PM Narendra Modi talks of Buddhism as part of his outreach

Continuing his policy to utilise the cultural significance of Buddhism for his diplomatic outreach internationally and placate the Dalit community domestically, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Buddha Jayanti celebrations organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) on Monday.

After paying respects to Buddha relics, brought for the occasion from the National Museum to the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, the PM said India made no distinction between religions and had no history of attacking other countries or schools of thought.

"In today's world, humanity and compassion had become even more relevant," Modi said, speaking at the event.

In a bid to engage with Dalits, Modi said discrimination on race, caste, creed was part of Indian and Buddhist ideologies. In 2015, Modi had announced to commemorate Buddha Jayanti Day as an annual national event.

Soon after assuming office in 2014, the PM brought a definite shift in India's diplomatic approach towards the East Asia, by laying emphasis on the Buddha diplomacy.

Since then he had played the Buddha card, highlighting India as the place of origin of Buddhism.

Speaking at the event, PM Modi said the teachings of the Buddha were based on humanity, and the country was proud the philososphy had originated here.

He also offered "sangh dana" (donation) to Buddhist monks who had come from Japan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. He also presented the Vaishakh Sammaan Prashasti Patra to the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, and the All India Bhikshu Sangha, Bodh Gaya.

He also highlighted the role played by Buddhism in the cultural integration of the country. The moves have been seen largely as part of a strategy to placate the anger brewing in the Dalit community for several reasons, including incidents of atrocities in the BJP ruled states.

He indicated such a change in emphasis by his first official visit abroad to a neighbouring Buddhist country in South Asia, Bhutan and then to Nepal where Lord Buddha was born. His first official visit outside South Asia was to another Buddhist country, Japan.

Not only India, over the years, China as well as even Pakistan is using the Buddhist card as a measure of diplomatic outreach. China is also using Buddhism to increase its influence in nearby regions by international Buddhist gatherings discreetly supporting the Drukpa Kagyu Rimpoche in Ladakh and also helping the development of Lumbni—birthplace of Lord Buddha in Nepal. Pakistan also uses its ancient site Taxila in the outskirts of Islamabad as an outreach. Recently it presented its rich Buddhist legal to Sri Lanka, by sending most sacred relics of Lord Buddha to Colombo to commemorate Buddha Rashmi National Vesak festival.