Tejaswini
Bodh Gaya: In a symbolic meeting of spiritual and political leaders, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar arrived in Bodh Gaya on Thursday morning to extend a warm invitation to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The purpose of the meeting was to request the esteemed spiritual leader’s presence for the inauguration of the Buddha Samyak Darshan museum, a proposed cultural landmark situated in Vaishali.
A statement issued by the Chief Minister’s office conveyed that, “Responding positively to the request of CM, Dalai Lama accepted his invitation to open the Buddha Samyak Darshan museum at Vaishali.”
Upon his arrival at Gaya airport around noon, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar proceeded to the Tibet monastery in Bodh Gaya to meet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The ceremonial exchange included the presentation of a flower bouquet, Angwastra, and a memento, followed by the Chief Minister seeking the blessings of the revered spiritual leader. Dalai Lama, in turn, blessed the Chief Minister for a long and healthy life, reciprocating the well-wishes.
During their conversation, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his commitment, stating, “Whenever you come here, I come to meet you. I have respect for all religions, including Buddhism.”
In addition to the meeting with the Dalai Lama, the Chief Minister engaged with representatives of the International Sangha Forum at the Tibet monastery. The forum, inaugurated by Dalai Lama on Wednesday, has brought together more than 2000 monks, nuns, and delegates from 35 countries for a three-day event.
Departing from the Tibet monastery, the Chief Minister proceeded to the world heritage Mahabodhi Mahavihara, where he offered prayers for the happiness, peace, and prosperity of the state. The solemn ceremony took place before the statue of Buddha in the sanctum sanctorum and under the sacred Bodhi tree on the campus.
During his visit, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unveiled the plaque marking the foundation stone for a 180 KWP solar plant at Mahavihara. He also laid the foundation stone for the outer boundary railing of the Mahavihara and inaugurated a grand brass gate facing north.
Accompanying the Chief Minister during these events were State Agriculture Minister Kumar Sarvajeet, District Magistrate Thiyagarajan SM, and Senior Superintendent of Police Ashish Bharti. The official delegation also included Principal Secretary Deepak Kumar, Officer on Special Duty Gopal Singh, Magadh Division Commissioner Mayank Warwade, and Magadh Range Inspector General of Police Kshatranil Singh.
The visit showcased the intersection of spiritual and civic leadership, underscoring the Chief Minister’s commitment to cultural and religious diversity in the state.
