वि.सं:
नेपाल संवत: ११४५ चिल्लाथ्व पुन्हि - १५
वि.सं:
नेपाल संवत: ११४५ चिल्लाथ्व पुन्हि - १५
Remarks by Ambassador Mr. Ghanshyam Bhandari
at the Peace Gold Award Ceremony Organized by
Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha
Dhaka, 23 February 2025
President of Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha, Most Venerable
Buddhapriya Mahathero,
Recipients of Peace Gold Award
Excellencies
Members of BBKPS,
Friends from Buddhist community in Bangladesh, and
Distinguished Guests,
I am honored to participate at the ‘Peace Gold Award Ceremony’ organized by the Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha.
I feel blessed to visit Dharmarjika Buddhist Monastery once again. My sincere gratitude to BBKPS for this opportunity. I commend the tireless efforts of BBKPS in promoting the teachings of Lord Buddha and the principles of Buddhism in Bangladesh and in South Asia region.
At the outset, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Most Venerable Phra Rajavisuddhivides, Mr. Md. Nurul Alam, True Life in God Beth Myriam, and His Eminence Dorji Lopon Ngawang Sonam Jamtsho, the esteemed recipients of the prestigious peace award, dedicated to the memory of the distinguished Buddhist scholar and philosopher from Bangladesh, Atish Dipankar.
I am confident with this recognition for your remarkable contributions, you will continue to inspire us with more noble deeds in the fields of education, religion, philosophy, culture and social development.
Distinguished Guests, and Ladies and Gentlemen,
The teachings of Lord Buddha and the essence of Buddhism hold a central place in the civilizations of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
In today’s world where conflicts, tensions, and human suffering are on the rise, Buddha’s timeless teachings on peace, coexistence, and harmony resonate with an even greater urgency.
Buddhism seeks to empower and enlighten humanity. Gautam Buddha’s teachings inspire us to find peace within. Buddhism is about self-discovery by walking the path of truth.
In fact, the concept of the "middle path," a path that avoids extremes and embraces reconciliation, is central to the Buddhist philosophy and offers a powerful message for a more peaceful world.
Buddhism is about being kind to others, and living a life of service and compassion that only can renew and revitalize humanity.
This is where I find the significance of peace awards like the ones we are talking about today.
Excellencies, and Dear Friends,
Nepal takes immense pride in its rich Buddhist heritage, spanning centuries. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is revered as a "fountain of peace," attracting growing numbers of tourists, pilgrims, and scholars from around the world.
As you know, Atish Dipankar’s connection with Nepal is particularly significant. He played a crucial role in spreading Buddhism in Nepal and beyond. He travelled to Nepal in the 11th century on his way to preach Buddhism across the regions of South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Right from those times, Lord Buddha and Buddhism have remained crucial in further consolidating the friendly relations between our societies and communities.
Buddhism has remained a solid foundation of our multifaceted relationship.
The Buddhist tradition is a fundamental connecting thread for Nepal and Bangladesh promoting cultural exchange, historical understanding and religious harmony.
The Buddhist sites and monuments of historic and archaeological importance are not only the landmarks of our shared heritage but also the living centers of spiritual practice and learning. We must continue to nurture and promote these sites, ensuring their preservation for generations to come.
Once again, I congratulate the distinguished recipients once again on being awarded the Peace Gold Award and I extend my best wishes for your continued success.
সম্মানিত অতিথিবৃন্দ ও প্রিয় সুধীমন্ডলী,
নেপাল এবং বাংলাদেশের মধ্যে ঘনিষ্ঠ সাংস্কৃতিক ও ধর্মীয় সম্পর্ক রয়েছে।
বৌদ্ধধর্ম এমন একটি যোগসূত্র যা শতাব্দীর পর শতাব্দী ধরে আমাদের দেশ ও সমাজকে ঐক্যবদ্ধ করে আসছে।
আজ বিশ্ব যখন শান্তি ও নিরাপত্তার চ্যালেঞ্জের মোকাবেলা করছে, তখন ভগবান বুদ্ধের শিক্ষা আরও প্রাসঙ্গিক হয়ে উঠেছে।
আমি, বাংলাদেশ এবং এর বাইরেও শান্তি, সংহতি এবং অহিংসার বার্তা ছড়িয়ে দেওয়ার জন্য বাংলাদেশ বৌদ্ধ কৃষ্টি প্রচার সংঘের প্রচেষ্টার প্রশংসা করি।
ভগবান বুদ্ধের মহৎ আদর্শ আমাদের সকলকে সঠিক পথে চলতে সাহায্য করে।
আপনাদের সকলকে অনেক অনেক ধন্যবাদ।
