ANDALIB AKHTER
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged the people to follow the teachings of Buddha, saying Bhuddha teachings of compassion were the answer to the ongoing turmoil in the world.
Prime minister said, there was no doubt and everyone believes that 21st century is the century of Asia, but without Buddha, 21st century could be the century of Asia. Modi said, if people wanted freedom from war, they must follow the path of love and peace and should collect the energies of Lord Buddha.
Text of PM’s remarks at the International Buddh Poornima Diwas Celebration
PM was speaking the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha at the International Buddha Purnima Diwas celebrations at Talkatora stadium in New Delhi on Monday. Prime Minister wished that “beloved” Nepal bounces back soon from its current crisis created by the devastating earthquake.
The Prime Minister said we should share the pain and wipe the tears of people of Nepal.
A one-minute silence was also observed in the memory of those who lost their lives in the earthquake. PM reached out to the people of Nepal devastated by the recent earthquake and prayed that they be given enough strength to overcome the crisis. Modi said, although today is a special day, Indians feel a bit saddened because of devastation in the Himalayan nation. Mr Modi said, the people of India is with Nepal in their hour of crisis.
In his welcome address, the Minister of State for Home Affairs and the Celebration Chairman of Organizing Committee, Kiren Rijiju said that Buddha’s path is the right way for humanity and the message from Buddha is relevant even today. Rijiju has said that the Government is taking all necessary steps to identify and develop Buddha places and other historical places of importance in the country. The Government will organize the Buddha Poornima Diwas Celebration function every year, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister of State for Culture (Independent Charge), Tourism (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation, Dr Mahesh Sharma said that Budha is the messenger of peace and compassion and it is because of the path shown by him, the entire world is now looking towards India to spread the message of love, peace and compassion. Saluting the efforts of Prime Minister, Dr Mahesh Sharma said that under his able leadership, the Indian culture is being highlighted the world over as never before.
We will try to fulfill Prime Minister’s dream that the youth of the country should first appreciate the culture of the country and take it to other parts of the world, he added. He further explained that India is symbolized by its warm culture, spirituality and hospitality. It should be our endeavour to spread this culture everywhere via the medium of tourism and on wings of civil aviation, he added.
The Ven. Lama Lobzang, Secretary General, International Buddhist Confederation has thanked the Government for taking a lead in organizing this function.
Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, Ambassadors, Eminent Scholars, Buddhist Monks and Nuns from India and various other countries have participated in the function. Large numbers of followers of Buddha Dharma from all over India have attended the event.