Bhubaneswar, 15 July (H.S.) : In a major initiative to preserve and promote Odisha's rich Buddhist heritage, the State Government on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guru Padmasambhava Baudh Mahavihara, Jirang, to strengthen Buddhist heritage conservation, spiritual tourism and cultural exchange.

The MoU was signed at Lok Seva Bhawan between the Department of Tourism and the Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Government of Odisha, and Guru Padmasambhava Baudh Mahavihara. The partnership is aimed at positioning Odisha as a globally recognised destination for Buddhist heritage, spirituality, scholarship and cultural tourism.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida, Minister for Odia Language, Literature & Culture Suryabanshi Suraj, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, and His Eminence Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, President of Guru Padmasambhava Baudh Mahavihara, Jirang. Senior government officials, members of the monastic community and other distinguished guests also attended the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said Odisha's Buddhist heritage is one of the state's most valuable cultural assets and a key pillar of its tourism potential. She said the collaboration reflects the government's commitment to preserving the state's timeless Buddhist legacy while creating authentic spiritual experiences for visitors from across the world.

The partnership will further strengthen Odisha's position as a leading international destination for Buddhist pilgrimage and cultural tourism, she said.

Minister Suryabanshi Suraj described the MoU as a significant milestone in preserving Odisha's Buddhist traditions, which he said represent a unique confluence of history, philosophy and living culture. He noted that the collaboration would promote heritage conservation, research, cultural exchange and greater public engagement with the state's Buddhist legacy for future generations.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg congratulated the Departments of Tourism and Odia Language, Literature & Culture for the initiative, stating that the partnership reflects the government's integrated approach towards heritage conservation, cultural preservation and sustainable tourism development.

Under the agreement, the two sides will jointly develop a wide range of authentic spiritual and experiential tourism programmes, including meditation retreats, spiritual learning initiatives, monastic immersion programmes and Buddhist pilgrimage experiences.

The MoU also focuses on promoting Buddhist scholarship through international conferences, academic collaborations, research and knowledge exchange. In addition, it envisages the integrated development of the Ratnagiri–Udayagiri–Lalitgiri–Jirang Buddhist Circuit as a world-class heritage, pilgrimage and cultural tourism destination, with emphasis on heritage conservation, enhanced visitor experience and sustainable tourism practices.

Officials said the collaboration is expected to significantly enhance Odisha's profile on the global Buddhist tourism map while contributing to cultural preservation, international engagement and the state's tourism-led economic growth.

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda