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CGI NY celebrates Mahavir Jayanti with Ahimsa Foundation
Congresswoman Grace Meng and NYC Comptroller Mark Levine attended the festivities, while Congressman Gregory Meeks shared a video message congratulating the attendees.
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Staff Reporter - Mon, 08, Jun 2026
- 07:35 EDT
- 56
Mahavir Jayanti celebrations at CGI NY / CGI New York via X
The Consulate General of India in New York partnered with the International Ahimsa Foundation to celebrate Mahavir Jayanti at the Indian Consulate in New York.
The Consulate described the celebration as a reflection of the timeless teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir and the universal values of Ahimsa, peace, compassion and self-discipline.
Mahavir Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara and one of the most revered spiritual teachers in Jainism. Mahavira is believed to have been born in 599 BCE, making this his 2,625th birth anniversary.
The festival is observed by Jain communities worldwide through prayers, processions, charitable activities, and reflections on Mahavira's teachings of non-violence, truth, and compassion.
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Congresswoman Grace Meng and NYC Comptroller Mark Levine attended the festivities, while Congressman Gregory Meeks shared a video message congratulating the attendees.
Levine addressed the gathering and acknowledged the contributions of the Indian-American community, sharing his joy over the Mahavir Jayanti celebration.
Deputy Consul General Vishal J. Harsh highlighted Lord Mahavir’s "enduring message of non-violence and harmony, and commended the Jain community for its valuable contributions to India and the United States," noted the Indian Consulate in New York on X.
The celebrations were spearheaded by the founder and President of the International Ahimsa Foundation, Dr. Neeta Jain. Jain holds a PhD in Psychology from Lucknow University and is a District Leader at Democratic Organization of Queens County.
The International Ahimsa Foundation (IAF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the principles of ahimsa (non-violence), peace, and harmony across cultures. Formed in 2012, it frequently collaborates with Indian Consulates and community leaders globally to host civic engagements and celebrate cultural festivals like Mahavir Jayanti.
The organization has, over the years, led Mahavir Jayanti celebrations at the Indian Consulate in New York on several occasions.
In 2021, then Consul General of India, NY, spoke about the relationship between the International Ahimsa Foundation and the Consulate General of India and the importance of cultural celebration and unity for the progress of society.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
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