Govt will develop Lumbini as destination of world peace, spiritual tourism: PM Dahal

LUMBINI: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has stated that the incumbent government is actively working to develop the teachings, guidance, and birthplace of Buddha as a destination for world peace and spiritual tourism.

Speaking at a programme organised by the 2568th Buddha Jayanti and Lumbini Day Main Ceremony Organising Committee in Lumbini today, PM Dahal highlighted the government’s efforts to develop Lumbini as a religious site to be visited by millions of Buddhists worldwide and ordinary people at least once in their lifetime.

He shared that a proposal related to the Greater Lumbini Development Project was presented at a recent investment summit, and an invitation was extended to the international community for foreign investment. PM Dahal expressed that this would help promote Nepal’s contribution to world peace by attracting Buddhists from around the globe.

“It is a matter of pride for every global citizen to visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. Lumbini will be developed as the centre for Buddhists and there is potential for achieving significant success in promoting tourism in Lumbini and the entire country,” PM Dahal emphasised.

PM Dahal stressed that Gautam Buddha is a universal symbol of peace, unity, and harmony, adding that Buddha’s teachings and their impact are very significant in Eastern philosophy.

“The birth of Buddha has not only provided immense potential through religious tourism but has also made Nepal renowned worldwide,” he explained. Stating that the inscriptions on the Ashoka Pillar in Lumbini are a testament to Buddha being born in Nepal, PM Dahal said the government has incorporated Lumbini into National Pride projects as it yearns for the rapid development of the site serving as a symbol of humanity and a world heritage. He added that the government is working on completing the remaining endeavours under the Lumbini Master Plan.

He said, “The government is focused on archaeological explorations in Kapilvastu, Devdaha, and Ramgram areas, and on their protection, promotion, and development with the support and participation of international donors and organisations.” Stating that the successful implementation of the Greater Lumbini Development Project is capable of turning this aspiration into reality, he also directed the Lumbini Development Trust to proceed towards that end.

He said Lumbini holds the potential to become an even larger international hub for Buddhist philosophy and education. PM Dahal declared that “Lumbini is not just the birthplace of Buddha, but also serves as the origin of Buddhism.”
The head of the government instructed the Lumbini Buddhist University to put its entire efforts towards the promotion of Buddhist philosophy.

PM Dahal also announced the government’s plan to host the third summit.

By RSS