On the occasion of Buddha Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the celebrations at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, in New Delhi.

He offered Sangh Dana. He also presented the Vaishakh Sammaan Prashasti Patra to the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath; and the All India Bhikshu Sangha, Bodh Gaya.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister asserted that India is home to a unique heritage, where the overriding thought has always been the benefit of mankind. He said that the teachings of Lord Buddha have shaped many nations. He said India has never been an aggressor.

The Prime Minister spoke about the eight-fold path given by Lord Buddha, and said that the problems that we are facing can be overcome by following this path.

The Prime Minister said that Buddha’s message of love and compassion can be of immense benefit to the world today. Therefore, he emphasized that all those who believe in the Buddha, should unite their strengths towards this noble cause.

Shri Narendra Modi said that the Government is working with compassion to serve people, in line with the path shown by Lord Buddha. He also said the Union Government is working with an elaborate vision, to preserve the cultural heritage of India, which includes the heritage associated with Lord Buddha. He said a sum of Rs. 360 crore has been approved for the Buddhist Circuit.

The Prime Minister exhorted the gathering to make a contribution towards the New India of 2022, when the country will celebrate 75 years of freedom. He asked everyone to identify some tasks, which they could resolve to accomplish by that date.