Indian Minister shares Sri Lankan monk’s Buddhist message to Modi

Newswire reports that Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, India’s Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, shared the message on X on Abhidhamma Day. Daily Mirror reports that an Indian minister circulated a Sri Lankan monk’s Buddhist message addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Newswire reports that the monk, Ven. Borelle Seeladassana, represents Sri Lanka’s Sihanada International Meditation Community and delivered his message after an invitation from the International Buddhist Confederation. He praised India’s use of spiritual engagement, distribution of sacred relics and heritage conservation to support Buddhist communities internationally.

Newswire reports that Seeladassana said these efforts gave Buddhists opportunities to honour sacred relics and visit pilgrimage locations such as Sarnath, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar. He welcomed India’s decision to classify Pali as a classical language, and said preserving Buddhism should include both historic places and relics and the study and practice of the Dhamma.

Newswire reports that the monk evoked the historic religious connections between India and Sri Lanka, recalling Arahant Mahinda’s journey to Sri Lanka and links between Emperor Ashoka and King Devanampiyatissa. He urged closer work among the International Buddhist Confederation, the two countries’ governments and Buddhist clergy to protect Buddhist teachings for coming generations.

Newswire reports that Shekhawat expressed thanks to Modi for his leadership and pointed to government efforts to build mutual respect, cultural understanding and stronger spiritual connections with Buddhist communities around the world.