Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said Lord Buddha gave to the world a complete system of morality and he was a great teacher of equality. Addressing the concluding ceremony of the three-day International Buddhist conclave at Bodh Gaya in Bihar, Prime Minister said we would develop civilisational bond between India and the Buddhist world. Prime Minister stressed the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts. <br/><br/>Mr Modi said, Lord Krishna and Lord Buddha were great teachers as they gave importance to principles and equality. Mr. Modi added that we would like to develop Bodh Gaya so that it can become a spiritual capital for Buddhists all across the world. He said, his government is doing everything possible to give an impetus to the Buddhist heritage across the country. Terming climate change as a global challenge Prime Minister said, there is a need for collective human action to tackle it.<br/><br/>Earlier Prime minister offered puja and special prayer to Lord Buddha at Mahabodhi temple. He mediated for nearly 10 minutes under pious Mahabodhi tree along with monks. Monks belonging to different Buddhist countries chanted saptsutra. The Prime Minister visited a photo exhibition on the Buddhist heritage of Magadh. Mr. Modi visited the art gallery and an exhibition of handicrafts of Magadh. The Prime Minister also inspected the holy relics of Lord Buddha at Mahabodhi Society of india.<br/><br/>Delegates of 90 countries, including former President of Sri Lanka Chandrika Kumaratunga , besides foreign ministers of Japan, Myanmar, Bhutan, Nepal, Taiwan and other Buddhist countries are attending the conclave, which started in New Delhi on Thursday. <br/><br/>The Prime Minister described Bodh Gaya as the "land of enlightenment" and said his Government would develop the place as the spiritual capital. Mr. Modi said that he recognises how Buddhists in the world respect Bodh Gaya as a place of pilgrimage. He spoke about the development of Bodh Gaya so that it can become the spiritual capital.<br/><br/>Modi said both Gautam Buddha and Lord Krishna taught the world and the message by both of them about 'Dharma'. Mr. Modi said the themes of the conference was inspired by values and ideals of the two greats.
News On AIR | September 5, 2015 8:48 PM
PM says civilisational bond between India and Buddhist world would be developed