Let’s work together for peaceful, safer world: Naveen at 50th anniversary of Dhauli Peace Pagoda

Bhubaneswar: Amid chanting of hymns and sermons by Buddhist monks reverberating the sky on the auspicious occasion of 50th anniversary of Dhauli Peace Pagoda here today, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik stressed on creating a peaceful and safer world for future generation.

Attending the golden jubilee celebration of Dhauli Peace Pagoda as the chief guest, Patnaik said that peace has no alternative. It is the only option to achieve the goals of a better and beautiful world.

“Let us work together to spread the message of peace and create a safer world for our future generation,” he called upon all.

Hundreds of monks from Buddhist community from all corners of the world including Japan, United States, Ukraine and Kazakhstan gathered at Dhauli hills to celebrate golden jubilee of Dhauli Peace Pagoda situated on outskirts of Bhubaneswar city.

Remembering glorious history of Odisha, Patnaik said that the pages of Odisha history starts with Dhauli and the Kalinga War.

Although, the war ended with massive bloodshed, Dhauli continues to sing the moral victory of entire humanity. It is the place where King Ashoka had realised the futility of war and bloodshed and embraced Buddhism. In fact, Dhauli changed the course of world history by spreading message of global peace and harmony, Patnaik said.

He further said that the 50th year commemoration of the establishment of Dhauli Shanti Stupa is a matter of great pride, glory and joy for all.

“This is the land that transformed Emperor Asoka to Dharmashoka. The Shanti Stupa stands here as a monument symbolizing and spreading the message of peace, harmony and progress,” he added.

Dhauli Peace Pagoda is a great creation of modern architecture. It bears the testimony of Indo-Japanese friendship that stands for global peace and mutual co-operation. The place will continue to spread the message of peace for all the time to come, Patnaik said.

Paying tribute to Fuji Guruji, he said, “On the eve of this momentous occasion, I offer my sincere tributes to most revered Nichidatsu Fuji Guruji of Japan, Founder and Preceptor of Nipponzan Myohoji, for his invaluable contribution in building this ‘Biswa Shanti Stupa’ at Dhauli. Further, the steps taken by Kalinga-Nippon Buddha Sangha to make it happen is also appreciated.”

He also expressed gratefulness to Revered Takao Takedo of Japan, Bhikshu and Bhikshuni of Nipponzan Myohoji for conducting today’s morning prayer for spreading global peace and harmony.

Notably, the Government of Odisha has taken steps for beautification and holistic development of Dhauli Shanti Stupa to make it an international tourist destination.

On the special occasion, the CM announced construction of an Instream Storage on the Daya River at Basantpur at estimated cost of Rs 95 Crore. The tender process for the project has already been started.

Patnaik extended his warm greetings and good wishes to all the revered Bhikshus, saints and the august gathering present here from across the globe. The monks received him with traditional beating of drums.

Among others, ministers Ashok Panda and Aswini Patra, Chief Secretary Suresh Mohapatra, Secretary to CM VK Pandian and senior officers attended the event.