Ho Chi Minh City: Union Minister of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju delivered a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the United Nations Day of Vesak (UNDV) celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City today, sharing India’s enduring spiritual and cultural ties with the global Buddhist community. The event was also addressed by Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and Thich Tri Quang, the Sanghraja of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, along with other global dignitaries.
Representing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rijiju conveyed warm greetings and a message of unity rooted in the teachings of Lord Buddha. He highlighted how the Buddha’s timeless philosophy offers meaningful solutions to today’s pressing global issues—especially in the areas of peace, compassion, and sustainable living.
“India’s Mission LiFE—Lifestyle for Environment—aims to raise awareness about the environmental impact of daily choices. This global initiative is deeply inspired by Buddhist principles of moderation, interdependence, and respect for all life,” the minister said, encouraging followers of Buddhism worldwide to visit India’s sacred sites and experience its living Buddhist heritage.
Rijiju also underlined the significance of the Holy Buddha Relics being enshrined in Ho Chi Minh City during the UNDV celebrations. “The presence of the sacred relics from Sarnath not only honors our shared spiritual past but also strengthens cultural diplomacy between India and Vietnam,” he said.
On the sidelines of the event, Rijiju held a bilateral meeting with President Luong Cuong. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and Vietnam, noting steady progress in areas ranging from religious tourism to culture and multilateral cooperation. The Vietnamese President expressed his appreciation for India’s gesture of sending the Holy Relics, and together with Rijiju and other senior Vietnamese leaders, paid respects at the Ho Chi Minh City pagoda where the relics are temporarily enshrined.
As part of the UNDV observances, Rijiju also visited several cultural exhibitions. These included a showcase of Indian sculptures of Lord Buddha, digital restorations of ancient Buddhist monuments, and a comparative display of Buddhist art from India and Vietnam. The exhibitions emphasized the 1,500-year-old spiritual and artistic bond between the two countries—tracing a rich legacy that continues to inspire both nations.
The celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City brought together Buddhist scholars, monks, and cultural representatives from across Asia, reinforcing the message that Buddhism remains a powerful force for peace, understanding, and unity in a fragmented world.
