Kamal Ghorui
Buddha’s Piprahwa relics (X/@narendramodi)
NEW DELHI: For the first time, sacred relics of Lord Buddha — preserved at the National Museum in Delhi — will be brought out for a public exposition in the country from May 1-15. The government sees this ‘Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Tathagata’, to be held in Ladakh, as a strong message from India to the world for peace amid the West Asia crisis.So far, relics from India have travelled abroad for international expositions. This first exposition of the relics within India will bring together the communities of Ladakh to join in the celebration to strengthen a sense of cultural solidarity.Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, while speaking at a press conference ahead of the exposition, hailed the exposition as a “historic initiative for global peace”, noting that for the first time in India, the sacred relics of Lord Buddha are being brought out for public exposition.“The exposition would serve as a powerful medium to promote the message of global peace and harmony,” the minister said. Talking on the importance of Ladakh as a centre of Buddhist heritage, Shekhawat and Ladakh Lt Governor VK Saxena emphasised that the exposition will not only provide an opportunity for spiritual engagement, but also give a major boost to cultural tourism in the region.The exposition — being organised by the culture ministry in collaboration with the Ladakh administration and the International Buddhist Confederation — will be attended by international delegations, ambassadors, eminent Rinpoches, Union ministers and CMs.
