Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurates the exposition of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha in Leh
The return of Lord Buddha’s relics to Ladakh, after 75 years and on the auspicious day of Buddha Purnima, marks a historic and truly golden occasion. Even today, 2,500 years later, the wisdom imparted by Lord Buddha remains just as relevant to the entire world. Indian culture, along with Lord Buddha’s profound message, points the way toward finding solutions through dialogue and following the Middle Path. Ladakh is not merely a geographical region; it is a living laboratory of Buddhist culture and compassion. Through its four major traditions—Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug—Ladakh has illuminated the path to salvation. Ladakh’s heritage demonstrates that, amidst conflict and turmoil, the path of peace and compassion alone can offer the ultimate solution.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today inaugurated the exposition of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha in Leh. On this occasion, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Shri V.K. Saxena and the Union Home Secretary along with many dignitaries were present.
In his address, Shri Amit Shah said that today’s Buddha Purnima marks a historic and truly golden occasion for the residents of Ladakh. He said that on this auspicious occasion, after 75 years, the arrival of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha here will inspire followers of Buddhism as well as other faiths.
Shri Amit Shah said that, much like in the life of Lord Buddha, it is rare for anyone to experience their birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana all occurring on the very same day; for this reason, today is a highly auspicious and inspiring day for all of us. He said that today is not only a religious event but also a historic reunion. After so many years, Tathagata Buddha has returned to this sacred land, his most beloved land, which is a matter of great fortune. He said that Ladakh has been a living land of Dhamma for centuries. When the Dalai Lama comes here, he says that this land is not merely geographical but a living laboratory of Buddhist culture and compassion.
Shri Amit Shah said that knowledge has been preserved and nurtured on this land. Whenever Buddhism faced challenges, this land worked to preserve Lord Buddha’s message. When peaceful times came, it also worked to further propagate that preserved and enriched knowledge. He said that this path became the medium through which the teachings of Tathagata spread from India to China and many other countries.
Union Home Minister said that Ladakh’s spiritual identity has been shaped by four major traditions Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug. First, see things as they are. Second, the grace of the Guru and continuous self-reflection is the gateway to liberation. Third, knowledge is incomplete without practice, and practice is blind without knowledge; therefore, the union of knowledge and practice is the right path. Fourth, without moral discipline, a wise life cannot be formed. Shri Shah said that this message emerging from the land of Ladakh has become a guiding force for the world today.
