Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi delivered the keynote address on the occasion of Virtual Vesak Global Celebrations on Buddha Purnima i.e. on 26th May 2021.
- The event was organised by the Culture Ministry in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and witnessed participation of all the supreme heads of the Buddhist Sanghas from around the world.
- Over 50 most prominent Buddhist religious leaders from around the world addressed the congregation.
- Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said Vesak is a day to celebrate the life of Lord Buddha and to reflect on the noble ideals and sacrifices he made for the betterment of our planet.
- The Prime Minister said that the four sights in the life of Lord Buddha ignited within him the desire to devote his life to removing human suffering.
About Vesak and Vesak Day
- “Vesak”, the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May, is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world.
- It was on the Day of Vesak two and a half millennia ago, in the year 623 B.C., that the Buddha was born.
- It was also on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha attained enlightenment, and it was on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha in his eightieth year passed away.
- The General Assembly, by its resolution 54/115 of 1999, recognized internationally the Day of Vesak to acknowledge the contribution that Buddhism, one of the oldest religions in the world, has made for over two and a half millennia and continues to make to the spirituality of humanity.
