Colombo, May 7 (newsin.asia): Addressing the Virtual Vesak Global Celebrations on Buddha Purnima day on Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Lord Buddha is synonymous with service and dedication.
“Those who are engaged in the service of humanity at all times, day and night, are the true followers of Lord Buddha,” Modi said.
Indian Prime Minister recalled that he was part of the Vesak celebrations in 2015 and 2018 in New Delhi, and in 2017 in Colombo. This year, the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), a global Buddhist umbrella organization, organized a Virtual Prayer Event with the participation of all the supreme heads of the Buddhist Sanghas from around the world, a press release from the Indian High Commission said.
Prayers on the occasion were streamed live from the Sacred Garden Lumbini, Nepal, Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya, India, Mulgandha Kuti Vihara, Sarnath, India, Parinirvana Stupa, Kushinagar, India, Pirith Chanting from Ruwanweli Maha Seya in the sacred and historic Anuradhapura stupa premises, Sri Lanka, Boudhanath, Swayambhu, Namo Stupa, Nepal apart from other popular Buddhist sites.
“During the current COVID-19 global pandemic we are fortunate to see many people around us, who serve others, treat a patient, feed a poor person, clean a hospital, maintain law and order on roads/ They all are working round the clock,” Prime Minister Modi stated.
“Every such person deserves a salute, a tribute,” he said.
Recalling the four truths of mercy, compassion, nonchalance in happiness or sorrow, and acceptance of people with their good and bad traits, Modi said that these continue to inspire India.
Speaking about India’s approach to COVID-19, Modi said, “…India is standing firmly in selflessness, without any distinction, with the person in distress, both in the country and throughout the world.”
