How has PM Modi highlighted the significance of Lord Buddha's relics in Vietnam?

New Delhi, June 29 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound gratitude for the heartfelt messages received from Vietnam, thanking India for facilitating the 'darshan' of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha.

He described the experience as a 'heartwarming feeling', highlighting the spiritual bond that the people of both nations share through the teachings of the Buddha.

During the 123rd episode of his monthly radio program 'Mann ki Baat', the Prime Minister stated, 'In recent days, I received numerous messages from Vietnam through various channels. Each message radiated reverence and warmth. The emotions conveyed were deeply moving as they expressed gratitude to India for allowing the darshan of the holy relics of Bhagwan Buddha. Their sentiment was much more than mere formal thanks.'

The sacred relics, originally unearthed at Nagarjunakonda in the Palnadu district of Andhra Pradesh—an area with significant ties to Buddhism—were transported to Vietnam on May 2 by an Indian delegation led by Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju.

This delegation also included Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh, senior monks, and officials. Initially meant to stay in Vietnam until May 21, the enshrinement was extended by an additional 12 days following a formal request from the Vietnamese government and a recommendation from the Committee for Ethnic and Religious Affairs.

Last month, these sacred relics of Bhagwan Buddha were taken to Vietnam, where they were displayed for public darshan at nine different locations. This event turned into a national celebration for Vietnam. With a population of nearly 10 crore, over 1.5 crore people experienced the darshan of the holy relics of Bhagwan Buddha.

The relics were showcased at prominent sites including Thanh Tam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh, Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi, Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam, Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh, Phuc Son Pagoda in Bac Giang, Truc Lam Yen Tu Monastery in Quang Ninh, Chuong Pagoda in Hung Yen, and Quan Am Ngu Hanh Son Pagoda in Da Nang.

At each venue, large crowds gathered to pay their respects.

'The pictures and videos I saw on social media highlighted that devotion knows no bounds. Regardless of the rain or the blazing sun, people stood in lines for hours. Children, the elderly, and differently-abled individuals were all overwhelmed,' said the Prime Minister.

'The President of Vietnam, the Deputy Prime Minister, and senior ministers all participated in the ceremonies. The respect shown by the Vietnamese people for this pilgrimage was so profound that the government requested an extension of the event, which India graciously accepted.'

He further discussed the unifying power of the Buddha's teachings across cultures and borders.

'The teachings of Bhagwan Buddha possess the ability to unite nations, cultures, and people,' he emphasized, noting that India had previously shared the relics with Thailand and Mongolia, receiving similar reverence.

Encouraging citizens to reconnect with their spiritual and cultural heritage, he urged, 'I encourage all of you to visit Buddhist sites in your state. It will not only be a spiritual journey but also a wonderful chance to engage with our cultural legacy.'