Prez Murmu, PM Modi extend greetings on Buddha Purnima, highlighting peace, harmony

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

New Delhi, May 1 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended best wishes on Buddha Purnima and said that Buddha’s eternal messages of compassion, non-violence, peace and knowledge will continue to guide humanity.

President Murmu took to social media ‘X’ and said, “On the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all citizens and to the followers of Bhagwan Buddha across the world.”

“This sacred day marks the epoch-making events of Bhagwan Buddha’s advent on the earth, enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana. His eternal messages of compassion, non-violence, peace and knowledge will continue to guide the entire humanity. In today’s world which is facing numerous challenges, the teachings of Bhagwan Buddha inspire us to tread on the path of peace, tolerance and mutual harmony,” she said.

“On this auspicious occasion, let us resolve to imbibe his ideals and contribute to building a peaceful, inclusive and just society,” President Murmu added.

PM Modi also extended best wishes and said, “Best wishes on Buddha Purnima. Our commitment towards realising the ideals of Lord Buddha is very strong. May his thoughts deepen the spirit of joy and togetherness in our society.”

In another post, PM Modi said, “Warmest wishes to all fellow citizens on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima. On this sacred day – which inspires us to walk the path of peace, compassion, and harmony – let us reaffirm our resolve to embrace the values ​​embodied in the life of Lord Buddha.”

Buddha Purnima is one of the most revered festivals in Buddhism, celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. This day holds great spiritual significance for millions of Buddhists around the world, as it marks the triumph of the Buddha’s teachings and the path of peace and enlightenment.

Buddha Purnima is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Vaisakha month in the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in April or May.

The day commemorates the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Lord Buddha. His birth took place in Lumbini (now in Nepal) around the 6th century BCE.

On this day, Buddhists also remember the moment when Siddhartha Gautama attained Nirvana (enlightenment) while meditating under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. This represents the realisation of the ultimate truth and the path to freedom from suffering.

In addition to his birth and enlightenment, Buddha Purnima also marks the day of the death of Lord Buddha, when he attained Parinirvana, the final passing into Nirvana at the age of 80 in Kushinagar.

Buddha Purnima is a day of reflection for Buddhists, where they contemplate the teachings of Lord Buddha — the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. It is a day to embrace his message of peace, compassion, and the end of suffering.

–IANS

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World Peace Dome: A monument to secular harmony and catalyst for peace parks across the country

Pune, Feb 15 (IANS) In an era of rapid urbanisation and cultural diversity, India’s cities are becoming increasingly interconnected hubs of ideologies, traditions and communities. While this convergence brings immense opportunities for collaboration and progress, it also presents significant challenges. Social divisions and ideological differences often lead to conflict, misunderstanding and alienation. In such a landscape, spaces that promote harmony, dialogue and well-being are not just desirable – they are essential.

The World Peace Dome in Pune stands as a monumental testament to this vision. Conceived by Prof Dr Vishwanath Karad, this awe-inspiring structure embodies the principles of secularism, universal wisdom and coexistence. World Peace Dome is the biggest dome in the world. Situated in Pune, it is a monument having World Peace Prayer Hall & World Peace Library, which is open to the global community and is dedicated to world peace and humanity.

The Dome exemplifies the ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ — “The World is One Family”, a concept deeply rooted in Indian philosophy and ever more relevant in today’s urbanised society. At its core, the Dome seeks to promote, according to the visionary executive president of MIT-WPU, Pune, Rahul V Karad, a “culture of peace in the world through appropriate understanding of the role of science and spirituality/religion and the very essence and philosophy of all the world religions”.

In Rahul Karad’s assessment, “India has been a land of tolerance. A land of unity in diversity. Numerous religions have been practiced and people of all faiths have co-existed here for centuries in harmony. The tolerance and acceptance of each other’s faith has been a hallmark of Indian traditions. In the early Vedic philosophy originating in India, the message of the force of oneness of all humans has been the anchor for peace and harmony.

This philosophy could and should extend beyond the World Peace Dome to the very fabric of Indian cities. The creation of peace parks in urban spaces can serve as a crucial step toward fostering a culture of secular harmony and community well-being. These parks can offer urban dwellers spaces for reflection, dialogue and unity, reinforcing the idea that peace is not just an abstract ideal but a tangible, lived experience.

India’s cities are growing at an unprecedented rate, with millions migrating in search of opportunities. However, urbanisation also brings congestion, pollution, rising social tensions and increasing stress levels. While religious sites and cultural centres exist across Indian cities, they often cater to specific communities rather than fostering an inclusive sense of togetherness. This is where the peace parks, modeled on the principles of the World Peace Dome – in every state capital across the country, can make a difference.

“The World Peace Dome, World Peace Prayer Hall & Library, stands as a testimony to the mission of world peace through continuous education and humanitarian understanding. It is an amalgamation of science and spirituality,” says Dr Rahul Karad.

The World Peace Dome embodies the Indian understanding of secularism, as enshrined in our Constitution — secularism not as the absence of religion but as acknowledgment and respect for all religions and philosophies. At a time when sectarian and ideological conflicts continue to divide societies, peace parks can serve as neutral spaces where people from all backgrounds come together. By including elements from multiple traditions — meditation zones, interfaith discussion areas and educational exhibits on shared human values — these parks can help bridge divides and nurture a culture of mutual respect.

Modern urban life is fraught with challenges — long working hours, traffic congestion, pollution and constant digital distractions. Spaces like the World Peace Dome’s Prayer Hall, which serves as a sanctuary for reflection and meditation, highlight the need for public spaces dedicated to peace and well-being. Cities should incorporate peace parks with quiet zones, mindfulness trails and spaces for community meditation, offering respite from the fast-paced urban grind.

The World Peace Dome houses 54 life-sized bronze statues of scientists, philosophers and spiritual leaders, demonstrating that wisdom — whether scientific or spiritual — belongs to all of humanity. Peace parks can take inspiration from this and feature installations, honouring thinkers from diverse fields, from Swami Vivekananda to Albert Einstein, encouraging visitors to appreciate the interconnectedness of human knowledge.

To effectively serve their purpose, peace parks should be more than just green spaces. Their design should reflect the principles of secular inclusivity, education and mental well-being, much like the World Peace Dome. Interfaith knowledge centres, similar to the World Peace Library, could house small libraries or digital kiosks showcasing wisdom from various spiritual and philosophical traditions, promoting intellectual dialogue and interfaith understanding. Spaces for guided meditation, group discussions or silent reflection could encourage meaningful community interactions.

Public art and installations depicting philosophers, poets and peace advocates from across cultures could reinforce the idea of a shared human legacy. Schools and universities could partner with peace parks to organise workshops on conflict resolution, dialogue and community building, shaping the next generation of leaders who prioritise cooperation over division.

As Indian cities continue to expand, the need for spaces that nurture peace, dialogue and collective well-being has never been greater. The World Peace Dome stands as an inspiring example, proving that science, spirituality and cultural inclusivity can coexist. But its message should not remain confined to Pune — it should inspire a broader movement toward establishing peace parks in every major Indian city. By integrating elements of secular harmony, intellectual growth and urban well-being, peace parks can become powerful symbols of India’s commitment to unity in diversity. In a time when cities often breed division, these parks can serve as reminders that our shared humanity is greater than our differences — an ethos embodied by the World Peace Dome.

–IANS

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FairPoint: Pak, spies and Rahul — Operation Sindoor churns out the truth about them

New Delhi, May 25 (IANS) There can be no better analogy than the ‘Samudra Manthan’ to describe India’s Operation Sindoor against terror-promoting Pakistan.

Samudra Manthan, a significant event in Sanatan Dharma, refers to the churning of the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality. It symbolises a cosmic struggle between good and evil, ultimately won by the righteous.

Just as the mythological Manthan yielded nectar for the virtuous, Operation Sindoor has unearthed truths that are proving to be eye-opening not only for the world but also for the nation. It has exposed Pakistan’s duplicity regarding terrorism and unmasked individuals working against India’s security and interests.

While Pakistan is being held accountable for fostering terrorism in India, hidden operatives — all Indian citizens — are being exposed one by one. These individuals have been covertly working for Pakistan, discreetly passing on sensitive information.

Then there are also those on the political spectrum who have made statements that seem to be aimed at undermining India’s anti-terror actions. Operation Sindoor, an unprecedented action, has indeed produced mind-boggling results.

It has unmasked individuals within India who were gnawing at the nation’s security framework. Around 15 men and women have been arrested for spying for the neighbouring country. These include a YouTuber, a security guard, a businessman, an app developer, students, and even ordinary people.

All they needed was a mobile phone — to shoot and transmit pictures, data, or any other information related to defence establishments, religious sites, railways, airports, tourist spots, or even random locations. For most of them, money was the primary motivation. In some cases, honey traps were employed, but the demand was always for real-time and archived information.

These accused individuals were recruited into the spy network through various methods: social media, monetary incentives, false promises, messaging apps, and even personal visits to Pakistan.

Most of these spies fall within the 20-40 age group, and several were being groomed as long-term assets. This is evident in the case of YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra from Hisar, Haryana, who has 3.85 lakh YouTube subscribers and has travelled to several countries, including Pakistan and China.

Earlier this year, she visited Pahalgam in Kashmir, where she recorded several videos.

Her case underscores how Pakistan is leveraging social media influencers for espionage against India. Since Operation Sindoor began, almost daily, a new face has been unmasked — people who would otherwise have gone undetected.

While Operation Sindoor has exposed spies, it has also revealed peculiar behaviour from some in the political arena. Even as the operation continues, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been persistently attacking the government, raising questions such as how many Indian aircraft were shot down. He has criticised the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan and questioned who sought mediation.

Not stopping there, Gandhi has also claimed that New Delhi’s foreign policy has collapsed, even as all-party delegations are touring 33 countries to present India’s case that Pakistan sponsors terrorism. He even referred to Pakistan’s shelling in Jammu and Kashmir as a “tragedy” rather than calling it an act of terror.

Following his lead, other Congress leaders have made statements that have earned praise from Pakistan. Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge described Operation Sindoor as a “chutput yudh (small war)”.

These statements have been widely circulated by Pakistani media and used by its establishment to attack India on international platforms.

Why Rahul Gandhi would make such statements while the nation is engaged in counter-terror operations is puzzling. While scrutiny is essential in a democracy, timing and intent are what matter most.

Operation Sindoor, a successful military operation launched on May 7 to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, targeted nine terror bases in Pakistan and was carried out jointly by India’s tri-services.

It demonstrated India’s military prowess and Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism.

The precision strikes hit only terror bases, avoiding civilian and military targets, underscoring India’s strategic intent and capabilities. However, Pakistan retaliated with a sinister move, launching swarms of drones into Indian territory and shelling residential areas in Jammu and Kashmir.

On May 10, in retaliation, India destroyed 11 Pakistani airbases, shocking its army and government. Reports suggest that even some of Pakistan’s nuclear facilities were damaged in these airstrikes.

Facing massive destruction, Pakistan swiftly pleaded for a ceasefire.

This operation has instilled newfound confidence in India’s people and stunned the world.

Pakistan’s complicity in terrorism is totally exposed today. It has been shown that it is on the side of terrorism. From attending the funeral rites of terrorists and giving them state honours, the establishment in Pakistan has, for the first time, exhibited its deep terror network.

Operation Sindoor has forced Pakistan to show its true colours — to reveal its intent to nurture terrorist factories and spread extremism not only in India but across the globe.

Just as the mythological Samudra Manthan led to a momentous gain, so too has this Operation Sindoor — unveiling truths, some bitter and some overwhelmingly positive and encouraging.

(Deepika Bhan can be contacted at deepika.b@ians.in)

–IANS

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Assemblly bypolls: Voting underway in Punjab’s Ludhiana (West)

Chandigarh, June 19 (IANS) With the state ruling Aam Aadmi Party eyeing to retain the seat, and the main Opposition Congress aiming to win back the Ludhiana (West) that it had represented six times, voting for the bypoll to Punjab’s lone Assembly seat began and will last till 6 p.m. on Thursday.

In total, 14 candidates are in the fray for the urban seat. The BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal have also fielded candidates for the seat that fell vacant after the death of AAP first-time legislator Gurpreet Gogi Bassi in January.

The main contest largely seems between AAP’s candidate Sanjeev Arora, the party’s Rajya Sabha member and local industrialist, Congress’ former minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, who represented the seat twice from 2012.

Ashu was defeated by his friend-turned-foe Gogi, 58, by a margin of 7,512 votes in the 2022 Assembly poll.

The BJP has fielded Jiwan Gupta, the party’s state unit core committee member, while its former ally, Akali Dal, reposed faith in Parupkar Singh Ghuman, a former president of the Ludhiana Bar Association.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C. said 1,74,437 electorates, comprising 84,825 women and 10 third-gender voters, will cast votes at 194 polling booths set up at 66 locations. These include 10 model polling booths, one all-women, one eco-friendly and one booth operated by Public Works Department (PWD) staff. Additionally, 13 booths have been declared critical, where paramilitary forces have been deployed.

To facilitate senior citizens, persons with disabilities and voters with medical issues, home voting was conducted with 239 participants.

He said security checkpoints have been established at 54 locations across the constituency, and all activities are being closely monitored by the security forces.

The counting of ballots for this seat will be held on June 23 simultaneously with four other Assembly seats — two in Gujarat and one each in Kerala and West Bengal.

By fielding the Rajya Sabha MP, speculations in political circles are rife that AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal, who’s active in the state politics after facing humiliating defeat not only of his party but his bastion in Delhi Assembly elections, is going to the Rajya Sabha in his place in case Sanjeev Arora wins the bypoll. However, the party denies that Kejriwal is moving to the Rajya Sabha.

Interestingly, in October 2024, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had carried out a raid at the residence of AAP candidate Arora as part of a money laundering probe linked to a land ‘fraud’ case.

The BJP, which is expanding its footprints in the state’s Hindu-dominated urban constituencies, is eyeing to give a tough contest to both the state ruling AAP and the Congress by fielding a strong and credible local face with grassroots connect.

In the run-up to the polling, the Bharatiya Janata Party carried out a scathing attack on the three-year rule of AAP’s governance in Punjab, accusing them of transforming the state into a “rehabilitation centre” for Kejriwal’s rejected Delhi loyalists.

BJP leaders like Tarun Chugh, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Manjinder Singh Sirsa claimed that AAP is systematically placing its favoured individuals in key administrative positions, effectively undermining Punjab’s autonomy. They argued that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been reduced to a “rubber stamp” while Kejriwal operates as a remote puppet master.

AAP state President Aman Arora has claimed that the atmosphere during the campaign indicated that the AAP candidate Arora is heading towards a massive victory. “As the voting day approaches, the public sentiment in favour of the Aam Aadmi Party is growing stronger. Seeing this, Congress leaders and their candidate have become anxious. Unnerved, they are resorting to violent actions,” Arora told the media a day before polling.

–IANS

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