Today, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, called upon the youth to draw inspiration from the teachings of Buddha, empowering themselves to make significant contributions toward building a peaceful society, nation, and world.

In a recorded message during the Dharma Chakra Pravartana Divas celebrations on Ashadha Purnima, the President highlighted the importance of following Lord Buddha's three teachings: Sheel, Sadhachar, and Pragya. By embracing these teachings, the younger generation can empower themselves and create a positive impact on society.

"On Ashadha Purnima, we not only honor the Dhamma of Lord Buddha, which is an integral part of our ancient cultural heritage, but we also recognize its relevance in our daily lives," stated the President. She emphasized the significance of studying and comprehending Lord Buddha's first sermon delivered in the sacred land of Sarnath to gain a deep understanding of Buddha Dhamma.

Addressing the celebrations organized by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the President reflected on how Lord Buddha planted the seeds of the middle path of the Dhamma through his first sermon on Asadha Purnima. On this auspicious day, it is essential for us to internalize the teachings of Lord Buddha and incorporate them into our thoughts and actions.

The official programme was organised at the National Museum , New Delhi today.

Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi, Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs, delivered a special address, sharing insights on the journey of a lay person to attain the level of a Bodhisattva. "Although our values connect us, we are individually responsible for our actions. The right actions can shape our destiny," she explained. Smt. Lekhi emphasized the importance of leading a simple and sustainable life, guided by consciousness, mindfulness, and right livelihood, which aligns us with the path of Dhamma.

"Covid-19 has reminded us of the value of life and detached us from material and physical existence. In a way, it has led us toward higher levels of consciousness," she added. The Minister stressed that as time is limited on this planet, every individual should act according to their consciousness, contributing to the strength of the community.

The event was attended by members of the diplomatic community, dignitaries, patriarchs of Buddhist Sanghas, eminent Masters, Scholars, monks, and nuns based in New Delhi.

During his Dhamma talk on the Significance of Asadha Purnima, His Holiness The 12th Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa said, "We celebrate the first teachings of Buddha, which impart the deepest common sense: to overcome suffering and strive for peace, harmony, and compassion."

On the auspicious day of Asadha Purnima, in the presence of Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi , an announcement was made regarding the award of the construction contract for the India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage (IICBCH) in the Monastic Zone of Lumbini. The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) presented the Certificate of the 'Award of Contract' to M/S ACC-Gorakha, an Indo-Nepal Joint Venture company. Representatives from both Indian and Nepalese companies, as well as members of the Lumbini Development Trust and Venerable Metteyya Sakyaputta, Vice Chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust, were present during the ceremony.

It is worth noting that on 25^th March 2022, an agreement was reached between the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) and the IBC. The 'shilanyas' ceremony and the foundation stone laying of IICBCH took place on May 16, 2022, with the presence of Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and the then Prime Minister of Nepal, Sher Bahadur Deuba.

Before the Contract Award ceremony, a film showcasing the "India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage" project in Lumbini, as envisioned by the IBC, was screened.

 Ashadha Purnima marks Buddha's first teaching after attaining Enlightenment to the first five ascetic disciples   (pañcavargiya) on the full-moon day of Ashadha at ‘Deer Park', Ṛiṣipatana Mrigadaya in the present day Sarnath, near Varanasi, India. This teaching of Dhamma Cakka- Pavattana Sutta (Pali) or Dharma Cakra Pravartana Sutra (Sanskrit) is also known as the Turning of Wheels of Dharma and comprises the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eight-Fold Path.

The Rainy Season retreat (Varsha Vassa) for the Monks and Nuns also starts with this day lasting for three lunar months from July to October, during which they remain in a single place, generally in their temples dedicated to intense meditation.

The day is also observed as Guru Purnima by both Buddhists and Hindus as a day to mark reverence to their Gurus.

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NB/SKT