Photos: Binod Pariyar/Himal Press
LUMBINI: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has announced plans to develop Lumbini as the ‘birthing center’ for Buddhists around the world.
Addressing the 2568th Buddha Jayanti and 2024 Lumbini Day celebrations in Lumbini on Thursday, Dahal said Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, can become a central hub for Buddhists all over the world. Recalling his efforts during his tenure in 2011 as the chairman of the Greater Lumbini National Steering Committee, where he collaborated with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to promote archaeological excavation, preservation, and promotion, of Lumbini in surrounding areas, Dahal said ongoing efforts to develop the Greater Lumbini Area, including the archaeological excavation, preservation, promotion, and development of Kapilvastu, Devdaha and Ramgram can bring new development benefits to the local population.
Similarly, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha said Buddha’s teachings, guidance and philosophy are also relevant in today’s world. “Lumbini, as Buddha’s birthplace, can contribute to global peace,” Shrestha said.
Lumbini Province Chief Minister Jokh Bahadur Mahara said the provincial government was sparing no effort to promote Lumbini as a destination for religious tourism.
Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hit Bahadur Tamang, said Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not only a spiritual center but also integral to the nation’s prestige. “There is a need to extend the length of stay of tourists in Lumbini,” Tamang, said, expressing commitment to complete the remaining works of Lumbini Master Plan.
Lumbini Development Trust Vice-President Dr Lharkyal Lama described Lumbini as a center of peace, harmony and unity. He said there is a need to disseminate Buddha’s teachings worldwide for global peace.
BIMSTEC Secretary-General Indra Mani Pandey, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava, Thai Ambassador to Nepal Suwapong Sirison, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Nepal Air Chief Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, and UN Resident Coordinator Hanna Singer-Hamdy also spoke on the occasion.
