‘India International Centre for Buddhist Culture & Heritage’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba recently laid the foundation stone for the India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage in Lumbini, Nepal.  The shilanyaas ceremony was performed by monks belonging to three major Buddhist traditions i.e Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.

Who is constructing the center and what are its features?

The construction of the center is undertaken by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) on a plot allocated by the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT), under an agreement between the IBC and the LDT signed in March 2022. Ministry of Culture, Government of India is providing financial support to the center.

The center will be a world-class facility and pilgrims from all over the world can have the essence of the spiritual aspects of Buddhism at this center. It will have prayer halls, a library, an exhibition hall, and other amenities. The center will also be Nepal’s first ‘Net Zero Emission’ building.

What is the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)?

IBC was formed in 2013 and has its headquarters in New Delhi, India. IBC serves as a common platform for Buddhists all over the world. IBC aims to preserve and promote Buddhist values and teachings.

What is the historical and cultural significance of Lumbini?

Lumbini is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha). This Buddhist pilgrimage site is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. The Indian emperor Ashoka visited Lumbini and erected a commemorative pillar.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2022

Category: Art & Culture Current Affairs