New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today emphasized the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting the Pali language and the sacred texts containing the teachings of Buddha. Speaking on the occasion of Abhidhamma Day, he highlighted the historic significance of Pali as the language in which Buddha’s teachings were originally conveyed, and he celebrated its recent recognition as a classical language in India.
Addressing the International Abhidhamma Divas event, organized by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) under the Ministry of Culture, PM Modi stressed that Pali is not merely a language, but the embodiment of a civilization’s soul, culture, and heritage. “It is our responsibility to keep Pali alive and through it, preserve the Buddha’s message,” the Prime Minister stated.
He noted that while Pali is no longer in everyday use, the preservation of its literature, art, and spiritual traditions is essential for maintaining India’s identity. “A language is not just a mode of communication; it is the soul of a civilization,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for academic and spiritual efforts to promote the language.
During his speech, PM Modi lamented the impact of colonial rule and post-independence neglect on India’s heritage. “For centuries, invaders and colonial rulers tried to erase India’s identity, and even after independence, a ‘slave mindset’ continued to keep India away from its rich legacy,” he said. However, he assured that the current government is making concerted efforts to revive India’s Buddhist heritage. In recent years, over 600 artefacts, many of which are Buddhist relics, have been returned to India as part of this revival.
The Prime Minister also outlined the government’s initiatives to promote Pali through apps, digitisation, and archival research. He called upon scholars and academics to help guide people in understanding the Buddha Dhamma, the core teachings of the Buddha.
PM Modi urged the youth to take pride in their cultural roots while leading the world in science and technology. He emphasized the need for young Indians to balance rapid development with a deep appreciation for their cultural heritage, noting that this would help in shaping a stronger national identity.
In a symbolic gesture, the Prime Minister performed the Chivar Dana ritual, offering robes to the senior monks of the Sangha, further underscoring his respect for the Buddhist tradition.
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, highlighted the government’s efforts to create a Buddha Circuit across India and Nepal, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision. The circuit aims to connect key sites associated with Buddha’s life and teachings, enhancing cultural tourism and Buddhist heritage preservation.
The event also saw participation from Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and over 2000 delegates, including ambassadors and high commissioners from more than 10 countries.
A special talk on the significance of Pali as a classical language was presented by Prof. Bimlendra Kumar, a distinguished scholar in Pali and Buddhist Studies. He highlighted how the recognition of Pali as a classical language is a significant step in India’s cultural revival.
Two exhibitions were showcased at the event. The first displayed scrolls and maps showing the spread of the Pali language across Southeast Asia, while the second focused on The Life and Teachings of the Buddha, offering a visual journey through the Buddha’s spiritual path.