Kushinagar (UP), Oct 20 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said Buddhism's message of compassion and friendship will once again reach the international stage with the newly-inaugurated international airport in Kushinagar.

He was speaking at the Abhidhamma Day programme here. The day symbolises the end of the three-month rainy retreat 'varshavaas' or 'vassa' during which Buddhist monks stay in a monastery to pray and meditate.

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The programme was organised by the Union Culture Ministry in collaboration with International Buddhist Confederation and the UP government.

Sri Lankan Minister Namal Rajapaksa, who took part in the inauguration, also addressed the gathering, saying that he feels honoured to have been a part of the inaugural flight to Kushinagar from Sri Lanka and that he will cherish this honour for a lifetime.

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He also said Buddhism is the best gift that Sri Lanka has got from India.

Union Minister of Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju in his address highlighted the fact that Kushinagar is now connected by all three modes – air, rail and road, and also makes it easier to travel to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.

He also said the demand for the airport for several years has been fulfilled at last.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister For Culture, Tourism And Development Of North Eastern Region G Kishan Reddy said, "I am grateful to the head monk of Waskaduwa relics temple, Sri Lanka for bringing the relics to India. We have gathered today to not only celebrate the common heritage we inherited from Lord Buddha but also to build stronger and deeper bonds amongst our countries."

Speaking about the efforts made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he added, "Our Prime Minister has taken it as his dharma to strengthen India's ties with Buddhist countries and the inauguration of the Kushinagar international airport is another step that will facilitate the travel of Buddhist monks and pilgrims around the world to visit this revered site associated with Lord Buddha."

He added, "Buddhist pilgrims, historians and heritage enthusiasts can use this opportunity to not only visit Kushinagar but also discover other historically significant locations that are in close proximity such as Lumbini, Kapilavastu, Kesariya Stupa and Sravasti. The Union Ministry of Culture is giving high priority for the development of Buddhist Tibetan institutes and the development of courses on Buddhism through various institutes. Such initiatives will bring all of us closer and the message of Lord Buddha will be reflected in our values and outlook."

Reddy highlighted the Buddhist circuit around Kushinagar, Sravasti, and Kapilvastu that was being developed as a part of the Swadesh Darshan scheme.

He also spoke about several Buddhist circuit projects that were being undertaken in other parts of the country such as Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh that are nearing completion.

The minister also spoke about the high priority being given for for the development of courses on Buddhism through various specialised institutes in India such as the Central Universities of Tibetan Studies, Sarnath; the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, Leh; the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Nalanda, Bihar; and the Central Institute of Himalayan Culture Studies, Arunachal Pradesh.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)