New Delhi, Jan 3 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday shed light on the initiatives launched by his administration to enhance locations tied to the legacy of Lord Buddha in India and internationally, while also stressing the significance of linking the current generation with Buddhist traditions and principles.

The Prime Minister inaugurated the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics associated with Bhagwan Buddha at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex in Delhi.

During his address, PM Modi elaborated on India's profound spiritual connection with Buddhism and its influence in disseminating this heritage globally.

Reflecting on his international travels, he noted, "Wherever I traveled, I endeavored to connect individuals with Buddha's legacy by bringing a piece of it back with me. Consequently, whether to China, Japan, Korea, or Mongolia, I transported saplings of the Bodhi tree. The presence of a Bodhi tree at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, a city ravaged by the atomic bomb, conveys a profound message to humanity."

He remarked that the shared legacy of Lord Buddha signifies that India's connection with the world transcends formal associations.

"It illustrates that India's relationship with the world is not solely based on politics, diplomacy, or economics. It delves much deeper, intertwined by heart, sentiments, faith, and spirituality," he expressed.

PM Modi emphasized that India is not merely the guardian of Lord Buddha's sacred relics but a "living bearer" of his heritage.

"Relics linked to Lord Buddha found at Piprahwa, Vaishali, Devni Mori, and Nagarjunakonda stand as a living testament to his message. India has preserved and nurtured these relics in all forms—scientific and spiritual," he stated.

Pointing out India's commitment to safeguarding Buddhist heritage beyond its borders, he said, "India has consistently sought to contribute as much as possible to the development of sites globally associated with Buddha's legacy. Following the catastrophic earthquake in Nepal that damaged ancient stupas, India played a role in their restoration. After the earthquake in Myanmar's Bagan, we assisted in conserving over 100 pagodas. Numerous examples exist."

He added that domestically, initiatives regarding the discovery and preservation of Buddhist sites and relics are underway.

Referring to Vadnagar in Gujarat, he remarked, "As I mentioned earlier, my birthplace, Vadnagar in Gujarat, was a significant hub of Buddhist tradition. During my tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, thousands of relics associated with the Buddhist tradition were unearthed there. Today, our government is dedicated to their preservation and to linking the current generation with them."

PM Modi noted that a state-of-the-art experiential museum has been established in Vadnagar. "A magnificent experiential museum has been constructed there, providing an immersive journey through nearly 500 years of history," he added.

The Prime Minister also mentioned the discovery of a significant Buddhist-era site a few months ago in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, and that efforts to conserve it are currently being accelerated. He had also referred to this discovery during his recent episode of the monthly radio program 'Mann Ki Baat'.

He further stated that over the last decade, the government has worked to integrate Buddhist sites with modern infrastructure. "A convention center and a meditation-cum-experience center have been established in Bodh Gaya," he noted.

Detailing additional initiatives, PM Modi mentioned, "In Sarnath, a light and sound show at the Dhamek Stupa and the construction of the Buddha Dhamma Park have been initiated. Modern facilities have been developed in Sravasti, Kapilvastu, and Kushinagar. A digital experience center has been set up in Nalgonda, Telangana. New amenities for pilgrims have been introduced at Sanchi, Nagarjuna Sagar, and Amaravati.

He mentioned that a Buddhist circuit is being established across the nation to enhance connectivity between pilgrimage sites.

"Today, a Buddhist circuit is being developed in the country to ensure better connectivity between all Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India, allowing pilgrims from around the world to experience faith and spirituality like never before," he said.

The Prime Minister stated that the government aims to ensure that Buddhist heritage is passed on to future generations uninterrupted.

"This is also the vision behind organizing international events like the Global Buddhist Summit, Vesak, and Ashadha Purnima," he remarked.

PM Modi also highlighted efforts to promote the Pali language associated with Lord Buddha, noting its recognition as a classical language.

He encouraged people nationwide to attend the exhibition to view the sacred relics and connect with the teachings of Lord Buddha.

"Our school students, college students, young individuals, sons and daughters—they must certainly visit this exhibition. This exhibition serves as a powerful medium to bridge the glory of our past with the aspirations of our future. I urge citizens from across the nation to engage in this exhibition," he said.

Unearthed in 1898, the Piprahwa relics hold a vital position in the archaeological exploration of early Buddhism. They are among the earliest and most historically significant relic deposits directly related to Lord Buddha.

Archaeological evidence connects the Piprahwa site to ancient Kapilavastu, widely believed to be where Gautam Buddha spent his early years before renunciation.