World needs message of peace and harmony: Shri Rajapaksa

Bhopal: Sri Lankan President Shri Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that we need to look back to our civilizations. The wisdom that prevailed in ancient times has to be rediscovered. He said that it is the responsibility of all to disseminate message of peace, harmony and compassion in the entire world now.

Shri Rajapaksa was addressing a huge public meeting after laying foundation stone of Sanchi Buddhist and Indic Studies University at Sanchi today. Bhutanese Prime Minister Shri Jigme Y. Thinley, Governor Shri Ram Naresh Yadav, Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s grandson Shri Prakash Ambedkar and 12 countries’ saints and scholars were present on the occasion.

Shri Rajapaksa said that he has come here like a pilgrim and brought message of peace and love from Sri Lanka. He said that he has brought a sapling of Vat Vriksh, which was planted in Sri Lanka by Mahendra and Sanghmitra.

Shri Rajapaksa said that the university will follow traditions of unique path of higher education adopted by Indian universities like Takshshila, Nalanda, Vallabhi and Vikramshila. He hoped that the university will disseminate knowledge through research and studies with the help of rich and diverse dimensions. He said that the educational system we have inherited from colonial past often hinders development of human intellect and connection between life and spiritual world is overlooked. It not only attaches importance to personal achievements and ambitions, but also promotes a new ruthless competition and meaningless consumption. He said that the university to be established at Sanchi will remove this lacuna and disseminate such an education through which one can lead his life in totality. This university will make relevant the Buddhist and Indic knowledge based on studies, self-introspection and traditional knowledge.

The Sri Lankan President said that India and Sri Lanka are one land from the point of view of friendship and history. Federal structure and emergence of states has not changed our outlook towards India. He said that the Sri Lankan people and government will continue their contribution for success of this university. He thanked Madhya Pradesh government and Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan for establishment of the university.

 Bhutanese Prime Minister: Bhutanese Prime Minister Shri Jigme Y. Thinley described the occasion of Sanchi University’ foundation laying ceremony as a moment of happiness and pride for him. He said that people and government of Bhutan wish for this university’s success. Every possible cooperation will be extended to the university. He said that India and Bhutan have age-old cultural ties. Several countries are impressed by friendship of these countries. He hoped that establishment of Sanchi University will pave the way for comprehensive study of various languages, religions and cultures. He said that science and technology is not everything in life, spiritual and mental development of human beings is also necessary. He said that this university will certainly promote lofty ideologies.

 Governor: Government and Chancellor of Sanchi University Shri Ram Naresh Yadav said that this university will be unique. It will assist in disseminating message of peace and love along with knowledge. Dwelling in detail on Sanchi’s religious, historic and archaeological importance, he said that Madhya Pradesh government is making all-out efforts for its preservation. It is a symbol of devotion to Lord Buddha. The Governor said that Sanchi Buddhist and Indic Studies University will assist in development of lofty values of life and wisdom. He hoped that this university will set parameters of education and religion at the global level.

 Chief Minister: Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that Sanchi University is the concrete shape of a resolve and dream. He urged that a grand temple should be built in Sri Lanka at the place where Sita Ji had given Agni Pariksha (test of fire). Madhya Pradesh government will extend every possible assistance in this work. He said that Buddha Gaya will also be included in Mukhyamantri Teerth-Darshan Yojna. Concession in fairs will also be given to pilgrims visiting Sita-Sthal in Sri Lanka. He said that goodwill visits of Indian and Sri Lankan youths should be organised. Shri Chouhan said that only physical richness cannot give peace and happiness in life. This is possible only through spiritualism. Lord Buddha gave message of mercy, love and goodwill. The same is the message of Hinduism. There is similarity in the message of Hinduism and Buddhism. This university will become a medium for disseminating this message in entire world. Efforts will be made to open this university’s centres in various countries. Shri Chouhan said that Sanchi Buddhist and Indic Studies University will certainly become an academic pilgrimage for the next generation. A bridge will be laid through studies, teaching and research between Buddhist philosophy and Indian ideologies. Though it, we will be able to raise a generation which will establish moral and spiritual values along with economic development. He said that high-level arrangements will be made at the university for studies of various scripts, language, knowledge and religions. Shri Chouhan said that no government can be described as good without compassion. With this in view, welfares schemes for all the sections of society are being implemented in Madhya Pradesh. Expressing concern over decline in women’s ratio, he referred to Beti Bachao Abhiyan. He said that such a campaign should be launched in all the counties of Asia.

The Chief Minister said that Public Service Delivery Guarantee Act has been implemented in the state for making service available to people in the time-limit. It has achieved award from the United Nations Organisation.

 Culture Minister: In his welcome address, Culture Minister Shri Laxmikant Sharma said that religion, culture and folk views are deep rooted in Madhya Pradesh. Sanchi University will develop the new shape of India’s multi-hued and multi-belief traditions. Here, Buddhist Dhamma and its relevance to other prevalent religions will not be overlooeked. Researches will be made on knowledge-based similarities between Indian and other Asian countries. Special stress will be laid on contribution of teachers and scholars of Asia and world towards development of this university.

Mahobodhi Society president Shri Ven. Bangal Upatissa Thero, Swami Dayanad Saraswati’s representative Swami Paramatamanand and Shri Prakash Ambedkar also expressed their views on the occasion. At the outset and conclusion of the programme, National Anthems of Sri Lanka, Bhutan and India were played. Various tribal troupes presented dances. Buddhists scholars and monks from Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Japan, Taiwan, Mongolia, Singapore and other countries were present on the occasion.