Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the sacred relics of Bhagwan Buddha are not lifeless artefacts but an inseparable part of India’s civilisational consciousness, underlining that colonial exploitation did not merely weaken India politically or economically, but also attempted to sever the nation from its spiritual heritage.
Addressing an audience of monks, scholars and dignitaries, the Prime Minister said that after nearly 125 years, India’s heritage has returned to its rightful home, describing the return of the Piprahwa relics as a moment of civilisational restoration. He asserted that while those who took the relics away viewed them as museum pieces to be auctioned, for India they represent the living presence of the Enlightened One.
Highlighting the global resonance of Lord Buddha’s teachings, Shri Modi said recent international exhibitions of the relics demonstrated how Buddha’s message transcends borders. From Thailand and Vietnam to Mongolia and Russia’s Kalmykia region, millions of devotees—cutting across nationalities and political systems—came together in shared reverence, reaffirming that Buddha belongs to all humanity.
The Prime Minister emphasised that India’s connection with the Buddhist world is rooted not in diplomacy alone, but in shared faith, emotion and spiritual continuity. He said India is not just the custodian of Buddha’s relics but the living carrier of his tradition, preserving them through both scientific conservation and spiritual reverence.
Reflecting on his own lifelong association with Buddhist philosophy, Shri Modi said Buddha’s message of compassion, self-reliance and inner awakening has deeply influenced him. Citing “Atta Deepo Bhava”, he said India’s civilisational approach prioritises unity over conflict and dialogue over discord, even as the nation stands firm against forces that threaten humanity.
The Prime Minister also outlined India’s sustained efforts to preserve and revitalise Buddhist heritage—both domestically and globally—through restoration of sites, development of modern pilgrim infrastructure, and creation of a nationwide Buddhist Circuit. He added that recognising Pali as a classical language was part of India’s commitment to preserving Buddha’s teachings in their original essence.
Calling the return of the sacred relics a bridge between the glory of India’s past and the aspirations of its future, Shri Modi urged citizens, especially the youth, to engage with Buddha’s teachings and draw inspiration for a world rooted in peace, harmony and collective welfare.
