Bhubaneswar: Odisha is developing a comprehensive plan for integrated development, heritage conservation, and modern historical research of major Buddhist sites – Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, Udayagiri, Jirang, and Dhauli, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said on the fourth day of the International Buddhist Conference in Jajpur on Wednesday.
“To rejuvenate Odisha’s rich Buddhist culture, the state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Light of Buddha Foundation. A special expert committee is being constituted for the development of Buddhism, and emphasis is being laid on connecting Odisha to India’s Buddhist Tourism Circuit. Steps have also been initiated for the development of the Jirang Mahavihara,” said Parida, who also hold the Tourism portfolio.
The Deputy CM further stated tha
t the Conference will help in the development of Buddhist tourism while spreading the message of peace and compassion across the world. She noted that the land of Odisha has always progressed along the path of spirituality and that the state government is making sustained efforts in this direction.
Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj praised the Guru Padmasambhava Ceremony for effectively disseminating Buddhist teachings and promoting Odisha’s rich heritage. He pointed out the participation of devotees from across India and internationally, and stressed Odisha’s historical ties to Guru Padmasambhava and Vajrayana Buddhism. The minister commended researchers for revealing lesser-known facets of the state’s Buddhist history.
The conference, which will continue till January 16, has witnessed participation of over 1,700 Buddhist followers, monks, and tourists from India and abroad.
Scholars engaged in discussions on the historical connections between Odisha and Guru Padmasambhava, who is believed to have attained Mahaparinirvana at Udayagiri. The day included the release of the Udayagiri Souvenir and books on Buddhist heritage by dignitaries. The programme concluded with a cultural performance in the evening.