New Delhi, 27 February (H.S.):

Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju declared Friday that Buddhism transcends identity, embodying a profound way of life.Speaking at the seminar Buddhism in Modern India: Advancing on Cultural and Social Paths in New Delhi's Standing Conference of Public Enterprises complex, Rijiju asserted embracing Buddha's core tenets suffices—no elaborate rituals required.

Universal Path of Truth and Non-ViolenceAnyone, irrespective of faith, can tread Buddha's path of truth and non-violence, he emphasized, stressing empowered peace fortified by wisdom safeguards society.

Government remains committed to preserving, promoting, and globalizing Buddhist heritage via compassion, tolerance, and coexistence for inclusive growth—India, Buddha's birthplace, anchors global faith.

Under 'Buddhist Development Plan,' sacred sites gain restoration, infrastructure; Northeast, Ladakh, Himalayan regions receive targeted initiatives. Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar hold universal allure—optimal development could vault India into tourism elite.

As a secular republic honoring all faiths constitutionally, India fosters equilibrium of power and peace per Buddha, ensuring harmony, tolerance, and inclusive progress worldwide.

Key attendees included Minister of State George Kurien, Minority Affairs Secretary Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, National Commission for Minorities Secretary Alka Upadhyay, and IBC Secretary General Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar