Courtesy The Island

Buddhist monks, dignitaries, and representatives from Buddhist societies and temples across the world at the event

A grand welcome as well as a blessing ceremony was recently held in honour of Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Highways and Transport, Government of India, recognising his leadership in advancing development projects that link sacred Buddhist sites and historical religious cities across India, said a release from the Jambudvipa Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple in Sarnath.

The event, organised by the Maha Bodhi Charitable Trust under the guidance of Bhante Harshabodhi Maha Thero, aimed to celebrate the ongoing efforts to connect these significant cultural landmarks.

The ceremony, which took place with the cooperation of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) and the Indo-Sri Lanka International Buddhist Association, was attended by a large number of senior Buddhist monks, dignitaries, and representatives from Buddhist societies and temples across the world. Notable attendees included Venerable Dr. K Siri Sumedha Thero, President of the Indo-Sri Lanka International Buddhist Association, and the High Priest of Jambudvipa Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple in Sarnath.

During the event, participants expressed their appreciation for the substantial contributions made by Nitin Gadkari and the Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They lauded the transformative development works aimed at connecting key Buddhist pilgrimage sites, thus enhancing cultural and spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka, and fostering deeper international Buddhist unity.

The attendees also offered prayers and blessings for the continued success of these projects and the prosperous future of India. The ceremony emphasized the significant role of these developments in promoting global peace and strengthening the shared heritage of the Buddhist community.