India’s 125-year wait ends: Sacred relics of Lord Buddha finally return!

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that after 125 years of waiting, India’s heritage has returned, and the sacred relics are now accessible for the public to witness and receive blessings.

He extended greetings to all guests, including monks and dharma acharyas, noting that their presence infused the event with spiritual energy.

Modi highlighted the historical significance of the venue, recalling that Qila Rai Pithora was the site of a fortified city nearly a thousand years ago, and today, a sacred chapter of India’s spiritual heritage is being added to it.

He reflected on the relics’ journey abroad, stressing that while they were treated as mere antiques by those who took them, for India, they remain inseparable from its civilization and spiritual legacy.

He expressed gratitude to the Godrej Group for facilitating the return of the relics to India.

Emphasizing the global significance of Buddha’s teachings, the Prime Minister noted that wherever the relics traveled recently—Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Russia—millions of devotees paid homage, demonstrating that Lord Buddha belongs to all humanity.

Sharing his personal connection, Modi recounted visits to Buddhist sites worldwide, including Lumbini (Nepal), To-ji Temple and Kinkaku-ji (Japan), the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (China), Gandan Monastery (Mongolia), Anuradhapura (Sri Lanka), Wat Pho (Thailand), and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (Singapore), highlighting India’s role in preserving and spreading Buddha’s legacy. He also mentioned efforts to carry Bodhi tree saplings to these sites as symbols of shared heritage and peace.

The Prime Minister underscored India’s dedication to preserving Buddhist heritage, citing restoration projects in Nepal and Myanmar, the discovery and conservation of relics in Vadnagar and Baramulla, and the creation of modern experiential museums and facilities at major Buddhist sites, including Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Shravasti, Kushinagar, and Nagarjun Sagar.

He highlighted the establishment of a Buddhist Circuit to improve connectivity and provide pilgrims a holistic experience.

Modi also stressed efforts to make Pali, the language of Buddha’s teachings, accessible to the public and recognized as a classical language, promoting deeper understanding and research of Buddhist philosophy. He reaffirmed that Buddha’s timeless message, including the principle of “Atta Deepo Bhava” (be a light unto yourself), offers guidance for unity, peace, and global welfare.

Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister invited citizens, especially students and youth, to visit the exhibition, connect with Buddha’s teachings, and witness India’s spiritual heritage, describing the event as a bridge between India’s glorious past and the aspirations of the future.