- Jain Acharya Lokesh Muni has become the first Indian monk to be honoured with the American President’s Gold Volunteer Service award in recognition of his contribution to the public good and humanity.
- Acharya Lokesh Muni is the founder of a non-governmental organisation, Ahimsa Vishwa Bharat and the World Peace Center in India.
American President’s Volunteer Service Award
- The American President’s Volunteer Service Award was established in 2003 during George Bush’s Presidency. The award is given to individuals who have provided at least 500 hours of voluntary service in the United States and whose voluntary work has positively impacted communities and inspired those around them.
- Jain Acharya Lokesh received the Presidential award, a Certificate of Honour, a Golden Shield, and a citation bearing the signature of American President Joe Biden. In a ceremony held in Capitol Hills, Washington, D.C., US Congressman Brad Sherman read the certificate and the citation issued by the American President Joe Biden.
- American President Joe Biden congratulated Acharya Lokesh and appreciated his humanitarian work and his service to humanity.
- In his award acceptance speech, Acharya Lokesh said that it is a matter of pride to be honoured with the American Presidential Award. He said that honour is an honour of Indian culture, spiritual values, and the Jain principles of Lord Mahavir.
Acharya Lokesh Muni
- Acharya Lokesh Muni is a follower of the Jain religion founded by Lord Mahavira. He is a thinker, writer, poet, and social reformer who has been continuously making efforts to build national character, develop human values, and establish non-violence, peace, and mutual cooperation in society.
- He founded the Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati in Gurugram, Haryana. The Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati focuses on the four global pillars of non-violence, peace, harmony, and brotherhood in line with Lord Mahavira’s teachings and Indian cultural norms.