GOVERNOR’S SECRETARIAT
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
ITANAGAR

IPR (PR) 3/2008                                                                 Dated Naharlagun, May 11, 2009

PRESS RELEASE NO. 418

Governor attends 2553rd Budddha Jayanti celebration
Religious leaders appealed for contributing towards making AP- an island of peace

 

Itanagar, May 11: State Governor Gen J.J Singh along with his wife Anupama Singh participated in the 2553rd Budddha Jayanti celebration at Theraveda Buddhist Temple, Vivek Vihar here on May 9 last, reports PRO to Governor.

While conveying his best wishes and greetings on the occasion, Gen Singh expressed his hope that the sacred occasion will help in the dissemination of the teachings of Lord Buddha and also strengthen the emotional integration and mutual understanding amongst the citizens.

He said, one of the greatest spiritual teachers of mankind, Gautam Buddha had enlightened each one of us through his teachings and shown the path of truth and eternal values of non-violence to entire humanity. His teachings encompass the entire Wheel of Dharm, with its central axis of ethical discipline and have the power to transform our lives and fill us with abiding spiritual strength. It is for this very same reason that persons of knowledge and learning have defined the Buddha Dharma not as a religion, but as a philosophy of life. Buddhas philosophical analysis of the basic problem of human suffering and misery helped to hold before the common man a purified and simplified Eight-Fold Path of Salvation, i.e., the right type of life-view, of intention, of speech, action, livelihood, effort, frame of mind and of concentration.

The Governor pointing that Buddhas teaching are of eternal significance in the present time also, said as you all know, the Buddhist Philosophy is based on the principle of 'cause and effect'. Thus through the application of the Buddha Dharma, it is possible to analyze the causes and factors that lie behind the political, economic, social and environmental conflicts that engulf the world. I strongly believe, it is possible, through the application of this Dharma, we can identify the possible solutions for them. Also through the application of the Buddha Dharma, the factors that lie behind the prevalence of poverty, ethnic conflict, domestic disharmony, dissatisfaction, and the decline in social norms and values, can be analyzed and solutions identified for them.
While appreciating the religious leaders for their contribution in making the State of Arunachal Pradesh- an island of peace, the Governor appealed to them specially those working in Lohit and Changlang districts, to take a leading role in supporting the State Government in its drug de-addiction efforts. Taking opportunity of the mass gathering of monks from different parts of the state and outside,

Offering his prayers for peace, progress and development of the State, Gen Singh hoped that the propitious occasion help in imbibing Buddhas teachings in all.
Earlier, the Governor lighted the ceremonial lamp amidst sacred chanting by the monks and lamas.

Taking part in the discourse on life of Buddha and his teachings, Venerable Narinda Mahathero urged upon the people to learn and practice Buddhism for peace of mind and soul. He also called upon the different religious groups to work together for global peace.
Swami Nikhileshwarananda from Ramakrishna Mission, Baroda, Gujarat called for spiritual intelligence for long term happiness, peace and success. Warning against consumption and stress, Swami pointed to know the value of life and called upon one and all to follow the teachings of Buddha..

Chairman APPSC Rinchin Dorjee, while taking part in the discourse said one has to control his desire to be in peace. He also appealed to Buddhist community to spread message of peace. Dorjee urged upon the people to rededicate them to save the flora and fauna and make Arunachal Pradesh, a plastic free state, a mission under taken by the State Governor and Chief Minister.

While delivering his welcome address, Celebration Committee, vice chairman Lekhi Phuntso, Director IPR dwelled in length on the Buddhas teaching. He also read the message of the Chief Minister to the people on the Buddha Jayanti.

A community feast was organized on the day by the festival organizing committee. The committee also announced donation to Mother Teresa Charitable Mission and Oju Mission.

The daylong programme started with flag hoisting at Gompas and prayers in different places. A procession was taken out from Siddharth Vihar to Theravada Buddha Vihar, Vivek Vihar, Itanagar, in which people for all walks of life took part.
Lighting and cultural programmes related to Buddha was organized in the evening.

 

Sd/- Purabi Taikam, PRO