Nationwide campaign must to spread Buddha's teaching: PM Prachanda

Kapilvastu, March 2: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has said a nationwide awareness campaign is essential to spread Buddha's teaching.     

Addressing the 15th Senate of Lumbini Buddhist University on Saturday, PM Prachanda, who is also the Chancellor of the University, viewed various communities and universities could join hands to spread the message of peace. "Nationwide drive could help cater knowledge on Buddha, Buddha philosophy and culture," he underlined.     

The Boudha tradition existing since historical times in Nepal is a unique source of study for sociologists and humanists, PM Prachanda reminded, suggesting the University launch new schemes on the protection and promotion of Buddhist culture and philosophy.     

"Nepal is a holy and peaceful place where thousands of rishi munis meditated and contributed to civilizational development," he said, claiming that Nepal is the centre of beliefs in the world. 

According to PM Prachanda's secretariat, the PM believed the campaign for a prosperous Nepal would be realized by linking the Bouddha heritage, culture, art and monasteries to economic prosperity.     

Prime Minister Prachanda further said, "There are immense Buddhist heritages and cultures from Olangchungola to Tinker. Similarly, the Kathmandu Valley is an essential place in this list."     

A separate Buddhist culture has been developed in Nepal and the country could attract a large number of tourists if there is appropriate protection, promotion and publicity of such heritages, he stressed, adding the Lumbini Buddhist University would lead to the same.     

Stating that he got information about the exchange of Nepali students with different foreign universities, PM Prachanda suggested that Lumbini Buddhist University took a lead in developing Buddhist narratives and practices around the world.     

The PM laid emphasis on understanding the devotion of more than 520 million Buddhists of the world and moving ahead accordingly. The faith of Buddhists should be promoted at a time when the education sector is under the influence of globalization, urged PM Prachanda. (RSS)