39 counties participate in five-day International Buddhist Conclave

New Delhi: "Solutions of all the problems that the world is facing lies in Buddhism," Union Minister Mahesh Sharma said on October 2, as he inaugurated the five-day 'International Buddhist Conclave' indicating at the various conflicts the world is facing.

Over 285 participants from 39 counties are participating in the fifth edition of the event.

"Out of eight important religious places related to Budhhism, seven lies in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accorded a top priority to Buddhism...It is reflected from the participation of more than 285 people from 39 countries in this conclave. It is remarkable and means a lot to us," Sharma said while addressing the conclave.

Addressing the conclave, Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament Karu Jayasuriya recognised India as a "land of Buddha" and said the country is the most important tourist destination among the Lankans.

Tourism Ministry is organising the fifth edition of the conclave with a view to showcase Buddhist heritage and pilgrimage sites in the country to attract tourists from overseas country.

ASEAN countries are a major source places for India from Buddhist tourism point of view. A large number of monks and media persons from these countries are participating in the conclave.

The Conclave would include presentations, panel discussions, business-to-business meetings between domestic and international tour operators and state governments.

The participants would also be visiting important Buddhist sites in and around Varanasi, Sarnath and Bodhgaya.

Indian government has sanctioned about Rs 300 crore for development of Bhuddhist circuit which includes Rs 94 for construction of a cultural centre at Bodhgaya in Bihar.

Other Buddhists sites are located at Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

India, the birthplace of Buddhism, has a very rich Buddhist Heritage with several important sites associated with the life of Buddha which are essential pilgrimage centres for followers of the religion the world over.