New Delhi | 17-10-2024
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi participated in the celebration of International Abhidhamma Divas and recognition of Pali as a classical language at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi today. Abhidhamma Divas commemorates the descent of Lord Buddha from the celestial realm after teaching Abhidhamma. The recent recognition of Pali as a classical language enhances the significance of this year’s Abhidhamma Divas celebrations as Lord Buddha’s teachings on Abhidhamma are originally available in Pali language.
Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for being present on Abhidhamma Divas and said that the occasion reminds people about making the world a better place with love and compassion. Shri Modi recalled participating in a similar event in Kushinagar last year and said that the journey of connecting with Lord Buddha began with his birth and continues today.
The Prime Minister informed that he was born in Vadnagar, Gujarat which at a point in time was a notable center of Buddhism and it became the inspiration which led to his experiences with Lord Buddha’s Dhamma and teachings. The Prime Minister mentioned the various opportunities in India and the world where he took part in numerous auspicious events related to Lord Buddha in the last 10 years and gave examples of visiting Lord Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal, unveiling Lord Buddha’s statue in Mongolia and Baisakh Samaroh in Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister expressed the belief that the amalgamation of Sangh and Saadhak is a result of Lord Buddha’s blessings and conveyed his best wishes on the occasion. He noted the auspicious occasion of Sharad Purnima and the birth anniversary of sage Maharishi Valmiki. The Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes to all citizens.
Union Minister of Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju were present on the occasion.
The International Abhidhamma Divas celebration organized by the Government of India and International Buddhist Confederation witnessed the participation of academicians and monks from 14 countries and a significant number of young experts on Buddha Dhamma from various Universities across India.
