Prez Kovind Addresses Commemoration of Golden Jubilee of Vishwa Shanti Stupa at Rajgir

Shashank Shekhar

Patna : The President of India Ram Nath Kovind addressed the commemoration of Golden Jubilee of Vishwa Shanti Stupa at Rajgir in Nalanda District in Bihar on October 25, 2019. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Vishwa Shanti Stupa is a symbol of unity, peace and non-violence. Its message has universal resonance, which rises above cultures, religions, and geographies. It also reflects the abiding partnership and extensive cooperation between the peace-loving democracies of Japan and India, he said.

The President said that the Buddha’s eight-fold-path not only transformed the spiritual landscape worldwide but also encouraged ethical and sustainable social, political and commercial practices. The appeal of Buddha goes far beyond the 500 million followers of Buddhism worldwide. President Kovind said that there is a need to connect increasingly larger number of people with the ideals of the Buddha. Promoting heritage tourism at places related to the Buddha is an effective way of attracting people, especially the youth to the spirit of Buddhism, he added.

The President said that peace is a necessary precondition to development. The essence of Buddha’s preaching emphasises peace within as precondition to attain peace outside, he said. Spirituality, peace and development reinforce each other. Conflict, turmoil, and under development feed upon each other. President Kovind urged the participants to promote peace and harmony as potent means to reduce poverty and conflict.

Earlier, Bihar Governor Fagu Chauhan, CM Nitish Kumar, Speaker, Bihar Assembly, Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Acting Chairperson, Bihar legislative council, Mohd Haroon Rashid,  Several Members of State Cabinet, and senior officials of Bihar Government welcomed President Kovind and First Lady Savita Kovind at Patna Airport. Governor Fagu Chauhan also presented a book “Mahatma Buddha Ki Kahaniyan” to President Kovind on the occasion. The President of India returned to New Delhi the same Day.