Roots of Buddhism in country very ancient, strong: Kiren Rijiju

Leh, July 13: Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju today said that the roots of Buddhism in the country are very ancient and strong, but unfortunately many in the country do not have a true understanding of it.

He was addressing a function after participating in the Bhoomi Poojan ceremony for the foundation stone laying of the traditional arts academic block of the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS).

Rijiju stated that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed power in 2014, he said that India should follow the teachings and philosophies of Buddhism if it wants to make a mark at the global level.

Elaborating on the rich and vast history of the religion, Sh Rijiju further said that Buddhism used to be the state religion in ancient times. The Union Minister assured the gathering that his ministry will work in close coordination with the UT Administration, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council and senior religious and spiritual leaders of the region for the overall development of Ladakh. “No stone will be left unturned and that he will ensure close coordination between various ministries and other stake holders when it comes to the execution of development projects,” he said.

He said that Ladakh resides in his heart as he had worked on a number of infrastructure and development projects of the region when he was in the Ministry of Home Affairs. The minster also announced aid for the development of a school in the Zanskar region and the development of minority affairs centres in both Leh and Kargil districts.

Later talking to media persons, Rijiju reiterated his commitment towards Ladakh by saying that the Government of India is committed to the holistic development of the region despite not having an elected representative from the region in the Parliament.