Madam Speaker, friendship is the cornerstone of human connection. It brings the best of humans to society and helps to bring relationships we cherish.

The Jain Society of Toronto, a local community organization with many members from Mississauga–Malton, is serving the community with the Jain words “Maitri Bhavna,” which means to be a friend to everyone in the universe.

This morning, the members of JSOT organized the launch of World Friendship Year on the auspicious occasion of the 2550th Nirvana Utsav of Bhagwan Mahavir at the Legislative Assembly under the leadership of His Holiness Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni Ji, a versatile thinker, poet, social reformer, writer, world peace ambassador and founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti.

His resounding spirit of friendship reminds us of the value of working together, supporting each other, ensuring no one is left behind.

Madam Speaker, Mahavir Swami once said, “In happiness and suffering, in joy and grief, we should regard all creatures as we regard our own self.”

Acharya Ji’s lifetime dedication to promoting religious tolerance and universal value is commendable. I would like to thank him for his tireless efforts, selfless service and unwavering dedication to the global community, inspiring everyone. My best wishes as you embark on your journey in promoting friendship. Let’s all work together and build a better world, including a stronger Ontario. Jai Jinendra.

Mr. Speaker, it is an absolute pleasure to introduce His Holiness Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni Ji, Dr. Mahendra Jain, Anshul Rohil, Mahendra Bhandari, Prakash Kumar and Harshit Shah from the Jain Society of Toronto in Scarborough, and a resident of Mississauga–Malton, Tanvi Nagda.