Lumbini, May 23:Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said that the government is working actively to develop the teachings and guidance, and the birthplace of Gautam Buddha as a destination for world peace and religious tourism. 

Addressing the program organized by the 2568th Buddha Jayanti and Lumbini Day main celebration committee on the occasion of the 2568th birth anniversary of Siddhartha Gautam, PM Prachanda said that the government is committed to developing the shrine religious place, which should be visited at least once by millions of Buddhist community worldwide and by the common people.

The PM said, “The incumbent government is actively working to develop the teachings of Gautam Buddha, guidance and birthplace of Buddha as a destination for world peace and religious tourism.”

The PM said, “It is a pride for all people worldwide to step on the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. There is an endless possibility to establish Lumbini as the ‘birthing centre’ of Buddhists and to make great achievements in tourism preservation of this area and the whole country.” 

He said that Siddhartha Gautam is an embodiment of modesty, wisdom and the collective symbol of peace, unity and harmony.

 “The ideas of Buddha and the influence on Eastern philosophy and mediation culture are very important.  The teachings of Buddha are monumental in the development of human civilization and culture, constructing knowledge, and the rise of wisdom. The birthplace of Gautam Buddha, Lumbini, does not contribute to making Nepal renowned but has also provided endless possibilities in religious tourism.”