Answer

Yes, you may respectfully say Michhami Dukkadam to non-Jain people such as neighbors, classmates, friends, coworkers, or anyone you may have knowingly or unknowingly hurt.

Explanation

Michhami Dukkadam means:

“May any wrong I have done be forgiven.”

In Jain Dharma, the spirit of Kshamapana is not limited only to Jains or relatives. Jainism teaches forgiveness, humility, and non-violence toward all living beings. So if we ask forgiveness only from Jains but ignore others, the feeling of universal forgiveness becomes incomplete.

You can say it in a way they understand, for example:

• “Michhami Dukkadam. If I have hurt you knowingly or unknowingly, by words, actions, or thoughts, please forgive me.”
• Or simply: “As part of our Jain tradition, we ask forgiveness from everyone. If I have ever hurt you in any way, please forgive me.”

Spiritual Understanding

Samvatsari Pratikraman and Kshamapana are meant to reduce ego, anger, pride, deceit, and attachment. Asking forgiveness from non-Jains also helps us practice true humility and universal friendliness.

The important thing is not whether the other person is Jain or non-Jain. The important thing is our inner feeling of:

• forgiveness,
• humility,
• friendship,
• and purification of the soul.

Takeaway

Yes, saying Michhami Dukkadam to non-Jain people is appropriate and spiritually meaningful, especially when done with sincerity and a simple explanation.