32nd International Buddhist Conference held at Prajnagiri in Dongargarh
Raipur, 6 February 2025: Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai said that in the present times, when the whole world is struggling with mutual material competition, the messages of peace and compassion of Lord Buddha have become more relevant than ever. It is necessary to follow the path shown by Buddha to uplift humanity and move forward on the path of peace. He said that the messages of Buddha are also having a wide impact in Chhattisgarh, due to which people of all religions are living here with mutual cordiality, brotherhood and harmony. Chief Minister Sai was addressing the 32nd International Buddhist Conference organized at the famous Prajnagiri pilgrimage site of Dongargarh today. Buddhist monks, scholars and followers from the country and abroad were present in large numbers in this event. Chief Minister Sai said in his address that Chhattisgarh presents an excellent example of religious harmony. Sirpur has special significance among the ancient Buddhist sites of the state, where the historical heritage of Buddhism is still preserved. Similarly, a large number of people following Buddhism live in the Mainpat region of northern Chhattisgarh, and this area is now developing as a major Buddhist tourist destination.
He said that the Chhattisgarh government is committed to the all-round development of the state, in which tourism is also an important component. The natural beauty and cultural diversity of the state make it a special center of attraction for tourism. The state government is constantly striving to establish Chhattisgarh as a major tourist center. In this direction, this region has also been included under the Prasad Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, due to which tourism facilities are being developed extensively here. Chief Minister Sai heartily welcomed the Buddhist monks, scholars and followers from the country and abroad who had come to the International Buddhist Conference and expressed his gratitude to them. On this occasion, Rajnandgaon Lok Sabha MP Santosh Pandey and Chairman of Pragyagiri Trust Committee Vinod Khandekar also addressed the gathering. Secretary of Pragyagiri Trust Committee Shailendra Dongre, Treasurer Suresh Kumar Sahare and a large number of followers of Buddhism were present in the program.