Ho Chi Minh City
Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju participated in the inaugural session of the 20th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations 2025 in Vietnam on Tuesday. He conveyed warm greetings on behalf of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the international gathering on the auspicious occasion. Highlighting the enduring significance of Lord Buddha’s teachings, Rijiju spoke about their relevance to modern times and India’s commitment to sustainable living rooted in ancient wisdom. He was accompanied by key Indian representatives, including International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) Secretary General Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, IBC Director General Abhijit Halder, and India’s Ambassador to Vietnam, Sandeep Arya.
More than 2,000 delegates from around the world attended the event, held under the theme Buddhist Approach to Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development. The IBC shared updates and visuals from the gathering on social media platform X. Earlier in the day, Rijiju met with the Indian community in Vietnam, praising their efforts in promoting India-Vietnam relations and preserving Indian culture abroad. The celebrations also featured a major holy relic exposition, where over 5 lakh devotees gathered on April 5 at Thanh Tam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City. The sacred relics of Lord Buddha, brought from Sarnath, drew pilgrims from all walks of life, reflecting deep spiritual reverence.
IBC noted, Sacred Moments of Devotion. Worshipping Holy Buddha relics brings profound joy and pride—not just to Buddhists, but to all who revere the enlightened one. The relics have allowed global devotees to experience this rare spiritual connection without needing to travel to India. On Friday, Rijiju, accompanied by Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh and senior monks, arrived in Vietnam with the relics, continuing India’s spiritual diplomacy and cultural outreach.
