What Did Kiren Rijiju Emphasize at the UN Day of Vesak 2025 in Vietnam?

Hanoi, May 6 (NationPress) The Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, participated in the opening session of the 20th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations 2025, extending warm wishes on behalf of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the international audience during this significant event.

Rijiju highlighted the timeless teachings of Buddha and their relevance in today’s world, emphasizing how India has preserved ancient wisdom regarding sustainability.

The Indian delegation accompanying Rijiju included International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) Secretary General Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, IBC Director General Abhijit Halder, and India’s Ambassador to Vietnam, Sandeep Arya.

According to a post by the IBC, “Over 2000 delegates from various countries are partaking in this grand celebration, themed ‘Buddhist Approach to Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development.’”

Earlier, Rijiju had a heartfelt interaction with the Indian community in Vietnam, recognizing their crucial role in fortifying India-Vietnam relations and promoting Indian values abroad, which he deemed commendable.

The holy Buddha relic exhibition attracted over 500,000 devotees on Monday, all paying tribute to Lord Buddha.

“Experiencing Sacred Moments of Devotion. Honoring the Holy Buddha relics elicits immense joy and pride—not just for Buddhists, but for all who admire the enlightened one. Now, even those unable to travel to India can pay their respects from home,” the IBC stated in another post.

At Thanh Tam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, pilgrims of all ages gathered in solemn respect for this rare occasion. On April 5, the cumulative attendance exceeded 500,000,” they added.

Last week, the holy relic exhibition also drew large crowds, with countless devotees paying their respects.

On Friday, Rijiju, along with Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh, monks, and senior officials, arrived in Vietnam with the sacred relics from Sarnath.

The Indian delegation received a warm welcome from the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and other officials, symbolizing the deep and shared spiritual values binding both nations.

“I arrived in Vietnam leading the esteemed Indian delegation with the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha. We were given a grand ceremonial welcome by the Government of Vietnam and the Vietnam Buddhist Sanghas. The Holy Relics will remain in Vietnam from May 2-21, 2025 for the UN Vesak Day celebrations,” the Union Minister shared in a post.

Following ceremonial prayers, the holy relics were reverently placed at Thanh Tam Monastery. In a gesture of peace and friendship, a sacred Bodhi Tree sapling from India was also planted at the Vietnam Buddhist University.

A joint press conference was conducted by the Indian delegation and Vietnamese Sangha leaders, where Rijiju conveyed heartfelt messages from Prime Minister Modi and the Indian populace.

The Vietnamese government expressed sincere gratitude for this sacred act, which symbolizes the enduring civilizational and spiritual bonds between the two countries.

The holy relics are showcased with the backing of the Ministry of Culture, the Government of India, the National Museum of India, and the International Buddha Confederation.

They will be available for public viewing in Ho Chi Minh City until May 7, 2025, before moving on to Tay Ninh, Hanoi, and Ha Nam until May 21, 2025.