Buddhist conclave in India to promote tourism linkages

Monday, 16 February 2004, 20:30 IST
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NEW DELHI: International Buddhist scholars, monks and members of the travel trade will be focusing on the relevance of Buddhist philosophy at a two-day conclave being held here from Tuesday. While dwelling on various aspects of the world's fourth largest religion with around 300 million followers, the meet will seek to promote Indian sites associated with Lord Buddha. "The conclave will seek to showcase the rich Buddhist heritage of India before the world, particularly countries having significant Buddhist population," Tourism Minister Jagmohan said at a media interaction. To be inaugurated by President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the conclave will have an address by the Dalai Lama and eminent speakers from 20 countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Bhutan, Japan, China and Britain. Through presentations and exhibitions on the sidelines, the meet will highlight the architectural splendour and literary treasures of Buddhism in India. The conclave will be followed by a dedication ceremony Feb 19 at Bodhgaya of the Mahabodhi Temple, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The site, in Bihar, is where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The conclave has attracted over 400 delegates, including some 300 from overseas. Conceived as part of efforts to boost regional tourism with a focus on heritage sites, India has chalked out aggressive plans to woo traffic from Buddhist countries. In a run up to the conclave, India has spent considerable funds for improving the connectivity to and conservation of Buddhist heritage and pilgrim sites like Ajanta and Ellora caves besides the Mahabodhi Temple and Nalanda.
Source: IANS