The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu graced the first Asian Buddhist Summit, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), in New Delhi here today.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that India is the blessed land of Dharma. In every age, there have been great masters and mystics, seers and seekers in India who have shown humankind a way to find peace inside and harmony outside. The Buddha holds a unique place among these pathfinders. The enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya is an event unparalleled in history. He not only attained incomparably rich insights into the working of the human mind, he also chose to share them with all people in the spirit of “Bahujana sukhaya bahujana hitaya cha” – for the welfare of the masses.

While addressing the summit, the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said, “In true sense, the Buddha dhamma is a way of life. It preaches the very philosophy of life, how to live a life in peace, happiness and harmony within the share, the same with compassion, love and kindness and equanimity with the society and community. All of us as human beings, whether Buddhist and non Buddhist alike can find inspiration in the Buddha’s message of honesty, compassion and respect for all living things.”

He further said “Today we stand united as inheritors of this profound legacy. India as a Janma Bhumi- the birth place of Buddha dhamma reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the ‘Dhamma Setu’, the Buddhist bridge connecting Asian nations preserving and developing Buddhist heritage sites, promoting Buddhist and Pali studies and research, supporting international Buddhist cultural exchange and facilitating Buddhist pilgrimage circuits. The presence of Buddhist leader erudite scholars from across the Asian countries, symbolizes living tradition of Buddha dharma that continues to guide humanity towards peace, wisdom and compassion.”

Highlighting the importance of the event the Minister said “As we face global challenges the middle path and four noble truth of the Buddha offers timeless solutions. This summit aims to foster Buddhist diplomatic relations, address contemporary social issues through Buddhist perspectives, strengthen cultural bonds between Buddhist nations, promote Buddhist tourism and pilgrimage and preserve ancient Buddhist manuscript and artefacts.”

Shri Shekhawat added, “The first Asian Buddhist summit 2024 represents a unique opportunity to bring together the diverse voices of Buddha dhamma across Asia by fostering dialogue, addressing contemporary challenges and promoting the rich culture heritage of Buddha dhamma, the summit aims to contribute to a more compassionate, sustainable and peaceful world through collective reflection and actions. The Summit aspires to strengthen the role of Buddha dhamma in the modern era and ensure its enduring relevance for the future generations.”

Union Minister of Parliamentary affairs and Minority affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju is also addressed the gathering.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari