On October 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the grand celebration of International Abhidhamma Divas at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, marking a historic milestone in India’s cultural and spiritual narrative. The event, organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), underscored India’s role in the global Buddhist community, particularly through the recent recognition of Pali as a classical language.
The Prime Minister’s speech reflected the Bharatiya government’s deep commitment to reviving the legacy of Bhagwan Buddha, emphasising the cultural and spiritual significance of the ancient Pali language, a cornerstone of Buddhist scriptures and teachings. This recognition was hailed as a momentous step in safeguarding Buddhist philosophy for future generations.
In his opening address, Prime Minister Modi spoke with heartfelt reverence about his lifelong connection with Buddhism. “It is my good fortune that the journey of association with Bhagwan Buddha that began at the time of my birth has continued uninterrupted,” he said, referring to his birthplace, Vadnagar in Gujarat, a historic center of Buddhism in ancient India.
PM Modi elaborated on his spiritual experiences rooted in Buddhism, drawing on his participation in numerous sacred Buddhist events over the past decade. He recounted his visits to significant Buddhist sites, including Lumbini in Nepal, where Bhagwan Buddha was born, and the unveiling of Buddha’s statue in Mongolia, reflecting India’s ongoing efforts to promote Buddhist culture globally. He also highlighted his engagement with Buddhist communities across the world, which strengthens India’s enduring spiritual bond with Buddhism.
A key focus of the event was the government’s recognition of Pali as a classical language. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of language in preserving the essence of a civilisation. “Language is the soul of civilisation and culture. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all of us to keep the Pali language alive, to keep the words of Bhagwan Buddha alive with its original values,” he stated.
The Prime Minister expressed pride in his government’s decision to grant classical status to Pali, a language that holds immense significance within Buddhist tradition. The recognition not only honors Pali’s ancient literary legacy but also paves the way for its revitalisation in academic institutions and cultural discourse. This, PM Modi emphasised, will ensure that future generations continue to engage with the wisdom of Bhagwan Buddha.
The Pali language plays a crucial role in preserving the Tipitaka, the threefold basket of Buddhist scriptures, including the Vinaya Pitaka (ethical monastic rules), the Sutta Pitaka (discourses of Buddha), and the Abhidhamma Pitaka, a detailed analysis of mind and reality. By recognising Pali as a classical language, India honors its responsibility in preserving Buddhist heritage.
PM Modi took the opportunity to announce several projects aimed at revitalising key Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India and Nepal, calling them essential to preserving the legacy of Buddhism. He highlighted the development of a Buddhist Circuit that connects sacred sites, including Bodh Gaya, where Bhagwan Buddha attained enlightenment, Kapilvastu, his ancestral home, and Sarnath, where he delivered his first sermon.
One of the significant projects mentioned was the construction of an International Airport at Kushinagar, another important Buddhist site, and the development of the India-International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage in Lumbini, Nepal. PM Modi announced his upcoming visit to Varanasi in three days for the inauguration of new infrastructure at Sarnath, adding that these efforts are part of a broader mission to make Buddhist sites more accessible and preserve their historical and spiritual significance.
The Prime Minister also touched on the government’s efforts to recover India’s lost antiquities. Over the past decade, India has brought back more than 600 antiquities, many of which are linked to Buddhism. “These efforts,” PM Modi said, “showcase India’s cultural and civilisational heritage anew through the revival of Bhagwan Buddha’s legacy.”
The International Abhidhamma Divas celebrates the day when Bhagwan Buddha is believed to have descended from the celestial realm of Tāvatiṃsa-devaloka to Sankassiya (modern-day Sankisa Basantapur, Uttar Pradesh), following a three-month stay during which he delivered the Abhidhamma teachings to the gods. According to Theravāda Buddhist texts, Buddha also imparted these teachings to his mother during his time in the heavenly realm. The Asokan Elephant Pillar marks this significant event.
The Abhidhamma, often referred to as the “Higher Teaching” of Buddha, goes beyond ethical conduct, offering a detailed and systematic analysis of mind and matter. It uses a highly technical vocabulary to provide insight into the processes of birth, death, and mental phenomena, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding the nature of existence. It is an essential tool for Buddhist practitioners, providing a deeper understanding of reality, consciousness, and the path to liberation.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the Abhidhamma, along with other teachings of Buddha, continues to offer valuable guidance for modern society. These teachings, he noted, remain relevant not only to spiritual seekers but also to those pursuing lives of mindfulness and peace in a world filled with challenges.
The event drew over 1,000 participants, including ambassadors, monks, scholars, and young experts from 14 countries, reinforcing India’s role as a global center for Buddhist scholarship and engagement. Besides PM Modi’s keynote address, the program included a Dhamma discourse by Most Venerable Panyarakkhita and two academic sessions: “The Significance of Abhidhamma in the 21st Century” and “The Origin of Pali Language and its Role in Contemporary Times.”
Two exhibitions were also held as part of the celebration. One focused on the evolution of Pali from the Ashokan Brahmi script across Southeast Asia, showcasing sacred Buddhist texts like the Dhammapada and Dhammacakkapavattana Sutta, while the other explored the life and teachings of Buddha. These exhibitions highlighted the rich legacy of Buddhist thought and provided visitors with insights into the historical development of Pali as a vital medium for Buddhist teachings.
The recognition of Pali as a classical language, along with the celebration of International Abhidhamma Divas, aligns with India’s broader mission to promote Buddhism as a source of ethical guidance and spiritual wisdom in contemporary society. By fostering scholarly exchanges, preserving ancient teachings, and promoting global engagement, India is reaffirming its status as the birthplace of Buddhism and a key player in its global revival.
In his closing remarks, Prime Minister Modi called on the international community to continue preserving and promoting the teachings of Bhagwan Buddha. He emphasised that the profound wisdom embedded in Buddhist texts can help guide humanity toward a more peaceful and compassionate future. Through initiatives like the recognition of Pali and the development of Buddhist pilgrimage sites, India is nurturing a deeper understanding of Buddha’s teachings while contributing to the global discourse on spirituality and ethical living.
The International Abhidhamma Divas celebration, alongside the recognition of Pali as a classical language, marks a pivotal moment in India’s efforts to revive and promote Buddhism on a global scale. Through ongoing initiatives to develop Buddhist heritage sites and foster international engagement, India is not only preserving its cultural past but also ensuring that the teachings of Bhagwan Buddha continue to inspire future generations.
