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Opinion | India, The Custodian Of Buddha Dhamma In The Modern Era
Narendra Modi’s tenure as Prime Minister has leveraged India’s rich Buddhist heritage to achieve cultural diplomacy and foster global connectivity. Buddhist diplomacy isn’t just about cultural connections — it also has tangible boons. His approach embodies a harmonious blend of national pride and spiritual heritage, positioning India as a Dhamma bridge (Dhammasetu), not just for Buddhist nations across Asia but for the entire global community.
PM Modi recently undertook visits to two countries associated with Buddha Dhamma – Thailand (April 3, 2025) and Sri Lanka (April 4 – 6, 2025). On April 3, 2025, PM Modi visited the iconic Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkalaram Ratchaworamahawihan also known as Wat Pho Temple in Thailand, and gifted a brass statue of the Sarnath-style Buddha in Dhyana Mudra to the King of Thailand, symbolising India’s spiritual heritage and craftsmanship. He also announced the upcoming exposition of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha discovered in Aravali, Gujarat, in 1960 in Thailand. During the meeting, PM Modi received a copy of the 108 volumes of Tipitaka, the revered Buddhist scriptures in Pali language, from the Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra — a token of the everlasting Buddhist traditions shared by the two countries.
During his visit to Sri Lanka, PM Modi visited (April 06, 2025) Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Temple at the historic city of Anuradhapura. He also met with Most Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayake Thera, Chief incumbent of the great eight Buddhist shrines of Anuradhapura. In a cordial discussion, he shared details about the Devni Mori relics from Gujarat. He conveyed that these relics would be sent to Sri Lanka in the near future. Significantly, Ven. Pallegama Nayake Thera visited India recently and was accompanied by the Deputy Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) Dr Porage. The visit was coordinated by IBC.
Ever since his initial days as Prime Minister, Modi has been highlighting India’s Buddhist heritage in different countries. PM Modi’s inaugural visit to Bhutan on June 15-16, 2014, marked a significant step in strengthening India’s relationship with the Buddhist........
© News18
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