Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the celebration of International Abhidhamma Divas on Thursday, underscoring that India is revitalizing its culture and civilization through the revival of Lord Buddha’s legacy. The event, held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, also marked the recognition of Pali as a classical language, signifying the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
Addressing the audience, PM Modi expressed his deep connection with Lord Buddha’s teachings, stating, “It is my good fortune that the journey of association with Lord Buddha that began at the time of my birth has continued uninterrupted. I was born in Vadnagar, Gujarat, which was once a major center of Buddhism.” His remarks highlight the significance of Buddhism in the cultural tapestry of India and his personal experiences with the teachings of Buddha.
The Prime Minister shared his experiences from the last decade, which included visits to various sacred Buddhist sites in India and around the world. “From visiting the birthplace of Lord Buddha in Nepal to the unveiling of his statue in Mongolia, I have had the opportunity to participate in many sacred events,” he noted. These experiences, he explained, have deepened his understanding of Buddha’s Dhamma and its relevance in today’s world.
Recognition of pali as a classical language
During his address, PM Modi emphasized the importance of language in preserving civilization and culture. He stated, “Language is the soul of civilization and culture. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all of us to keep the Pali language alive, to keep the words of Lord Buddha alive with its original values.” He expressed pride in the government’s efforts to fulfill this responsibility, congratulating those involved in the recognition of Pali as a classical language.
The recognition of Pali aims to honor the historical and cultural significance of the language, which is closely tied to the teachings of Buddhism. This step is seen as a crucial initiative in preserving and promoting the legacy of Lord Buddha.
Developing buddhist heritage sites
PM Modi highlighted various initiatives aimed at developing key Buddhist sites in India and Nepal into a comprehensive Buddhist circuit. Projects include the International Airport at Kushinagar and the construction of the India-International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage in Lumbini. Other notable developments are underway in Bodh Gaya, Kapilvastu, and Sanchi, which are all significant locations in the Buddhist heritage narrative.
The Prime Minister mentioned that he is scheduled to visit Varanasi shortly to inaugurate new projects related to Sarnath, another pivotal site in Buddhist history. This visit underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and accessibility to these culturally significant sites.
Cultural preservation and antiquities recovery
In his speech, PM Modi also touched upon the government’s efforts to preserve the nation’s culture and heritage. He revealed that over 600 antiquities have been returned to India in the last decade, many of which are connected to Buddhism. “India is showcasing culture and civilization through the revival of Lord Buddha’s legacy,” he asserted, emphasizing the importance of these efforts in re-establishing India’s historical narrative.
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The Prime Minister’s dedication to bringing back antiquities signifies a broader initiative to reclaim and celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage. This focus on restoration not only aids in preserving history but also fosters a sense of national pride.
Concluding his address, PM Modi reiterated that India is presenting its culture and civilization anew through the revival of Lord Buddha’s legacy. “Bhagwan Buddha ki virasat ke punarjagran mai bharat apne sanskriti aur sabhayata ko naye sire se prastut kar raha hai,” he stated, which translates to “In the revival of Lord Buddha’s legacy, India is presenting its culture and civilization anew.”
Accompanied by Union Ministers Gajendra Shekhawat and Kiren Rijiju, the Prime Minister’s participation in the International Abhidhamma Divas celebration highlights the ongoing commitment of the Indian government to promote Buddhism and its teachings, ensuring that the wisdom of Lord Buddha continues to inspire future generations. This event serves as a reminder of India’s rich spiritual heritage and the importance of cultural preservation in a rapidly changing world.
