Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday underscored the importance of cultural heritage in addressing global instability as he inaugurated the Samrat Samprati Museum at Koba Tirth in Gandhinagar.
The inauguration, held on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, marked the opening of a museum dedicated to preserving India’s civilisational and cultural legacy. It houses artefacts of the Jain community collected from across the country, some dating back over 1,000 years.
Referring to the current global situation, Modi said that at a time when the world is facing instability and unrest, the message and legacy of the museum hold significance not just for India but for humanity as a whole.
Describing it as more than just a repository of artefacts, he said the museum would serve as a centre for Jain worship, cultural preservation, and heritage, and would be open to people from all sections of society.
He noted that Koba Tirth has long been a place of peace and spiritual practice, where traditions of discipline, study, and devotion have been sustained over time. The museum, he added, reflects a confluence of Indian civilisation by preserving values, strengthening traditions, and promoting knowledge.
Highlighting its design, Modi said the museum showcases the grandeur of India and reflects unity in diversity, with traditions such as the Vedas, Puranas, and Ayurveda represented. He expressed hope that students and researchers would visit in large numbers.
He also acknowledged the contribution of Jain monk Acharya Padmasagarsurishwarji and other ascetics, who spent decades collecting artefacts from across India and Nepal to preserve cultural heritage.
Named after Samrat Samprati, the grandson of Ashoka known for promoting non-violence, the museum highlights the evolution and influence of Jainism through its exhibits.
The museum combines traditional displays with modern digital and audio-visual technology to offer an immersive experience. It features seven galleries covering Jain philosophy, the lives of Tirthankaras, ancient manuscripts, temple models, and historical artefacts.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the museum would serve as a major centre for cultural preservation, adding that India’s traditions would be showcased more widely by 2026 alongside ongoing digitisation efforts under the Gyan Bharatam Mission.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi described the inauguration as a significant moment for the global Jain community. He said the museum houses over 2,000 artefacts, including ancient texts like the Vedas and Puranas, reflecting the vision of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi.”