Odisha's state government is making a strong push to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for three significant Buddhist sites. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida announced this initiative on Wednesday during the Second International Guru Padmasambhava Buddhist conference held at Udayagiri.
Collaborative Effort for Heritage Recognition
The state government is working closely with the Archaeological Survey of India and the Union Ministry of Culture. Together, they aim to get the Buddhist sites of Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri, and Udayagiri in Jajpur district recognized globally. These three locations are collectively known as the 'Diamond Triangle' due to their historical and spiritual importance.
Reviving an Ancient Educational Hub
Parida revealed another ambitious plan during her conference address. The government has proposed reviving the ancient Pushpagiri University. This institution once stood as a prominent educational center comparable to Nalanda.
Pushpagiri University operated from the 2nd to the 11th century CE. Its campus spread across the Langudi, Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri, and Udayagiri hills. Historical records show that renowned Chinese traveler Xuanzang visited this university during his journeys.
"We hope the Union government will soon give approval for the proposed project," Parida stated with optimism.
Tourism Development Plans
The deputy chief minister outlined comprehensive plans to boost tourism at these Buddhist sites. The state government intends to develop new infrastructure to enhance visitor experience. Recent excavations have already uncovered numerous Buddha images, stupas, and monasteries across the region.
These archaeological finds showcase the area's rich Buddhist heritage and demonstrate exceptional artistic excellence from ancient times. The discoveries provide tangible evidence of the region's historical significance in Buddhist history and culture.
International Conference Highlights
The Buddhist conference attracted approximately 2,000 participants including scholars, monks, and delegates from 22 different countries. Discussions focused on Guru Padmasambhava, who is considered the 'second Buddha' from Sambalpur region.
Wangmo Dixey, executive director of Light of Buddhadharma Foundation International, shared important historical insights. She noted that Tibetan texts refer to 'Oddiyana' as a major center of Mahayana Buddhism, further establishing the region's importance in Buddhist history.
Government Support and Vision
Minister for Higher Education, Sports & Youth Services Suryabanshi Suraj emphasized the timeless relevance of Buddha's teachings. "The message that Buddha gave more than 2,600 years ago shed its light not only on India or Asia but the whole world," he remarked during the conference.
Several other officials participated in the event including Director of Tourism Dipankar Mohapatra, Jajpur Collector Ambar Kumar Kar, and Barachana MLA Amar Kumar Nayak. Their presence underscored the government's commitment to preserving and promoting Odisha's Buddhist heritage.
The combined efforts aim to secure international recognition while developing infrastructure that will make these historical sites more accessible to visitors from around the world.
