During the 123rd episode of his monthly radio address, ‘Mann Ki Baat‘, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected on India’s recent gesture of sharing the sacred relics of Lord Buddha with Vietnam.
He called it a “heartwarming feeling” to receive so many touching messages from Vietnamese citizens, expressing their gratitude and reverence.
“These messages carried not just thanks, but spiritual warmth,” PM Modi said, noting how people across Vietnam welcomed the relics with profound devotion. “The thoughts of Bhagwan Buddha have the power to bind countries, cultures and people together,” he added.
An Indian delegation led by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju took the sacred relics, originally discovered at Nagarjunakonda in Andhra Pradesh, to Vietnam on 2 May.
The Vietnamese government requested a 12-day extension of the enshrinement beyond the initial 21 May deadline, which India gladly granted.
The exposition transformed into a spiritual celebration across Vietnam.
Held at nine prominent sites—including the Thanh Tam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City and Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi—the event drew over 1.5 crore devotees.
“For a country with a population of around 10 crore, that is an extraordinary number,” the Prime Minister remarked.
Unwavering devotion
PM Modi shared that images and videos of devotees—young and old—waiting patiently in rain or sun deeply moved him.
“Devotion has no limits,” he stated. Vietnam’s President, Deputy Prime Minister, and senior ministers visited the relics, underscoring the occasion’s national importance.
This event follows similar initiatives where India shared Lord Buddha’s relics with nations such as Thailand and Mongolia.
These cultural exchanges reflect India’s commitment to fostering international spiritual bonds rooted in shared heritage.
PM Modi concluded with an appeal to citizens to explore Buddhist sites within India. “It will be a spiritual experience and a chance to connect with our rich cultural heritage,” he said.
The exposition of Lord Buddha’s relics in Vietnam not only honoured a shared past but also illuminated a path for cultural diplomacy rooted in peace, compassion, and unity.
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