[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 149 (Thursday, September 14, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E846-E847]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING ACHARYA DR. LOKESH MUNI JI'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO PEACE

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                       HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennyslyvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 14, 2023

  Mr. FITZPATRICK of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize an outstanding global interfaith leader, Acharya Dr.

[[Page E847]]

Lokesh Muni Ji. For the last 30 years, Acharya Lokeshji has been an 
advocate for communal harmony, non-violence, peace, and mutual 
cooperation.
  Born in 1961 in northwest India, Acharya Lokeshji studied Jain, 
Buddhist, and Vedic philosophy from an early age, and left home at the 
age of 22 to take initiation into Jainism. After receiving the title of 
Acharya, one of the highest honors in Jainism, Acharya Lokeshji 
travelled the world and authored dozens of books to reflect on the 
principles of religious harmony and unity in diversity. He is also 
outspoken on critical issues such as environmental protection and 
substance use disorder.
  Acharya Lokeshji's brave actions back up his doctrine of non-
violence. In 2013, while on a tour of London, he rushed back to India 
to assist victims of a deadly riot between Hindus and Muslims. Prior to 
that, he resolved a Sikh religious dispute in the Punjab region of 
India. As a capstone to his initiatives, Acharya Lokeshji also recently 
dedicated India's first 'World Peace Center' in Gurugram, one of the 
country's largest cities. These examples all serve as a testament of 
Acharya Lokeshji's ability to put his principles into practice.
  We are all grateful for Acharya Lokeshji's dedication to interfaith 
dialogue and peace. His selfless service is an incredible example of 
global citizenship, and we wish him success in his continued work.

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