IMJM will be celebrating 5 UN events in 2022 at Siddhachalam. If you are interested in participating or volunteering please contact crm@imjm.org for more information.
June 5, 2022
World Environment Day
Every year the world celebrates World Environment Day on June 5th. World Environment Day is an annual global celebration to raise awareness and action for the protection of our environment.
IMJM supports the United Nations initiatives and organizes events related to SDG’s and commemorates World Environment Day every year by organizing events to create awareness in youth and children about climate change. Some of our registered events with the UN include “Beat Plastic Pollution,” recycling, incorporating clean zones, and our volunteers have participated in various community clean ups and tree planting.
A message from the UN secretary-general :
“Oceans, land, forests, water, the air we breathe, this is our environment and the keystone of a sustainable future. Without a healthy environment, we cannot end poverty or build prosperity, we all have a role In protecting our only home. We can use fewer plastics, Drive less, waste less food, and teach each other to care about the world’s environment day and every day. Let us reconnect with nature and let us cherish the planet that protects us.”
Click here to view the UN’s official description of this holiday.
September 21, 2022
International Day of Peace
International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21st every year. It is officially known as “World Peace Day,” established in 1981 by the United Nations, dedicated to promote and encourage peace among the nations of the world and to make a commitment of peace by practicing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. International Day of Peace is celebrated to recognize all who are working hard to end conflict and promote peace and global solidarity.
One of IMJM’s core beliefs is to be at peace with each other and accept all people regardless of gender, nationality, race, or religion. This was one of Guruji’s tenants as well. Siddhachalam has its own peace pole dedicated to this very cause.
Click here to view the UN’s official description of this holiday.
October 2, 2022
International Day of Non-Violence
The International Day of Non-Violence is observed by the United Nations on October 2nd each year to mark the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi and to honor his principles of non-violence. On June 15th in 2007, the UN made a vote to mark the anniversary of this freedom fighter as International Day of Non-Violence. This day is dedicated to spreading the message of non-violence to countries around the world.
Another of IMJM’s most crucial beliefs is that of non-violence. We celebrate this day and belief through the practice of Ahimsa. We host a “Run for Ahimsa” event every year where participants can run through our nature trails for this cause. It not only supports this day, but also reminds us of how we are all a part of nature with equal rights to share this world together. Siddhachalam is also a friend to all the animals that we share our grounds with by maintaining our feeding stations and peacock house.
“Nonviolence is the first article of my faith. It is also the last article of my creed”. – Mahatma Gandhi
October 24, 2022
United Nations Day
In 1945, the UN Charter came into effect on the 24th of October which established this auspicious day as “United Nations Day.” This day celebrates the many guiding principles of the UN Charter we have been building over the past 76 years. Unanimously celebrated every year, UN Day provides the occasion to support values of global cooperation by reasserting and celebrating the merits of coexistence, nonviolence, and inclusion. It is a day to remind us that we are all human beings striving for happiness together.
IMJM celebrates this day every year by performing a flag hoisting ceremony of the UN National Flag at Siddhachalam. Guruji was a major part of the UN and performed many speeches and workshops at the UN to increase awareness of Ahimsa and connectivity between different nations and people.
Click here to view the UN’s official description of this holiday.
November 20, 2022
Universal Children’s Day
First celebrated in 1954, Universal Children’s Day is now celebrated annually on November 20th. This day celebrates investing in the next generation and promotes child welfare around the world. The UN created the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959, declaring that any child anywhere has access to these universal human rights. It is celebrated across the world to increase awareness of rights, care and education of children.
Guruji’s birthday at Siddhachalam is also celebrated as Children’s Day for his love of children. In addition, we celebrate the UN’s Universal Children’s Day on November 20th. Guruji worked very well with children to help them learn about Jainism and peace. Many youth camps were held during Guruji’s time and are still held today with our Arhum Youth Camp every summer where children can learn about Ahimsa and other fundamentals of Jainism.
Click here to view the UN’s official description of this holiday.
Keshi said to Gautam: “Whom do you call foes?” Hearing these words of Keshi, Gautam replied: “O sage! The first foe is one’s unconquered soul. Add to this the four passions of anger, conceit, deceit and greed, and the five senses of touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing. Vanquishing all these ten, I move about righteously.” Kumar-shraman Keshi said: “Gautam, you are endowed with excellent wisdom. You have removed my doubt…” Uttaradhyayana Sutra, 23:3- 39. The conversation between Sharman Keshi, follower of Bhagwaan Parsvanath, and Gautam Swami, the ganadhara of Bhagwaan Mahavira.