Dhauli peace pagoda continues to spread message of peace for all time to come: Naveen
Bhubaneswar, Oct 28 : Dhauli Peace Pagoda, a great creation of modern architecture bearing the testimony of Indo-Japanese friendship, will continue to spread the message of peace for all the time to come, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday said.
Speaking at the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Dhauli Peace Pagoda, Patnaik gave a clarion call for world peace stating that peace has no alternative.
It has its significance in all ages. Peace is the only option to achieve the goals of a better and beautiful world, he added.
The Chief minister said the 50th year commemoration of the establishment of Dhauli Shanti Stupa is a matter of great pride, glory and joy for all of us.
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.
Patnaik further said Odisha has taken steps for beautification and holistic development of Dhauli Shanti Stupa to make it an international tourist destination.
Delving into the glorious history of Odisha, he 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 the entire humanity.
It is this place where Ashoka realised the futility of war and bloodshed, and embraced Buddhism. In fact, Dhauli changed the course of world history by spreading the message of global peace and harmony, Patnaik said
The Chief Minister joined hundreds of monks from Japan, America, Ukraine and Kazakhstan to celebrate the golden jubilee of the peace pagoda.
“Let us work together to spread the message of peace and create a safer world for our future generation,” he said
Offering tributes to Fuji Guruji, the Chief Minister 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 gratitude to Revered Takao Takedo of Japan, Bhikshu and Bhikshuni of Nipponzan Myohoji for conducting today’s Morning Prayer for spreading global peace and harmony.
The Chief Minister announced construction of an Instream Storage at an estimated cost of Rs.95 crore on the Daya River at Basantpur
He extended his warm greetings and good wishes to all the revered Bhikshus, saints and the august gathering present here from across the globe.
At the outset, the monks received the Chief Minister with traditional beating of drums. Rev. monk G. Nakasato. Reverend monks G. Nakasato and Rabi Sahoo gave the welcome address.
Devotee Makoto Masui offered a vote of thanks and monk Rev. monk G. Nakasato read out sermons.
