Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the world is looking to Gautam Buddha as a conflict resolution and environmental regulation mechanism.
Addressing the delegates on SAMVAD - the Global Hindu Buddhist Initiative, " PM Modi said, "Bodh Gaya is a distinctive place in the history of humankind. What Bodh Gaya gave to the world was Lord Buddha(epitome of knowledge, peace and compassion). The world is looking to Buddha today as conflict resolution mechanism and environmental regulation."
Speaking on the auspicious day of Janmastami (birth of Lord Krishna) and Teacher's Day, the Prime Minister said the themes of the conference are inspired by the values and ideals given by Gautam Buddha and Lord Krishna.
"In this symposium, we have been talking about one of the most impactful teachers in world history - Gautam Buddha. In world history, the teachings of Lord Buddha has inspired many. Today, we are also celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna. Both Gautam Buddha and Lord Krishna have taught the world so much. The themes of this conference are inspired by the values and ideals given by the two greats (Gautam Buddha and Lord Krishna). Both of them emphasized the principle of 'Dharma' ," Modi said.
"Gautam Buddha gave eight-fold paths and Panchsheel, while Lord Krishna gave valueable lessons of life in the form of 'Karma Yoga'. These two divine souls have the strength to bring people together, rising above the differences. Buddha's teaching are more practical and relevant today than ever before," Modi added.
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"I personally consider the Hindu-Buddhist conference on conflict avoidance and the environmental consciousness as important development in the world. United Nations have arrived at the conclusion that sustainable development is achievable only by aligning development to the local culture of the people,' he added.
Prime Minister further said that the government wants to develop Bodh Gaya as a spiritual capital of the Buddhist world.
"We want to develop Bodh Gaya as a spiritual capital of the Buddhist world. The Government of India will like to provide all possible support that the Buddhist world need," said Prime Minister Modi.
PM Modi also termed India as 'Buddhist India', saying the country has imbibed the values of Lord Buddha.
"I would personally call India as a "Buddhist India", as it has imbibed the values and virtues of the teachings of Lord Buddha by the religious scholars incorporating them in their literature," Modi said.
"After Pandit Nehru and Atal ji, I have the honour of coming here," he added.
The Prime Minister's visit to Bodh Gaya coincides with Day 3 of SAMVAD - the Global Hindu Buddhist Initiative on Conflict Avoidance and Environment Consciousness, during which the delegates for this event will be present at Bodh Gaya.
