The 32nd International Buddhist Conference was held at Prajnagiri in Dongargarh.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai said that in the present time, when the whole world is struggling with mutual materialistic competition, the messages of peace and compassion of Lord Buddha have become more relevant than ever. Following the path shown by Buddha is essential for the upliftment of humanity and progress on the path of peace. He said that the messages of Buddha are also widely seen in Chhattisgarh, due to which people of all religions here are living together with mutual harmony, brotherhood, and unity.
Chief Minister Shri Sai was addressing the 32nd International Buddhist Conference held at the famous Prajnagiri pilgrimage site in Dongargarh today. A large number of Buddhist monks, scholars, and followers from India and abroad were present at this event.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said in his address that Chhattisgarh presents an excellent example of religious harmony. Sirpur, among the ancient Buddhist sites of the state, holds special significance, where the historical heritage of Buddhism is still preserved. Similarly, a large number of people who follow Buddhism live in the Mainpat area of northern Chhattisgarh, and this area is now developing as a major Buddhist tourist destination.
He said that the Chhattisgarh government is committed to the all-round development of the state, in which tourism is also an important component. The state’s natural beauty and cultural diversity make it a special center of attraction for tourism. The state government is continuously striving to establish Chhattisgarh as a major tourist destination. In this direction, this area has also been included under the Prasad scheme of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, due to which there is extensive development of tourism facilities here.
Chief Minister Shri Sai welcomed the Buddhist monks, scholars, and followers who had come from India and abroad to the International Buddhist Conference and expressed his gratitude towards them. On this occasion, Rajnandgaon Lok Sabha MP Shri Santosh Pandey and the President of the Prajnagiri Trust Committee, Shri Vinod Khandekar, also addressed the gathering. Shri Shailendra Dongre, Secretary of the Prajnagiri Trust Committee, Shri Suresh Kumar Sahare, Treasurer, and a large number of followers of Buddhism were present at the program.