Addressing a gathering in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined India’s enduring connection with Buddhism and described the country as a living bearer of Lord Buddha’s traditions.
On the occasion, he inaugurated the Grand International Exposition of the Sacred Piprahwa Relics at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex.
Subsequently, while addressing the gathering, PM Modi stressed that India has played a historic role in sharing the message of Buddha with the world.
“Wherever I went, I tried to connect people with Buddha’s legacy by taking a part of it back with me. That’s why, whether to China, Japan, Korea, or Mongolia, I carried saplings of the Bodhi tree. In Hiroshima, the city devastated by the atomic bomb, the presence of a Bodhi tree at the Peace Memorial Park sends a powerful message to humanity,” PM Modi said, recalling his international visits.
According to PM Modi, these gestures highlight that India’s relationship with the world extends beyond politics, diplomacy and economics.
“It proves that India’s connection with the world is not just about politics, diplomacy, or economics. It runs much deeper, connected by heart, sentiments, faith and spirituality,” he said.
Through scientific and spiritual preservation, he noted, India has safeguarded these relics across generations.
Prime Minister Modi said, “India has continuously strived to contribute as much as possible to the development of sites worldwide connected with Buddha’s heritage. When a devastating earthquake in Nepal damaged ancient stupas, India assisted in their reconstruction. After the earthquake in Myanmar’s Bagan, we helped conserve over 100 pagodas. There are many such examples.”
Conservation Efforts Within the Country
Referring to Vadnagar in Gujarat, PM Modi said, “As I mentioned earlier, my birthplace, Vadnagar in Gujarat, was a major centre of Buddhist tradition. When I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, thousands of relics linked to the Buddhist tradition were discovered there. Today, our government is ensuring their preservation and also connecting the present generation with them.”
At the site, a state-of-the-art experiential museum has been developed, offering an immersive journey through nearly 500 years of history.
Recently, PM Modi mentioned, a significant Buddhist-era site was discovered in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, and conservation work is being fast-tracked.
Over the past decade, he said, the government has integrated Buddhist heritage with modern infrastructure. Facilities such as a convention centre and meditation-cum-experience centre have been built in Bodh Gaya.
“In Sarnath, a light and sound show at the Dhamek Stupa and the construction of the Buddha Dhamma Park have been undertaken. Modern facilities have been developed in Sravasti, Kapilvastu, and Kushinagar. A digital experience centre has been established in Nalgonda, Telangana. New amenities for pilgrims have been introduced at Sanchi, Nagarjuna Sagar, and Amaravati,” PM Modi said.
To improve accessibility, the Prime Minister noted, a nationwide Buddhist circuit is under development to link pilgrimage sites seamlessly.
Alongside this, he highlighted that the Pali language has been accorded classical status.
“Our school students, college students, young people, sons and daughters — they must definitely visit this exhibition. This exhibition is a powerful medium to connect the glory of our past with the dreams of our future. I urge people from across the nation to participate in this exhibition,” PM Modi concluded.
Also Read:PM Modi Says Lord Buddha’s Teachings Transcend Time At Piprahwa Relics Exhibition
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