Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has taken a major step to highlight and protect the state’s Buddhist legacy by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guru Padmasambhava Baudh Mahavihara, Jirang.
The agreement aims to establish Odisha as a globally recognised centre for Buddhist heritage, spirituality, scholarship, and cultural tourism.
The MoU was signed on Wednesday at Lok Seva Bhawan between the Department of Tourism and the Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture, and the Jirang-based Buddhist institution. The signing ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who also holds the Tourism portfolio; Suryabanshi Suraj, who oversees Odia Language, Literature & Culture; Chief Secretary Anu Garg; and His Eminence Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, President of Guru Padmasambhava Baudh Mahavihara, along with senior officials and monks.
Under the MoU, the partners will work together to create authentic spiritual and experiential tourism offerings, such as meditation r
etreats, spiritual learning programmes, monastic immersion experiences, and pilgrimage tours. The agreement also supports Buddhist scholarship through international conferences, research projects, academic collaborations, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. A major focus will be the integrated development of the Ratnagiri–Udayagiri–Lalitgiri–Jirang Buddhist Circuit, aiming to transform it into a world-class heritage and pilgrimage destination. Emphasis will be placed on conservation, enhanced visitor experiences, and long-term sustainable tourism practices.
The Deputy CM described Odisha’s Buddhist heritage as one of the state’s most valuable cultural assets and a key driver of its tourism potential. She emphasised that the collaboration demonstrates the government’s dedication to safeguarding this ancient legacy while offering genuine spiritual experiences to visitors worldwide.
Parida expressed confidence that the partnership would elevate Odisha’s status as a premier international destination for Buddhist pilgrimage and cultural tourism.
Minister Suryabanshi Suraj termed the MoU a milestone for cultural preservation. He highlighted how Odisha’s Buddhist traditions blend history, philosophy, and living culture, and noted that the agreement would help conserve this heritage while encouraging research, cultural exchanges, and greater public engagement for future generations.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg congratulated both departments for the initiative and said the partnership reflects the government’s holistic strategy combining heritage conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable tourism development.