President Droupadi Murmu today said India is the blessed land of Dhamma and in every age, there have been great masters and mystics.

Addressing the gathering of the first Asian Buddhist Summit in New Delhi, President Murmu said the Budhha holds a uniqie place among these pathfinders. She highlighted that the enlightenment of Sidhhartha Gautam under the Bodhi tree in Budh Gaya is an event unparalelled in history.

The President said that when the world today is facing an existential crisis on many fronts, the Budhhist community has much to offer to humankind. She stressed the need to discuss the role of Budhhism in strenghtening Asia and how it can bring real peace to Asia and the world. She said Budhhism’s central messsage remains focused on peace and non violence and highlighted that the world needs compassion today.

The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation, is organizing the two day Summit to honour Buddhism, an ancient tradition that not only flourished within its borders but also spread to various countries. The theme of the summit is “The Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia.”