Hyderabad: Minister for Tourism and Culture, Jupally Krishna Rao, said that the teachings of Gautama Buddha are the best solution for societal problems and can bring fulfillment to human life.
The Minister attended a programme at the Mahabodhi Buddha Vihara in Secunderabad on Sunday. During the event, he took part in a traditional ceremony where cloth was offered to Buddhist monks who had completed their rainy season retreat. This event was organised by the Maha Bodhi Dayaka Mandali and Mahabodhi Buddha Vihara.
At the ceremony, Minister Jupally also unveiled a Telugu translation of the “Buddhavamsa,” which was translated from the Pali language by Dr. Sivanagi Reddy. In response to requests for financial help from the monks to translate the Buddhist Tripitaka texts into Telugu, Jupally announced a grant of Rs 4 crore to support this work.
Additionally, the Maha Bodhi Society and the Light of Buddhadharma Foundation International India will jointly organise a Buddhist Cultural and Heritage Festival. The event will take place from February 6 to 8, 2025, at Buddhavanam in Nagarjuna Sagar and in Hyderabad. Buddhist monks from different countries will attend this festival.
The Minister also spoke about the importance of following Buddha’s teachings, which focus on compassion, non-violence, peace, and living in harmony with nature. He urged people to adopt these principles to help solve today’s global challenges. He mentioned that following Buddha’s path could resolve many of the pressing issues humanity faces today.
Jupally also highlighted the government’s efforts, under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, to restore ancient Buddhist sites across Telangana and promote Buddha’s teachings worldwide. He pointed out that the government has already allocated Rs 2.17 crore for the construction of a meditation centre at the Mahabodhi Buddha Vihara.
