Pali recognition honour for Buddha heritage, says Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of recognising Pali as a classical language during the International Abhidhamma Divas event on Thursday, framing it as a tribute to India’s rich cultural legacy, especially that of Lord Buddha.

In his address at an event held here to mark the International Abhidhamma Divas, he also referred to the current geopolitical scenario and called upon the whole world “to learn from Buddha, keep the war away, and forge a path for peace”.

Modi said, “It is my good fortune that my association with Lord Buddha began at my birth and has continued uninterrupted. I was born in Vadnagar, Gujarat, which was once a significant center of Buddhism.”

He also shared his global experiences related to Buddhist teachings, stating, “In the last decade, I’ve had the privilege to participate in numerous sacred events, from historical Buddhist sites in India to various countries around the world. This includes visiting Lord Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal and unveiling his statue in Mongolia.”

Modi also announced plans to inaugurate several Buddhist projects in Sarnath on October 20, stating, “In three days, on October 20, I will be going to Varanasi, where the inauguration of various development works in Sarnath will take place. We are safeguarding our past while also constructing new legacies.”

Criticising past governments for neglecting India’s cultural heritage, Modi stated, “While every nation associates its heritage with its identity, India was left far behind.” He attributed this neglect to both historical invaders and those with a “slave mindset.”

Modi asserted that the world, plagued by instability and insecurity, can find solutions in Buddha’s teachings, saying, “Peace should be sought not through ‘yudh’ (war) but through Buddha’s teachings.”

He noted that recognising Pali and Marathi as classical languages signifies India’s journey towards self-respect and confidence.