Buddhism conveys message of non-violence and peace: PM Modi's statement on Dharma Chakra Day

New delhi date. 4 July 2020, Saturday

Under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) will celebrate Ashadh Purnima today, Saturday, as Dharma Chakra Day. Mahatma Buddha gave his first sermon to his first five disciples on this very day. To mark the occasion, Buddhists from all over the world celebrate this day every year as Dharma Chakra Pravartan Day. In this regard, in Hinduism, today is a day to pay homage to Guru and it is also celebrated as Guru Purnima.

Addressing the nation through video conferencing on the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Buddhism teaches respect for the people. Respect for the people, respect for the poor, respect for women, respect for peace and non-violence. This is why this teaching given by the Buddha is still relevant today.

The Prime Minister said that Gautam Buddha in his first sermon at Sarnath and in the days that followed also talked about two things, hope and purpose. He sees a strong link between hope and purpose because hope alone produces purpose.

The Prime Minister said that the same young minds are coming up with solutions to global problems. India has the largest start-up ecosystem. I would also urge my young friends to join the Buddha’s thoughts. They themselves are motivated by those ideas and show others the way forward.

Today the whole world is going through a bad situation. All these challenges can be solved by the thoughts of Gautama Buddha. They were relevant before, are relevant today and will be relevant in the future. We (Government) want to focus on all the sites of Gautam Buddha. The cabinet has approved the construction of an international airport in Kushinagar a few days ago. This way many people and pilgrims will be able to reach these places. Gautama Buddha's ideas will bring light, the idea of ​​walking together and brotherhood in the future. May His blessings move us to do good deeds.

Earlier, at 9 am, President Shri Ramnath Kovinde inaugurated a program on the occasion of Dharma Chakra Day at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Union Minister Kiren Riju then addressed the Dharma Chakra Day function.

It is learned that many other important events will also be organized on this day. For example, messages from top Buddhist gurus, experts and scholars from different parts of the world will be broadcast live from Sarnath and Boudhgaya. All programs will be virtual regardless of the Covid 19 epidemic. As many as 3 million people from around the world will be participating in the event via live webcast today.