`Buddhist India'; radicals force ideology on others: PM

 

Sep 06 2015 : The Times of India (Delhi)

 

Feel like calling us `Buddhist India'; radicals force ideology on others: PM

Abdul Qadir

Bodh Gaya TNN





 

PM Narendra Modi on Saturday said while there was no problem with people practising their own religion, conflict mostly emanated from religious intolerance and radical elements which try to force their own thoughts on others.

 Pitching India's ancient Buddhist links at a Hindu-Buddhist conclave at the Maha Bodhi Temple, the place of Lord Buddha's enlightenment, the PM described conflict avoidance as the most effective conflict resolution mechanism. The outreach was part of Modi's attempts to leverage India's cultural connections with Buddha, who preached and formed the Sangha in areas that are now east UP and Bihar.

In his 20-minute address before a select gathering of about 100 participants from more than a dozen countries, the PM endorsed the Bodh Gaya declaration of the Delhi conference, hosted by Vivekananda Inter national Foundation and Tokyo Foundation, to work for global peace and harmony .
Modi, who has highlighted India being Buddha's “karmabhoomi“, spoke about building a civilisational bond between India and the Buddhist world. While many south east nations find it difficult to relate India's current geographical entity to Buddha, Modi has sought to give the enterprise a higher profile.The Modi government as well as the predecessor UPA regime have recognized the strategic importance of countering China's efforts to present itself as a major patron of Buddhist thought.

Modi, who earlier offered prayers at the world famous temple's sanctum sanctorum, also participated in the meditation-cum-chanting of mantras by different sects of Buddhists. The session was held under the sacred Bodhi tree.

In his address, Modi dealt with the commonality of themes and beliefs of both Hindu and Buddhist systems.There was so much in common between the two that he felt like calling India as `Buddhist India', he said.

Modi referred to the coincidence of today being Lord Krishna's birth anniversary and referred to the belief that Buddha was, in fact, a Vishnu incarnate who came to the world to end misery and bring peace and harmony .

The PM offered all help for the development of Bodh Gaya as the most important centre of Buddhism and practical aspects of Buddhism relevant for the development of humanity as an entity , irrespective of artificial divisions and subdivisions.

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