New Delhi: In the 123rd episode of his radio program Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spotlighted a remarkable cultural and spiritual milestone—India’s sharing of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha with Vietnam. The initiative has sparked a massive public response, with over 1.5 crore people visiting the relics across nine locations in Vietnam.
Calling it a “national festival” in Vietnam, PM Modi emphasized how the event underscored the deep cultural and spiritual ties between India and Vietnam and showcased the global appeal of India’s rich heritage.
“Over the past few days, I received numerous messages from the people of Vietnam. Each one was filled with reverence and warmth. Their gratitude was deeply touching—more heartfelt than any formal expression of thanks,” said the Prime Minister.
The sacred relics, originally discovered at Nagarjunakonda in the Palnadu district of Andhra Pradesh, hold a significant place in Buddhist history. Once a flourishing Buddhist centre, Nagarjunakonda attracted pilgrims from distant lands, including Sri Lanka and China.
During their recent exposition in Vietnam, the relics drew an unprecedented public turnout. Braving rain and heat, people from all walks of life—including children, the elderly, and the differently abled—queued for hours to pay their respects. Among those who offered prayers were Vietnam’s president, deputy prime minister, and other senior government officials.
Such was the devotion that the Vietnamese government formally requested to extend the display of the relics by 12 days—a request India accepted with great goodwill. Initially scheduled for public viewing until May 21, the exhibition continued until June 2.
“Just imagine—in a country of 10 crore people, over 1.5 crore visited the relics of Lord Buddha. This clearly shows that devotion knows no bounds,” PM Modi noted. “The videos and photos I saw on social media conveyed the deep emotional and spiritual connection people felt.”
The journeyof the relics began in Ho Chi Minh City on May 2 and reached its spiritual high point at the Yen Tu Pagoda in Quang Ninh Province, one of Vietnam’s most revered Buddhist sites. For many Vietnamese, this marked their first opportunity to witness the sacred relics of the Enlightened One—a moment seen as the beginning of a lifelong spiritual journey.
PM Modi also encouraged citizens to explore Buddhist heritage sites within India, highlighting the profound spiritual and cultural enrichment such visits can offer.
He added, “The teachings of Bhagwan Buddha have the power to unite nations, cultures, and peoples. Just as we’ve seen in Vietnam, the relics were earlier shared with Thailand and Mongolia, where they received similar reverence. I urge all of you to explore Buddhist sites in your states—it’s a spiritual journey and a beautiful way to reconnect with our heritage.”
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