Nine-day Ram Katha on world peace at Bharat Mandapam

A nine-day Ram Katha dedicated to the cause of world peace began on Friday at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, organisers said.

The event, being held from January 17 to 25 is organised by Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati under the World Peace Centre Mission, with renowned spiritual leader Pujya Morari Bapu delivering the Ram Katha. The programme is being convened by Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, while former President Ram Nath Kovind is the chairperson of the organising committee.

Addressing the gathering, Gupta underscored the contemporary relevance of Ram Katha at a time of global unrest. He said the discourse was not merely a retelling of the past but a moral guide for the future and a call for world peace.

“At a time when the world is confronted with war, violence and a deep crisis of trust, the life and ideals of Lord Shri Ram remind us that true leadership is anchored in character, compassion, restraint and moral courage,” he said.

Gupta said Ram Katha has historically played a vital role in spreading values of morality, fraternity and humanity, and continues to occupy a central place in India’s cultural and spiritual life. He added that dedicating the discourse to the World Peace Centre Mission reflected a conscious commitment to peace, dialogue and nonviolence.

He also acknowledged the contribution of Acharya Lokesh Muni in reviving the Jain tradition of Ahimsa and giving it contemporary relevance through the initiatives of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati and the World Peace Centre.

Speaking on the occasion, Pujya Morari Bapu described Ram Katha as a living spiritual dialogue with humanity, capable of awakening compassion, reflection and ethical responsibility. He said the life of Lord Shri Ram offers timeless guidance on harmony, restraint and empathy, making the focus on world peace both timely and necessary.

Acharya Lokesh Muni said Sanatan Dharma represents an eternal and universal principle rather than any single sect. Emphasising the relevance of Jain philosophy, he said the teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir on nonviolence, peace, harmony and balance are urgently needed in a world facing increasing violence and imbalance.