Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju said here on Saturday that Maharashtra, where there is substantial Buddhist population, stood as a pivotal region for spreading the values of Lord Buddha across the country.
Addressing a day-long conclave ‘Buddha’s Middle Path - Guide for Global Leadership’ at Nehru Science Centre – hosted jointly by the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs and International Buddhist Conclave, Rijiju said that strengthening Buddhism in Maharashtra could reflect positively across the country.
Dwelling upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent initiatives, including the extensive celebration of Buddha Purnima, Rijiju said that the Centre’s initiatives underlined its commitment to promoting Buddhist values.
“The Prime Minister’s speeches at the United Nations and European Union consistently underscore the values of Buddha, particularly Karuna (compassion) and Seva (service), reflecting their global relevance,” the Union Minister said.
Quoting Prime Minister as saying “only when the values of Buddha - benevolence and compassion join hands, a country can become a global leader and the absence of such values will only create global issues but not peace”, the minister said that there significant Buddhist population in Maharashtra and urged for a concerted effort to influence more individuals to embrace the values of Buddha.
Rijiju also paid tribute to late Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, whose meticulous drafting of the Indian Constitution remains a testament to his dedication to the country’s framework and people. He also outlined several government welfare schemes aimed at supporting the Buddhist community.
Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation, Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choede expressed profound respect for the teachings of Buddha.
Emphasizing the transformative power of Ahimsa (non-violence), the Secretary General spoke about delving deeply into this principle that leads to the cultivation of Daya (compassion) and Karuna (mercy and empathy). He also underscored the belief that only the teachings of Buddha offer a viable solution to the pressing problems faced by the world today.
Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, Iqbal Singh Lalpura spoke on how India has been the birthplace of many faiths and religions and how it always stood to preach love and compassion while the rest of the world were focussed on acquisition of power.
Dr. Milind Kamble, Founder Chairman, Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry stressed on the need for adherence to the teachings of Buddha, emphasizing the principle of being one’s own light. He said that late Dr. Ambedkar, despite facing numerous challenges, never endorsed violence throughout his life.
