Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni, born as Muni Lokprakash Lokesh, is a renowned Indian social reformer, thinker, poet, and peace activist. He was born on April 17, 1961, in Pachpadra City, Rajasthan, India, to Rajmal Ji Chopra and Maina Devi. He is the youngest of his six brothers and two sisters. He is known for his contributions to communal harmony, non-violence, peace, and mutual cooperation in Indian society.
Early Life and Education
Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni was born and brought up in a Jain family in Rajasthan, India. He received his early education from his hometown, Pachpadra City, and later went on to study Jain, Buddhist, Vedic, and other Indian and foreign philosophies. He is proficient in many languages such as Prakrit, Sanskrit, Hindi, English, Gujrati, Kannarese, and more. He is also a prolific writer and has written over a dozen books in prose and poetry.
Guru-Shishya Parampara
Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni follows the Guru-Shishya Parampara, a tradition of spiritual relationship and mentoring in Indian culture. His Guru was Acharya Tulsi Ji, who was the 9th head of the Jain Shwetambar Terapanth Sect. Acharya Tulsi Ji was a prominent Indian philosopher, Jain Acharya, and a social activist.
Acharya Tulsi Ji’s teachings on non-violence, compassion, and universal brotherhood deeply influenced Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni, who has dedicated his life to promoting these values throughout the world. Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni considers himself a disciple of Acharya Tulsi Ji and has continued his legacy by founding Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti.
Establishment of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti
In order to give practical shape to the values he learned from his Guru, Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni founded “Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti” in 2005, an organization dedicated to promoting non-violence, peace, and communal harmony in society. Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti is a global organization that has a presence in many countries around the world. The organization aims to join religion with social service to eradicate social evils from society.
Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti has initiated many social projects and campaigns such as “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao,” “Save the Girl Child,” “Say No to Drugs,” “Plant Trees,” “Clean India Campaign,” and more. The organization also runs schools, colleges, and hospitals in various parts of the country. Through his organization, Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni has made a significant contribution to the development of Indian society and the promotion of universal peace and harmony.
Contribution to Peace Education
Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni is a master in the field of Peace Education. His contribution to the field is the popular “Peace Education” model, which is a combination of ancient meditation and yoga practices and modern scientific research. The Peace Education model aims to end the animal instinct in human beings and awaken human and spiritual values.
Through Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti, Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni has initiated several peace education programs and courses. These programs and courses are designed to promote peace, non-violence, and spiritual values among people from all walks of life. The organization also conducts workshops, seminars, and conferences on peace and spirituality in various parts of the world.
International Recognition
Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni’s contributions to the field of social reform, peace education, and communal harmony have earned him immense respect and recognition both In 2014, Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni was awarded the prestigious Ambassador of Peace award by the United Nations at the UN Centre for his remarkable contributions towards world peace and communal harmony. He was also felicitated by the Governor of Maharashtra, Shri C. Vidyasagar Rao, for his outstanding contribution to society and promotion of non-violence, peace, and harmony.
Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni has authored several books on Jainism, spirituality, and peace education, including “Samvaad: A Dialogue Between Two Cultures”, “World Peace: The Voice of Ahimsa”, “Jain Philosophy and Practice”, “Spirituality: An Experience Beyond Body and Mind”, and “The Art of Living with Peace and Harmony”.
Apart from his work in peace education and social reform, Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni is also an accomplished poet and has written several poems in Hindi, Sanskrit, and Prakrit. His poetry reflects his deep understanding of human nature, spirituality, and the need for inner peace.
Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni is also a strong advocate of vegetarianism and has actively campaigned for the protection of animals and the environment. He has written several articles and given talks on the subject, emphasizing the importance of compassion and non-violence towards all living beings.
In recognition of his work in promoting vegetarianism and animal rights, Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni was invited to speak at the prestigious World Vegetarian Congress in 2019 in the United States, where he shared his thoughts on the importance of compassion and non-violence towards animals and the environment.
Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni’s work has inspired countless individuals around the world, and he continues to inspire people to work towards creating a world of peace, harmony, and compassion. Through his teachings and his example, he has shown that the power to bring about positive change lies within each and every one of us.
Awards and Honors
Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni has been honored with many national and international awards for his contributions towards peace and harmony. In 2010, he was honored with the National Communal Harmony Award by the Government of India. The award was presented by the then Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, and the then Vice President of India, Mohd. Hamid Ansari. In 2006, he was conferred the Gulzarilal Nanda Natik Samman by the then President of India, Pratibha Patil, for his distinguished services in establishing ahimsa, peace, and mutual trust in society.
In 2014, Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni was honored by the United Nations with the Ambassador of Peace Award at the UN Centre for his remarkable contributions towards world peace and communal harmony. He has also been honored by various international organizations and governments, including the Key to the City by Milpitas Assembly, honored by Mayor of Milpitas, California.
