders coming for Darshan of lordship that the burning problems of the nation can only be solved once they are above group politics and they only can the nation be developed.
  Acharya Shri is spreading the feelings of fraternity, non-sectarism and togetherness so efficiently which hardly anyone else could have done. That is why the nation needs such great saints. We will be indeed render our full support for his this noble cause.
  Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
  
• If we want to build our nation on high pillars, the edifice of the structure has to be laid down on a strong foundation. If the foundation is made of sand, it will be wiped out no sooner than the flow of water reaches it. Even the structure will sink. Good character and high moral values are only ingredients for a strong foundation. Such a great job is being done in the Avuvrat Movement. I think that higher the progress in this job, better it will be. I wish a complete and full-fledged success in all the activities of this Anuvrat Movement.
  Pandit Jawaharalal Nehru
  
• If we do our honesty, sincerely and with discipline, our nation will really reach new heights. Anuvrat Movement is being conducted for many years. It mainly teaches us that our value system and character should of a very high standard. The people of the nation should have good moral values.
  Smt. Indira Gandhi
  
• The effort being put forward by Acharya Shri Mahapragya at this age also is unique. Ahimsa Yatra can definitely overcome terrorism. It will result in creating a felling of dedication and devotion among the people towards non-violent acts of solving problems. I extent my good wishes and sincere wishes for its success.
  Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee
  
• Anuvrat Movement inspired by Acharya Shri Tulsi is a panacea for all the ill that have spread in the nation. I believe that if there is anything that will take man towards self-resistant, it is this mission. A person can lead very happy and relaxed life by taking the vows of Anuvrat.
  Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
  
• Anuvrat Movement is non-sectarian and universal. Whatever it might be named the job it is doing the beneficial for all. So it required that the movement which was started by Acharya Tulsi for promotion of moral values should be understood, practiced and followed.
  Lok Nayak Shri Jay Prakash Narayan
  
• Acharya Shri Mahapragya is very learned. Above all he is also a philosopher and a saint. Only these kinds of personalities can inspired the society. He has accepted non-violence as a basic principal or policy and this need a great thing. If non-violence is made a policy then the problem of violence can definitely be overcome. Whenever I have read Acharya Mahapragya's literature or met him or whenever I have spoken to him, I felt that his thoughts and principles are beneficial for needs in society
  Lalkrishna Advani
  
• I am extremely happy to visit you during this pious Ahimsa Yatra. It is indeed great that I had opportunity to attend the Yatra in the birthplace of the greatest worshiper of non-violence, Mahatma Gandhi. I pay an obeisance to Acharya Shri Mahapragya who has inspired this Yatra.
  Besides having spiritual powers, Acharyaji has the power of the pen too. He is a laureate. He has written a number of books and inspired lot of writers. We should spread his message to utmost so that society it filled with a consciousness of non-violence and fraternity.
  Smt. Sonia Gandhi
  
• The solution of all the worldly problems can be found in the preaching of spiritual personality like Acharya Shri Mahapragya and in the pretext of principles of 'Anekant'. It is promoting to have high moral values, through the Anuvrat Movement. 'Anekant' provides the philosophy of the entire life. Acharya Shri has given a new direction to the world. -
  K. C. Sudarshan
  
• Non-violence, peace, and tolerance have always been the tradition of the country. The principle of non-violence is very grate but to keep this feeling safe gets difficult because of Pakistan's wrong and continuous steps. I want Acharya Shri to guide us so that we can solve these problems. This Ahimsa Yatra of Acharya Shri will strengthen the basic culture and tradition of our country.
  Jaswant Singh
  
• Anuvrat Movement is a programme, which is beneficial not only for India but also for the entire world. The basic aim of this movement is-to re-establish the eternal values of truth and non-violence.
  Justice Shri Bhuvaneshwar Prasad Sinha
  
• There are two main problems the country is facing-elections and in the educational system. Anuvrat makes a man to take the right path in the life so if an Anuvrat is elected to serve the country, it more beneficial. That is why I am impressed with this movement.
  T. N. Seshan
  
• Anuvrat works like Sanjivani. It is a successful means of reactivating the human values. Acharya Shri does not want any adornments. He only wishes for human progress.
  General Cariappa
  
• It is necessary to promote humanity in our country. This is possible only by inspiring the internal feeling of human being and not by legalizing anything. We should always be ready to render our support in such a mission like Anuvrat.
  Shri Vasantrai Nayak
  
• Acharya Shri started the Anuvrat Movement after India attained independence. Today it has become a national programme. It inspires the society to lead a purposeful life. It is a great service to the nation as well as humanity.
  Krishna Kumar Birla
  
• Anuvrat is a grate mission but I think that till moral values are not given a materialistic base, the poor will be immoral due to poverty and the rich will be immoral due to their richness. Still I respect Anuvrat as it gives a direction.
  Harivansh Rai Bachchan
  
• The police and administration can stop violence but they cannot bring peace. The view and blessings of great saints like Acharya Shri are very necessary for achieving peace. Acharya Mahapragya's arrival in Gujarat at this time of violence will definitely give result.
  K.P.S. Gill