The Odisha branch of the Mahabodhi Society of India celebrated the 2557th Buddha Purnima, the birthday of lord Buddha, at the Kalinga Buddha Vihar on Saturday.
Addressing the function as the chief guest, Governor Dr SC Jamir described lord Buddha as a divine soul who showed the light of peace and nonviolence to the world. Recalling how India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was influenced by Buddhism, he underlined the philosophy and teachings of the Buddha which are so very relevant in the contemporary society and to establish peace in the country.
The auspicious event commenced with a recital of lord Buddha’s Panchasheel Sutra by Buddhist monk Atulshiri Thero that brought about a serene ambience all around the place.
After a welcome speech by Aryakumar Jnanendra, the meeting progressed with dignitaries on dais putting on their views on the philosophy of lord Buddha.
Guest of the occasion, KIIT founder Dr Achyuta Samanta, and former Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University of Culture Dr Bimalendu Mohanty shed light on the Astang Marg and Panchasheel philosophies of lord Buddha and their relevance to get the misguided society back to path of peace.