PM Modi inaugurates international exposition of sacred Piprahwa Buddha relics in Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics related to Bhagwan Buddha, titled “The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One”, at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex in the national capital.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that for India, the sacred relics of Bhagwan Buddha are not merely artefacts but an inseparable part of the nation’s revered heritage and civilisation. He remarked that after a wait of nearly 125 years, India’s heritage and legacy have returned, allowing people across the country to witness the sacred relics and receive the blessings of Lord Buddha.

Shri Modi underlined that the wisdom and path shown by Bhagwan Buddha belong to all humanity and noted that Buddha’s message has united people across nations and cultures. Recalling the recent global exhibitions of the relics, he said they evoked immense faith and devotion, with millions paying homage in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia and Russia. “Bhagwan Buddha belongs to everyone and connects us all,” he said.

Highlighting the historical significance of the venue, the Prime Minister said the Qila Rai Pithora complex, which once symbolised India’s political history, is now adding a sacred and spiritual chapter. He noted that the Piprahwa relics were taken away during the colonial period and remained outside the country for over a century, stressing that while others may have viewed them as antiques, for India they are sacred and living symbols of faith.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Godrej Group for its role in the repatriation of the relics, stating that they have returned to the land of Buddha’s karma, enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana. He asserted that India decided firmly that the relics would not be allowed to be auctioned in the international market.

Sharing his personal connection with Buddhism, Shri Modi recalled that his birthplace Vadnagar was a major centre of Buddhist learning and that Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, is his karmabhoomi. He spoke about his visits to key Buddhist sites across the world, including Lumbini in Nepal, Japan, China, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Singapore, and said Buddha’s teachings transcend time and geography.

The Prime Minister said India is not only the custodian of Buddha’s sacred relics but also a living carrier of his timeless tradition. He highlighted India’s continuous efforts to preserve and develop Buddhist heritage sites both domestically and internationally, including restoration work in Nepal and Myanmar, discovery and preservation of sites in Vadnagar and Baramulla, and the development of modern facilities at major pilgrimage centres such as Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar and Sanchi.

Shri Modi also emphasised the government’s efforts to promote Buddhist teachings through modern means, including the creation of a Buddhist Circuit to improve connectivity among pilgrimage sites. He noted that since Buddha’s teachings were originally in Pali, the language has been accorded classical status to make the Dhamma accessible to a wider audience and strengthen research.

Calling Lord Buddha’s message of “Atta Deepo Bhava” a symbol of self-reliance and self-respect, the Prime Minister said India’s philosophy promotes unity, compassion and global welfare. He urged people, especially students and youth, to visit the exhibition and connect with the enduring message of Buddha, describing it as a bridge between the glory of India’s past and the dreams of its future.

Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Kiren Rijiju, Ramdas Athawale, Rao Inderjit Singh, and Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinay Saxena were among the dignitaries present.

The exposition brings together, for the first time, the repatriated Piprahwa relics with authentic relics and archaeological materials from the National Museum, New Delhi, and the Indian Museum, Kolkata. Discovered in 1898 and associated with ancient Kapilavastu, the relics are among the earliest and most significant deposits linked to Bhagwan Buddha. The exhibition is supported by immersive audio-visual and digital presentations to enhance public understanding of Buddha’s life, teachings and legacy.