Deshdarshan programme: ‘Monasteries asset of nation’

January 8, 2001
2 MIN READ
A
A+
A-

Lalitpur, Jan. 8 : Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Development Ram Chandra Paudel has pointed out the need for the protection and promotion of monasteries, which play a vital role in translating the teachings of Lord Buddha into reality.

Deputy Prime Minister Paudel was addressing the concluding function of the 26th Lama Deshdarshan (see Nepal) programme organised by the Ministry of Local Development Monasteries Management and Development Committee here today.

He called upon the Lamas to utilise the knowledge gained through the programme, organised for the observation of development endeavours, protection of culture and sharing of experience in Buddhism, for promoting peace.

Stating that there has been no ambiguity in the world over the fact that Lord Buddha was from Nepal, he said, “the government was committed to developing Lumbini as a world centre for the study of Buddhism and for pilgrimage by Buddhists”.

Mr Paudel also said that the role of the Lamas was vital in making the people aware of the need to preserve and nurture democracy.

Stating that the government was for taking the country ahead along the path of modernisation and democratisation and for making it civilised, he urged the Lamas to be vigilant against those opposed to development and democracy.

On the occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister gave away certificates and gifts to the Lamas participating in the Deshdarshan.

Minister of State for Local Development Suresh Malla called upon the Lamas to propagate the message among the masses that non-violence is the greatest religion of all.

Secretary at the Ministry of Local Development Udaya Raj Soti said that the Deshdarshan programme would be carried out in a new form from next year onwards.

Member secretary of the monasteries management and development committee Indra Bahadur Gurung also expressed his views at the programme chaired by committee chairman Teshyang Gyalcho Rimpochhe.