Did India's Envoy Participate in the Buddha Purnima Celebrations in Mongolia?

Ulaanbaatar, June 11 (NationPress) The Indian Ambassador to Mongolia, Atul Malhari Gotsurve, took part in the inaugural ceremony of Buddha Purnima at the Battsagaan Temple within the Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar on Wednesday. During his speech, the Ambassador emphasized that the five core principles, known as Panchsheel, derived from Buddha's teachings on ethical conduct, remain incredibly relevant today.

While addressing the attendees, the Ambassador extended his warm wishes on this significant day, stating that the path outlined by Lord Buddha will always be significant. He revealed that two sets of the sacred Mongolian Kanjur, reprinted in India, were presented to the Gandan Monastery on June 9, 2025, with an additional 38 sets en route. He also acknowledged the contributions of the former Indian Ambassador, Rinpoche Kushak Bakula (1990 to 2000), in revitalizing and promoting Buddhism in Mongolia, as noted by the Indian Embassy in Ulaanbaatar.

The ceremony was graced by Khamba Lama Khan Lkhaaramba D Javzandorj, Khamba Lama of the Gandan Monastery; Jaap Vaan Heerden, Special Representative from the President of Mongolia; Ven Jhado Rinpoche, UN Resident Coordinator; Ven D Choijamts, Khamba Lama of Pethub Monastery; the President of the Asian Buddhist Peace Conference; as well as Buddhist monks from Thailand and Vietnam, along with scholars and followers of Buddhism.

For the majority of Mongolians, India is regarded as a 'spiritual neighbor' and is recognized as a declared 'third neighbor,' strategic partner, and a pivotal pilgrimage center. The late Ambassador Rinpoche Bakula made significant strides during his decade-long service in Mongolia from 1990-2000 to strengthen the Buddhist connection with India and was a key figure in the revival of numerous Buddhist monasteries across Mongolia.

In a historic visit, PM Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Mongolia, stopping at the Gandan Monastery in 2015 and gifting a Bodhi Tree Sapling to the Hamba Lama. Highlighting the longstanding Buddhist ties between the two nations, PM Modi referred to India and Mongolia as spiritual neighbors in his speech to the Mongolian Parliament.

Mongolia celebrates Buddha Day, also known as the Day of Vesak or Buddha Purnima, on Wednesday, marking it as an official public holiday. This year, the theme is 'Let's Spread Peace Together,' aiming to foster compassion, empathy, and loving kindness towards nature, humanity, and families.

Buddha Day holds immense significance for Buddhists as it commemorates the birth, enlightenment (Nirvana), and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha. This occasion has been celebrated in various Asian countries for over 2000 years. In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly recognized the Day of Vesak through resolution 54/115, acknowledging Buddhism's contributions to humanity over two and a half millennia.