World News | India keen to strengthen ‘connections between people woven through Buddhist common ground’: Diplomat Amb Sandhu

WASHINGTON, May 6 (PTI) Describing Buddhism as one of India’s greatest gifts to the world, Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Friday said New Delhi is keen to strengthen the bonds that people share through this religion.

He was speaking at an event at the Buddha’s Full Moon Festival.

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“Buddhism is one of the greatest gifts, spread from India to the world over 2,500 years ago. Today it is practiced in over 100 countries. It is a powerful unifying factor. During my previous mission in Sri Lanka, I have seen how strong our shared Buddhist heritage is,” Sandhu said.

“Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the Indian government is keen to strengthen the bonds between people, woven through the Buddhist common ground,” he said.

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The event was attended by prominent Buddhist monks from the greater Washington area.

Talking about Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka in 2017 for the International Vesak Day, he mentioned several initiatives such as the development of the Buddha Tour in India and Nepal, the revival of pilgrimage centers such as Sarnath and Kusinaka, the Kusinaka International The inauguration of the airport, the Indian International Center for Buddhist Culture and Heritage in Lumbini and the International Buddhist Federation are a few examples of Indian efforts.

Sandhu also cited other examples of India’s projects assisting neighboring countries and Southeast Asia in building and renovating Buddhist monasteries and establishing international Buddhist cultural and heritage centers and museums.

He added that the first Global Buddhist Summit was organized by India last month and was attended by scholars from all over the world.

“Today, the world is facing multiple challenges in the form of epidemics, terrorism, and environmental degradation. However, there is no problem that does not find a solution in the teachings of the Buddha, who said: ‘Be your own light’ ‘and offer We showed him the path of his own life,” he said.

Sandhu said India is deeply influenced by Buddhist philosophy and works with like-minded partners, including the United States, to address the various headwinds we face.

“This manifests itself in many ways – as one of the first responders during a disaster, or as an exporter of vaccines to over 100 countries fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, or promoting sustainable development through Mission LiFE, promoting Xiaomi and India Yoga, or unity of spirit, Vasu-dhaiva-kutum-bakam in the theme of the G20 presidency – one planet, one family, one future!” Sandhu said.

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