Seeping in historical and traditional facets of Buddhism, Prez Kovind inaugurates Buddhist Conclave
Aurangabad, August 24: ‘Be Calm, Stay Calm!’ Believe in the magic of staying calm and all your problems resolve in no time. Highlighting the traditional and historical facets of Buddhism across the world, the state of Maharashtra opens its doors as President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurates the 6th International Buddhist Conclave 2018.
With the aim of encouraging the prominent Buddhist heritage and pilgrim sites in the State of Maharashtra, Ministry of Tourism, and Government of India along with Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation have come together to spread wide the noble ideas and views of Buddhism in Maharashtra. The conclave will comprise of Buddhist delegates, monks, and the consulate general from 12 to 15 Buddhist nations.
Addressing the event, President Ram Nath Kovind acknowledged the participation of Japan as a partner country in this Conclave. India and Japan have much in common, but there are few links we treasure as much as our shared Buddhist heritage. Through thousands of years of human existence, India has been a storehouse of history and culture, of faith and philosophy. Buddhism has been among India’s greatest spiritual traditions.
The Buddhist Circuit in India is an important and revered set of destinations for the approximately 500 million-strong community of Buddhists that lives across Asia and other parts of the world. It is to facilitate such a travel and pilgrimage experience that this Conclave has been organized and that the website and film dedicated to the Buddhist Circuit have been formally launched.
Ministry of Tourism has identified the Buddhist Circuit as one of the thematic circuits for development under its Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Five projects, with a combined outlay of more than 350 crore rupees, have been sanctioned for the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Highlighting the Buddhist attractions across the State various presentations and cultural programmes will be conducted. The conclave will offer participants a platform to interact, encourage, package and sell pilgrimage tours to potential tourists.
Buddhism is spreading its roots in every nook and corner. So, Buddhist Tourism is seen as a growing sector and the International Buddhist Conclave will help to understand its potential and opportunities to promote Buddhist sites in the state. With this initiative, Maharashtra will be able to encourage Buddhist travelers from across the world. The Ministry of Tourism has also recognized stupas and viharas across the country and is planning to develop these Buddhist Circuits.