In the culture of Chhattisgarh, the spiritual roots of the Buddhist tradition are extremely deep and the state government is on the path of development, assimilating the message of love, peace and compassion of Lord Buddha.
Chief Minister (CM) Vishnu Dev Sai said this while addressing the unveiling ceremony of the grand statue of Lord Buddha at the Hotel Ground Complex in Mainpat in Surguja district today. On this occasion, Chief Minister Sai garlanded the statue of Lord Buddha and bowed to him and wished for happiness, prosperity and peace for the people.
Chief Minister Sai in his address expressed his gratitude to the Tibetan community for the invitation on this auspicious occasion. He said that there are many places in Chhattisgarh where Lord Buddha is worshiped. Buddhist, Jain and Sanatan traditions are seen together in Sirpur, which is a unique example of the inclusive culture of the state.
Chief Minister Sai remembered the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama ji and said that his life is a living symbol of the principles of compassion, love and peace of Lord Buddha. His message to today’s world is a source of new hope and positivity. He said that leaders from all over the world including Prime Minister Narendra Modi have greeted the Dalai Lama ji a happy birthday, which shows how deeply the ideas of Lord Buddha have on the global life.
The Chief Minister said that Mainpat is a place rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity, which thrills tourists. There is immense potential for tourism here, and the state government is committed to its overall development. The Chief Minister informed that tourism has been given special priority in the new industrial policy of the state, and special incentives will be provided to those starting home stay facilities in areas like Manpat.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced Rs 10 lakh for construction of CC Road from Sala Resort in Mainpat to Buddhist Temple and Rs 20 lakh for construction of shed in the ancient Buddhist temple on the demand of Tibetan Cooperative Society. Chief Minister Sai planted saplings on the occasion. It is noteworthy that according to traditional Tibetan customs in the program, the Chief Minister was given intimate welcome. People enthusiastically met the Chief Minister carrying the tricolor in their hands, causing the atmosphere to be upset.
The program was attended by a large number of members of Tibetan community including Surguja MP Chintamani Maharaj, Sitapur MLA Ramkumar Toppo, Collector Vilas Bhoskar, Settlement Officer Ms. Swang Yangso, Tibetan Cooperative Society Chairman Tadding Sering, Math chief Lama Dubje, Lama Jinpa.
