Foreign envoys pay homage to Buddha relics in Delhi, highlighting India's cultural influence
Foreign envoys pay homage to Buddha relics
In a solemn gathering, foreign envoys converged to pay homage to the holy relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples, Arahant Sariputta and Arahant Maha Moggallana, in Delhi on Wednesday (Mar 20).
Their presence underscored the profound cultural ties between India and nations worldwide, deeply rooted in the legacy of Buddhism.
Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture of India, Meenakshi Lekhi, emphasised India's central role in the inception and spread of Buddhism, stating, "What we need to understand, India was always the centre, originating point of Buddhism. Buddhism originated out of India, flourished out of India, and dispersed to other places from India. Indian connection is very deep."
Sri Lankan High Commissioner Kshenuka Senewiratne remarked, "India, Sri Lanka has a spiritual connection, its a civilisational connect since time immemorial, must say, it's a real special feeling being here, on this occasion. Connection both India and Thailand when it comes to Buddhism dates back centuries"
The Sri Lankan High Commissioner emphasised that "It is time for the relics to be brought to Sri Lanka, especially with the downturn of the economy, it will give some solace to the people of Sri Lanka. The connection between the people of India and Sri Lanka will get concretized with such a gesture."
Thailand's Ambassador Pattarat Hongtong hailed the month-long exposition of relics to her country, reflecting on the enduring bond between India and Thailand.
She stated, "Testament to our deep-rooted relations that date back over 2500 years, starting by linkages of Buddhism. It is a historic moment for us."
Brazilian Ambassador to India Kenneth da Nóbrega lauded the event's significance, asserting, "Very important to show to the world the strength and the depth of Indian civilization when it comes to Buddhism... This is out of this world (to pay respect to the relics), it's a privilege."
Taiwan's Deputy Representative to India, Colin Kao, highlighted the widespread influence of Buddha in East Asia and India connect, stating, "In East Asia, Buddha has great influence on society and people. We trace back Buddha to India; it is the motherland for not only Hindus but other religions."
Ambassador of Panama Yasiel Alines, Ambassador of Myanmar Moe Kyaw Aung, and deputies from Indonesia, Bhutan, Romania, Peru, and Serbia were also present at the occasion.
The relics return to their homeland, India, after a month-long exposition in Thailand, organised by India's culture ministry in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).
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The Ganga Mekong Holy Relics Dhammayatra witnessed an overwhelming response from devotees, with over four million paying their respects across various cities in Thailand.
Some devotees came from neighbouring countries like Lao, Cambodia.
The success of the exposition reaffirmed the centuries-old civilisational connection between India and the countries of the Mekong region. It also served as a poignant reminder of India's cultural heritage and its enduring influence on the spread of Buddhism across Asia.