Vadodara: To mark the 55th Anniversary of the discoveries of Buddha relics from Dev Ni Mori village in North Gujarat, the 3rd edition of the International Buddhist Conference or the Bodhi Saptah will be held on 25th November 2018 in Vadodara.

The President of Sanghaya Foundation Phra. Ven Prasheel Ratna Gautam, which is organizing the conference speaking at a Press Briefing in Ahmedabad, said that the the reason for holding the 3rd Conference in the city of Vadodara was due to the fact that Maharaja Sayajirao University, Department of Archeology has preserved the ancient relics of Buddha which was excavated in the region of Dev Ni Mori situated in North Gujarat. The excavation had happened for a period of three years from 1960 to 1963 and an old Monastery with Viharas, Stupas and accommodation rooms were found. A priceless Casket was also discovered which had the ashes of Buddha and an engraving on the casket is the proof of the same. This Casket is currently also being preserved by MS University among many other relics and will be on display during the 3rd International Buddhist Festival.

He added that contrary to the belief that ancient Buddhist sites exist only in parts of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and further to the North of India, Gujarat too has been blessed with such sites especially in North Gujarat but the state has always been neglected due to lack of awareness. It is also being endeavored to make Dev Ni Mori as a strong tourist destination and with the support of the Government of Gujarat, through the Gujarat Tourism a separate area is being allocated. Formal approval for funds is awaited from the Central Government but an amount of Rs. 36 crores has already been allocated through Gujarat Tourism to develop the area as a prominent tourist destination. Plans are afoot to also start a Buddhist Study Centre in the city of Ahmedabad.

The Conference in Vadodara will begin on 25th November 2018 and some of the important guests who are invited to the conference are Ven. Hui Hai, Vice Chancellor of Dharma Buddhist University, Malaysia, Ven. Anuruddha Mugunwela from Sri Lanka, Ms. Dr Aphinita Chaichana and Princess Dr. Maria Amore from Phillipines, Mr. Andrew John Wilson from Australia, Ven. Udita from Italy, Jampa Phurba Dorjee Rinpche from Paris, Ms. Romana Goris from Belgium, Ven. Aommadassi from London, Mr Ram Prakash from New York, USA, Ven. Bhante Bhikkhu Bhaddhiya from Yangon Mynmar, Ms. Aphinita Chaichian from Thailand, Ven. Tamang Rinpoche (Sangay Yonten) from Bhutan, Bhante Karunanand from Bangladesh, Ven. Dr. Olaganwatte Chandasiri-Head of Department of Languages, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Ven. Rev. Zhong Zhu from Malaysia, Ven. Man Ben from China, Ms. Woon Kwee Ching from Singapore, Rev. Chuan Dong from Malaysia, Dr. Ramesh Banker of Gujarat Buddhist Academy, Res. Swamy Devendraji Jain Sadhak from Mumbai, Mr. Rizwan Adatiya Social Activities and Businessman from Africa and Mr. Aneel Murarkaji Social Activities and Businessman from Mumbai along the Indian delegation who will converge in Vadodara and be a part of the various cultural activities being lined up on the day. Special Invitees from Vadodara are Mr. Anupam Gehlot, Police Commissioner Vadodara and Mr. Anil Pradhan, Addl Director General of Police, Gandhinagar Gujarat.

The events on 26th November 2018 include Budddha relics and exhibition site scene at Vadodara, Visit to Sankalp Bhoomi and Laxmi Vilas Palace and Museum, followed by departure to Gandhi Nagar and visit to the proposed Buddhist Centre.

A site visit to the Buddhist heritage site’s at Vadnagar, Dev ni Mori, Junagadh and Rajkot is being schedule on 27th November 2018.

“The conference aims to foster a lasting collaboration of Gujarat with some of the major Buddhist countries around the globe, thereby establishing Gujarat as an important destination for spiritual, art and cultural tourism among East Asian countries. The objective of the conference is to build awareness about the Buddhist philosophy and promote Gujarat’s Buddhist heritage,” said Shri Bhante Prashil Ratna at the end of the Press Conference.

His Holiness Dalai Lama has also sent his message to the organizers which will be read out at the Conference.

DeshGujarat