Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari emphasized the need to promote Gautam Buddha’s teachings worldwide to serve as ambassadors of peace. Laying the foundation stone for the Thukche Choiling Monastery in Lumbini today, she highlighted the growing relevance of Buddha’s messages of peace, compassion, and wisdom.
“Buddha showed the path of non-violence, compassion, and peace, inspiring millions globally. However, due to power struggles among some developed nations, innocent civilians still face violence and live in fear,” former president said, stressing the increasing importance of Buddha’s teachings today.
Calling Lumbini the birthplace of Buddhist philosophy, she advocated for its development as an international center for Buddhist studies and teachings. She underscored the need to protect and promote Buddhist heritage, recognizing Lumbini’s key role in spreading Buddha’s teachings worldwide.
On the occasion, Lumbini Province Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya stressed the necessity of coordination among federal, provincial, and local governments for Lumbini’s overall development. He urged the federal government to enhance cooperation for Lumbini’s progress.
Acharya also emphasized that Lumbini’s development should follow a master plan and that unauthorized projects should be avoided. He called for an end to the trend of halting or leaving monastery constructions incomplete in the name of land acquisition.
As per Lumbini’s development master plan, 42 plots have been designated for monasteries. He affirmed that these monasteries would play a vital role in spreading Buddha’s peace and wisdom worldwide.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament Basudev Ghimire stated that building monasteries in Buddha’s birthplace would boost tourism. He urged the Lumbini Development Trust to collaborate with local communities in implementing its programs.
Lumbini Development Trust Secretary Sanuraja Shakya clarified that the construction of such structures aligns with the master plan. He stressed that the trust is working to end the practice of acquiring land for monastery construction without proper agreements.
