Lasting solutions to challenges faced by world today can come from Lord Buddha's ideals: PM Modi

Delivering a video address on the occasion of inauguration of Dharma Chakra Day, being celebrated by the International Buddhist Confederation, under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, on Asadha Poornima , the PM said, "Today the world fights extraordinary challenges. To these challenges, lasting solutions can come from the ideals of Lord Buddha. They were relevant in the past. They are relevant in the present. And, they will remain relevant in the future."

Urging the youth to stay connected with the thoughts of Lord Buddha, the PM said, "I would urge my young friends to also stay connected with the thoughts of Lord Buddha. They will motivate and show the way ahead.

"At times,they will even calm you down or cheer you up. Infact, Lord Buddha's teaching of - अप्प: दीपो भव: , be your own guiding light is a wonderful management lesson."

The Prime Minister said that Lord Buddha spoke about hope and purpose and saw a strong link between the two.

He spoke about how he is hopeful about the 21st century, and this hope springs from the youth.

He underlined that India has one of the largest start-up ecosystems where bright young minds are finding solutions to global problems.

"I am very hopeful about the 21st century. This hope comes from my young friends- our youth. If you want to see a great example of how hope, innovation and compassion can remove suffering, it is our Start-up sector.

"Bright young minds are finding solutions to global problems. India has one of the largest start-up ecosystems," the PM said.

The Prime Minister talked about the teaching of Lord Buddha and about the eight-fold path which shows the way towards the well-being of many societies and nations.

He noted that Buddhism teaches respect for people, women, poor, for peace and non-violence and these teachings are the means to a sustainable planet.

"The eight-fold path of Lord Buddha shows the way towards the well-being of many societies and nations. It highlights the importance of compassion and kindness. The teachings of Lord Buddha celebrate simplicity both in thought and action.

"Buddhism teaches respect. Respect for people. Respect for the poor. Respect for women. Respect for peace and non-violence. Therefore, the teachings of Buddhism are the means to a sustainable planet," the PM said.

Stressing on the need to connect more people with Buddhist heritage sites and enhance connectivity to these sites,the PM said, "The need of the hour to connect more and more people with Buddhist heritage sites. We in India have many such sites.

You know how people also know my parliamentary constituency of Varanasi? As the home of Sarnath. We want to focus on connectivity to Buddhist sites."

He also mentioned about the recent cabinet decision to declare Kushinagar Airport in UP as an International Airport, which would facilitate the travel of pilgrims and tourists, while also giving a boost to the economy in the region.

The Prime Minister has conveyed his greetings on Ashadha Poornima, also known as Guru Purnima. He expressed happiness that copies of Mongolian Kanjur are being presented to the Government of Mongolia.

The International Buddhist Confederation, under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is celebrating Asadha Poornima on July 4, 2020, as Dharma Chakra Day.

This day commemorates Gautam Buddha's First Sermon to his first five ascetic disciples at the Deer Park, Rsipatana in the present day Sarnath near Varanasi, UP.

The day is also celebrated by Buddhists all over the world as the day of Dharma Chakra Parvattana or “Turning of the Wheel of Dharma”.

(Image Credit: BJP Twitter)