What Moved EAM Jaishankar About the Welcome for Lord Buddha's Relics in Bhutan?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- EAM Jaishankar was profoundly moved by the welcome in Bhutan.
- The sacred relics symbolize shared values of peace and compassion.
- The exposition lasts from November 8-18.
- Leaders from both nations attended the ceremonial welcome.
- This event marks a milestone in Bhutan-India relations.
New Delhi, Nov 9 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed that he was profoundly touched by the heartfelt reception given to the sacred relics of Lord Buddha upon their arrival in Bhutan from India.
Posting images from the welcoming ceremony on X, EAM Jaishankar remarked: "I am profoundly touched by the warm reception extended by the Government and the people of Bhutan towards the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha."
Earlier that day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Bhutanese populace for their grand reception of the sacred relics.
In a statement on X, PM Modi expressed: "My sincere gratitude to the people and leadership of Bhutan for the respectful welcome extended to the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha from India. These relics embody the everlasting message of peace, compassion, and harmony. The teachings of Lord Buddha serve as a sacred bond between our nations’ shared spiritual heritage."
The revered relics, housed at the National Museum in New Delhi, have arrived in Bhutan for a public exhibition lasting from November 8-18. The Indian delegation, led by Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar, includes prominent Buddhist monks and officials. This exhibition signifies another chapter in the lasting cultural and spiritual alliance between India and Bhutan, as stated by the Ministry of Culture on Saturday.
Upon their arrival at Paro International Airport, the sacred relics were greeted with utmost reverence by Bhutan's Home Minister Tshering, Tshoki Lopen of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan, and the Mayor of Paro (Dzongkhag) Norbu Wangchuk, alongside India's Ambassador to Bhutan Sandeep Arya and senior officials and monks from Bhutan. Bhutan's Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck and Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck also paid tribute to the holy relics during the ceremony.
After the ceremonial welcome, Lord Buddha's sacred relics were escorted to the Grand Kuenrey Hall at Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu, where they were enshrined through traditional religious rituals, as per the Ministry of Culture's statement. Virendra Kumar, speaking on this occasion, expressed his deep sense of honor in leading the Indian delegation, stating that "this exhibition fortifies the cultural and spiritual connections between India and Bhutan, reinforcing the shared heritage of peace and compassion inspired by Lord Buddha."
Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay expressed his thanks to the Indian government for bringing the sacred relics to Bhutan, noting that the festival's concept was envisioned by Bhutan's King as a representation of global peace and harmony. He praised the efforts of India's Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), calling the event "a significant milestone in Bhutan–India relations." He expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for facilitating the visit of Lord Buddha's sacred relics, emphasizing the deep spiritual and cultural ties between the two nations.