Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a landmark international exposition of sacred Lord Buddha relics in New Delhi on Saturday, framing the event as a profound moment of cultural reclamation and civilisational pride. The exposition, titled 'Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One', features the recently repatriated Piprahwa relics and gem relics, marking their first public display in India after over 125 years.
A Homecoming After Colonial Era
Speaking at the Qila Rai Pithora Cultural Complex, Prime Minister Modi delivered a powerful message on cultural sovereignty. He stated that the departure and eventual return of the sacred relics are significant lessons in themselves. The Prime Minister emphasized that slavery is not merely political or economic but also erodes heritage, a fate suffered by these relics when they were taken away during colonial rule.
He asserted that for India, these sacred objects are far more than museum artefacts. They are an inseparable and revered part of the nation's civilisational identity. Their return was facilitated after more than 125 years through the concerted efforts of the Indian government and the Godrej Group.
India as the Living Custodian of Buddhist Tradition
Prime Minister Modi positioned India not just as the historical custodian of these relics but as the living carrier of Buddha's tradition. He reflected on India's enduring role in spreading Buddha's message globally, noting how sacred relics have travelled from India to nations with significant Buddhist populations.
These countries include Vietnam, Thailand, Mongolia, and Russia, where the relics inspired waves of devotion and saw huge public turnouts for homage. This shared spiritual heritage, Modi underlined, proves that India's global connections run deeper than politics, diplomacy, or economy. We are connected through mind and emotions, through faith and spirituality, he remarked.
Reviving the Original Essence of Dhamma
In a significant announcement related to preserving Buddhist teachings, the Prime Minister highlighted efforts to make Pali language accessible to common people. Pali, the original language of Buddha's Abhidhamma and teachings, has been accorded the status of a classical language. This move, Modi explained, will make it easier to understand and explain the Dhamma in its original essence, safeguarding the philosophical core of the tradition.
Striking a personal note, the Prime Minister connected his own journey to the Buddhist legacy. He mentioned that his birthplace, Vadnagar in Gujarat, was a major centre for Buddhist studies. Furthermore, Sarnath near Varanasi—where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon—is his 'karmabhoomi' or workplace, as he is the Member of Parliament from Varanasi. He also shared anecdotes of carrying saplings of the sacred Bodhi tree during his state visits to countries like China, Japan, Korea, and Mongolia.
The exhibition site itself, Qila Rai Pithora, holds historical significance as a city established by former rulers nearly a thousand years ago, surrounded by strong walls. The exposition, now open to the public from Sunday, is housed within this complex, blending ancient history with a contemporary cultural homecoming. This first-of-its-kind exhibition stands as a testament to India's ongoing journey to reclaim, preserve, and celebrate its rich spiritual and civilisational heritage on the world stage.
