The BJP government has accorded official status to Buddha Poornima.
Making a deft move, the BJP government has accorded official status to Buddha Poornima and will be celebrating it in a big way on Monday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself leading the nation in prayers.
"On this occasion, the prime minister will lead the nation in prayers and solidarity with the people and nation of Nepal -- the land of birth of Buddha and all those affected in India and Tibetan Autonomous Region," the Central government said.
Incidentally, in a statement issued later on Sunday, the government removed the reference to Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) to which China has always conveyed its displeasure. Another important reference conspicuous because of its absence is the name of the foremost Buddhist spiritual leader from Tibet, Dalai Lama, among the list of dignitaries.
Until now, Dalai Lama, living in exile in India, has remained pivotal on such occasions, especially those related to Buddhism. He, however, is among the patrons the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) under whose aegis the Buddha Poornima is being celebrated.
Aiming at expanding its base among Dalits, a large section of whom got converted to Buddhism, and at the same time marking India's presence with aplomb in the eastern world that goes in sync with PM Modi's Look East policy, the government said, "It is unfortunate that this most auspicious and sacred day associated with Buddha, the greatest messenger of peace and gift to humanity, which is celebrated all over the world and also recognised as UN Day of Vesak didn't receive the official sanction and support in India, the land of origin of Buddha Dharma."
The keenness of the BJP government to take the credit could be seen in its statement that pointed out that "only twice in independent history of India, the day was officially commemorated in 1956 and 2008."
In 1956, the government of India had officially hosted the 2500th Buddha Jayanti celebrations in Bodhgaya under the leadership of then Prime Minister Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru while in 2007, the 2550th anniversary of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana was officially hosted by the Congress-led UPA government in Kushinagar.
A host of dignitaries, members of parliaments, ambassadors, eminent scholars, Buddhist monks and nuns from India and various countries will attend the event. A large number of followers of Buddha Dharma from all over India is also expected to attend the event.
The move to host International Buddha Poornima Diwas Celebration 2015 was initiated under the aegis of International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) by Kiren Rijiju and Prime Minster Narendra Modi who has accorded the importance in preservation and promotion of shared heritage and development of Buddhist pilgrimage and heritage circuit in top priority.
"Buddha is the greatest gift that India has given to the world. It is time that we recognise this and celebrate his greatness in the land where he attained enlightenment, delivered his first sermon, preached the Dharma, and finally attained Parinirvana," said minister of state for home, Kiren Rijiju, who happens to the only Buddhist minister in Modi government.
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