Lumbini will be developed as global centre for peace: PM

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May 24: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that the current government was striving to promote Buddha’s teachings, guidelines, and birthplace as a destination for world peace and religious tourism.

Addressing the main ceremony for the 2568th Buddha Jayanti and Lumbini Day programme organised in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, on Thursday, Prime Minister Prachanda affirmed the government’s commitment to developing the sacred pilgrimage site, which millions of Buddhists and people worldwide are encouraged to visit at least once in their lifetime.

He said, “The current government is dedicated to promoting Buddha’s teachings, guidance, and birthplace as a destination for world peace and religious tourism.”

At the 3rd investment conference organised by Nepal, the proposal for the greater Lumbini development project was presented, inviting the global community to contribute through foreign investment.

Prachanda expressed his belief that this initiative would attract Buddhists from around the world and highlight the contributions of Gautama Buddha and Nepal in promoting religious tourism and world peace.

“Visiting Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, is a matter of pride for every citizen of the world,” said Prime Minister Prachanda, according to a statement issued by the PM’s secretariate here. 

“There is potential to develop Lumbini as a ‘birthing centre’ for Buddhists from around the world, which could lead to significant success in promoting tourism in this region and throughout the entire country,” he added. 

He said that Shakyamuni Gautama Buddha was the embodiment of modesty, meditation, and wisdom, and a collective symbol of peace, unity, and harmony.

Prime Minister Prachanda emphasized the significance of Buddha’s ideas and their influence in eastern philosophy and thought tradition.

“Buddha’s guidance in the development of human civilization and culture, in the creation of knowledge and in the development of wisdom is very influential. The birth of Buddha not only introduced Nepal to the world but also provided unlimited possibilities through religious tourism,” he added. 

Stating that the fact that Buddha was born in Lumbini was irrefutably proven by the Ashoka Pillar inscription built by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, Prime Minister Prachanda said. 

For rapid development of the holy Lumbini, which is the common heritage of all mankind and an important part of the world heritage, the government has made it clear that Lumbini has been included in the national pride project and is committed to complete the rest of the Lumbini Master Plan as much as possible, he added. 

The Prime Minister stated, “With the assistance and involvement of international donors and organizations, the government endeavours to provide local residents with the benefits of development through archaeological excavations, conservation efforts, and the promotion and development of Kapilvastu, Devdaha, and Ramgram areas.”

Highlighting that this potential could be materialized through the successful execution of the Greater Lumbini Development Project, he instructed the Lumbini Development Fund to formulate a proposal for these endeavours and spearhead the initiative.

Stating that Lumbini could evolve into a major centre of international Buddhist philosophy and education, Prime Minister Prachanda emphasized that Lumbini held significance not only as the birthplace of Buddha but also as the birthplace of Buddhist philosophy itself.

The Prime Minister also observed Lumbini and interacted with locals, Buddhist monks and pilgrims. 

He stated, “A comprehensive plan has been proposed to establish this area as a hub of international Buddhist philosophy and education.” 

He directed that the Buddhist University’s main focus should be on promoting Buddhist philosophy.

Recalling the successful organisation of the second World Buddhist Summit by the government of Nepal in 2004, the Prime Minister also announced that preparations for the third summit are underway and it will be held soon.