Kiren Rijiju attends UN Day of Vesak 2025 in Vietnam, stress
Kiren Rijiju attends UN Day of Vesak 2025 in Vietnam, stresses relevance of Buddha's teachings
Union Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday attended the inaugural session of the 20th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations 2025
HANOI — Union Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju
on Tuesday attended the inaugural session of the 20th United Nations Day of
Vesak Celebrations 2025, conveying warm greetings on behalf of President
Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the auspicious occasion to
the global crowd.
Rijiju emphasised the profound teachings of the Buddha
and their contemporary relevance and shared how India has upheld the ancient
wisdom on sustainability.
Along with Rijiju, the Indian delegation attending the
session included International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) Secretary General
Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, IBC Director General Abhijit Halder,
and Ambassador of India to Vietnam Sandeep Arya.
"More than 2000 delegates from across the world
participate in this grand event themed on 'Buddhist Approach to Unity and
Inclusivity for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and
Sustainable Development'," IBC posted on X.
Earlier in the day, Rijiju engaged in a heartwarming
interaction with the Indian community in Vietnam, appreciating their
contribution to strengthening India-Vietnam ties and upholding Indian values
overseas, terming it truly commendable.
The holy Buddha relic exposition witnessed over 5 lakh
devotees on Monday, paying homage to Lord Buddha.
"Sacred Moments of Devotion. Worshipping Holy Buddha
relics brings profound joy and pride -- not just to Buddhists, but to all who
revere the enlightened one. Now, even those unable to travel to India can
honour him at home," IBC added in another post.
"At Thanh Tam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, pilgrims
-- young and old, near and far -- gathered in quiet reverence for this rare
blessing. On April 5 cumulative footfall of 5 lakh plus," it added.
Last week,also the holy relic exposition witnessed a sea
of devotees, with lakhs of devotees paid homage.
On Friday, Rijiju, joined by Andhra Pradesh Minister
Kandula Durgesh, monks and senior officials with the sacred relics from
Sarnath, reached Vietnam.
The Indian delegation was warmly received by the Vietnam
Buddhist Sangha and other officials, reflecting the profound and shared
spiritual values that unite both nations.
"Arrived in Vietnam leading the high-level Indian
delegation with the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha. Grand ceremonial reception
was accorded by the Government of Vietnam and Vietnam Buddhist Sanghas. The
Holy Relics will be in Vietnam from May 2-21, 2025 for UN Vesak Day
celebrations," the Union Minister said in a post.
Following ceremonial prayers, the holy relics were
reverently enshrined at Thanh Tam Monastery. In a symbolic 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 held by the Indian
delegation and leaders of the Vietnamese Sangha, where Rijiju conveyed a
heartfelt message from Prime Minister Modi and the people of India.
The Vietnamese government expressed its sincere gratitude
for the sacred gesture, which stands as a symbol of the enduring civilisational
and spiritual ties between the two countries.
The holy relics are being exhibited with the support of
the Ministry of Culture, the Government of India, the National Museum of India,
and the International Buddha Confederation.
They will be displayed to the public in Ho Chi Minh City
until May 7, 2025, before continuing to Tay Ninh, Hanoi, and Ha Nam until May
21, 2025.
