New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated an exhibition showcasing sacred ancient gems and bone fragments associated with Lord Buddha, describing them as far more than archaeological objects and calling them an integral part of India’s spiritual and civilisational heritage.
Speaking at the inauguration of the exhibition titled “The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One” at the Qila Rai Pithora Cultural Complex in south Delhi, the Prime Minister said the relics embody the deep emotional, spiritual and cultural bonds that connect India with Buddhist communities across the world.
Modi recalled that the Piprahwa Relics had travelled to countries with large Buddhist populations such as Vietnam, Thailand and Russia, where devotees gathered in large numbers to pay homage. He said this response reflected the shared spiritual heritage rooted in Lord Buddha’s teachings, which goes beyond political, diplomatic or economic ties.
The Prime Minister noted that the relics had returned to India after more than 125 years due to the intervention of the Indian government and the Godrej Group, which helped prevent their auction in Hong Kong last year. For India, he said, the relics are inseparable from its civilisation and spiritual identity.
Emphasising India’s role as both guardian and torchbearer of Buddhist traditions, Modi said the country continues to carry forward the message of Lord Buddha through living practices and values. He also shared a personal connection, stating that his birthplace Vadnagar in Gujarat was once a prominent centre of Buddhist learning, while Sarnath near Varanasi, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, holds special significance as his karmabhoomi.
The Prime Minister recalled his journeys as a pilgrim to major Buddhist sites before entering public office and said that as Prime Minister, he had the opportunity to visit important pilgrimage centres worldwide. These include Lumbini in Nepal, To-ji Temple and Kinkaku-ji in Japan, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in China’s Xi’an, and the Gandan Monastery in Mongolia.
He described his visit to the Jaya Sri Mahabodhi in Sri Lanka as deeply moving, saying it connected him to the legacy of Emperor Ashoka and the spread of Buddhism by Bhikkhu Mahinda and Sanghamitra. Visits to Wat Pho in Thailand and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Singapore, he added, further strengthened his understanding of the global influence of Buddha’s teachings.
Modi also highlighted his practice of carrying saplings of the Bodhi tree to Buddhist centres around the world, calling it a powerful symbol of peace and humanity. Referring to a Bodhi tree planted in Hiroshima, he said it stands as a reminder of compassion and resilience in a city once devastated by atomic destruction.
The Prime Minister said the government is committed to preserving and passing on Buddhist heritage to future generations. He cited initiatives such as the Global Buddhist Summit and international observances like Vesak and Ashadha Purnima as part of this effort. He also pointed to the decision to grant classical language status to Pali, the language of Buddha’s sermons, to promote deeper understanding and research into Buddhist philosophy.
The Piprahwa Relics, experts say, hold immense archaeological and historical importance. They are among the earliest known relics directly associated with Lord Buddha and are linked to the Piprahwa site, widely believed to be ancient Kapilavastu, where Buddha spent his early life before renunciation.
