Teachings of Lord Buddha shaped many nations: PM Modi
Andalib Akhter / AMN / NEW DELHI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that the teachings of Lord Buddha have shaped many nations. Inaugurating the ‘Buddha Jayanti 2018’ celebrations here, Mr. Modi said that the problems which are being faced at present can be solved by following the path shown by Lord Buddha.
He said, the biggest message of Buddha Purnima is that people should change themselves before changing others. Mr Modi said, for the Buddhist Circuit, the government has approved more than 360 crore rupees and Buddhist places are being developed in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.
The Prime Minister asserted that India is home to a unique heritage, where the overriding thought has always been the benefit of mankind. He said, the teachings of Lord Buddha have shaped many nations.
He said, India has never been an aggressor. He said, Lord Buddha’s message of love and compassion can be of immense benefit to the world today. Mr Modi emphasized that all those who believe in the Buddha should unite their strengths towards this noble cause.
Mr Modi said, NDA Government was working with compassion to serve people, in line with the path shown by Lord Buddha. He said, the government is implementing several schemes for the empowerment of poor people.
He said, under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, more than 31 crore bank accounts of poor people have been opened. He said, whatever ideology emerged from India is moving ahead keeping in mind the interests of the whole mankind.
The Prime Minister also exhorted the gathering to make a contribution towards the New India of 2022, when the country will celebrate 75 years of freedom.
He asked everyone to identify some tasks, which they could resolve to accomplish by that date.
The Prime Minister also presented the Vaishakh Sammaan Prashasti Patra to the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath; and the All India Bhikshu Sangha, Bodh Gaya.
On the occasion, Culture Minister Dr Mahesh Sharma and Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju were also present.
In 2015, the Prime Minister had announced that the Buddha Jayanti day will be commemorated and celebrated as an annual event by the nation.
Meanwhile in Bihar, Buddha Purnima is being celebrated with religious fervour and gaitey at Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under Bodhi tree.
special prayer was organised under the holy tree, in which monks of various countries participated and prayed for world peace.
In Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, an elaborate religious and cultural function was organised at Polo Ground in Leh town.
Buddha Jayanti is also being celebrated in various parts of Nepal. Hundreds of people are visiting Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
Since early morning, devotees have been offering prayers at the famous Maya Devi temple in Lumbini.