Known as friend to the world, Mohanji gets presented the "Mahaveer Award" for promoting Ahimsa

Known as friend to the world, Mohanji gets presented the “Mahaveer Award” for promoting Ahimsa

Few people around the world, possess the foresight, dexterity, and zeal to lead others on the path of ahimsa the way Mohanji has done. The venerated visionary has gained recognition globally for his efforts to advocate a cruelty-free lifestyle where humans co-exist with other creatures and the natural life of all living beings is respected.

It was in 2018 that Mohanji was awarded the Seal of Municipal District of Huarocondo in Peru, for his selfless and consistent humanitarian missions around the world. Mohanji was also awarded the title of the ‘Most Influential Vegan’ at the 2021 Vegan Food awards hosted by PETA India (a non-profit that works for the welfare of animals and animal rights).

Therefore, it comes as no surprise that on the 28th of June, Mohanji was presented with an award for his unstinting efforts in encouraging this lifestyle. He won the coveted “Mahaveer Award” that was offered to him by Mr Nitin Metha, the founder of the Indian Vegetarian Society. The prestigious award is presented to individuals and organisations working to reduce the suffering of animals.

MOHANJI ENCAPSULATES HIS JOURNEY IN A NUTSHELL

Speaking of his journey so far, he opines, “My life, like everyone else’s, had distinct stages – an impressionable, explorative childhood, the regular confused state of youth trying to understand my purpose on earth, and the auto-positioned adulthood that made me realize that nothing was in my control and hence nothing mattered anymore.”

Mohanji further elaborates, “The only essence from these stages was that everything was temporary; Had it. Felt it. Left it. My biggest challenge was positioning myself in a society conditioned and structured by concepts – expected to conform to and imprisoned by “approved and permissible” boundaries of expressions, a state I considered equal to death.”

ORIGINS OF THE AWARD

It is widely known that Mahaveer was the 24th Tirthankara (supreme preacher) of Jainism who constantly championed Ahimsa in all its forms. This is precisely why the award that is presented in his name has been inscribed with the words, “Out of great compassion for all living beings, you are guiding the world towards the path of Ahimsa (non-violence) and a plant-based, meat-free lifestyle. WE salute you.”

In the past, this award was won by several noteworthy figures, and Mr. Metha sang praises of Mohanji’s work. In fact, Mohanji was also presented with a book penned by a master in Jain lineage. Mohanji’s was gifted a book that is devoted to our country’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

MOHANJI’S VENERATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS MADE HIM A SHOO-IN FOR THE AWARD

Mohanji’s philanthropical journey began several years ago. On the auspicious day of Vijayadashami in October 2016, an elaborate ceremony was held in Kurnool to confer of the title of “Brahmarishi” to Mohanji by Avadhoota Nadananda (Guruji). For the uninitiated, Mohanji was presented with the Sivananda World Peace Award in November 2018 by Prince Ishwar, President of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation in recognition for his ceaseless work and continued commitment to the upliftment and care for all species sharing life on Earth.

And during his visit to South Africa in 2018, Mohanji was awarded with “Zulu peace Warrior Stick” by His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini, as per ancient Zulu custom. These are presented to the Knights of the Zulu Kingdom – entrusted to maintaining peace in the land. Moreover, his constant efforts and contributions for animals have even inspired other entrepreneurs and humanitarians to work for animal welfare in an effort to coexist.

Powered by his vision, the restaurant chain Ahimsa Vegan Café was founded. His thoughts and ideas also fuelled the success of Vegan First, Ahimsa Imprints and other such ventures.

MOHANJI SHARES HIS PEARLS OF WISDOM ON SPECIESISM

After all, as the legendary trailblazer rightly said of speciesism, “Nepotism, Selective compassion and kindness, Speciesism, Double standards of numerous dimensions as well as native hypocrisy are clear signs of the degeneration of human consciousness. Selective correction will not work when the collective consciousness of a generation is indifferent to degeneracy and opportunism. A massive shift in awareness through awakened individuals from all walks of life is essential to make a fundamental shift.This needs Awakening, Awareness and conscious action rooted in Ahimsa. That shift is at hand. A bloodless revolution of consciousness.”