CM Mamata recites Navkar Mantra in Sanskrit, Jain community moved to tears on Navkar Mantra Diwas

— West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee participated in the Navkar Mantra Diwas celebrations at Kolkata’s indoor stadium, where she recited the Navkar Mantra in Sanskrit. The event was attended by members of the Jain community. Banerjee extended greetings to Jain followers and acknowledged the spiritual importance of the mantra in Jainism.

The Chief Minister said, “Lord Mahavir spent a significant amount of time in Bardhaman, Bengal.” She added, “Jainism always speaks of ‘live and let live’.” Banerjee also shared that during her visit to the Parasnath Temple, she ensured that a local water crisis was resolved within seven days. Emphasizing her linguistic knowledge, she said, “Hindi has been my second language,” and added that she understands Gujarati, Punjabi, Marathi, Assamese, Bihari, Santhali, Kannada, and Sanskrit.

Banerjee said, “I respect all religions, and no one can separate me from that.” She mentioned having visited major temples across India and regularly meeting people from all communities. She noted, “There are many followers of Jainism in Kolkata.” She also invited the public to the upcoming inauguration events of the Kalighat Skywalk and the Jagannath Temple in Digha.

Highlighting her government’s developmental work, she said progress had been made from Tarakeshwar to Dakshineswar. She mentioned, “I saved Swami Vivekananda’s ancestral house from being sold.” On governance, Banerjee said Bengal leads in MSME and GST collection. Responding to communal concerns, she stated, “There will be nothing in Bengal regarding Waqf that could lead to divisive politics.” She added, “There are 33 percent minorities in Bengal—can I remove them? I cannot. It is my duty to give protection to all.” She concluded by declaring a state holiday in Bengal on the occasion of Lord Mahavir's birth anniversary.