New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics related to Bhagwan Buddha, titled “The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One”, today at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex, New Delhi.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that after one hundred and twenty-five years of waiting, India’s heritage has returned and India’s legacy has come back. He highlighted that from today, people of India will be able to witness these sacred relics of Lord Buddha and receive his blessings. Modi welcomed and extended greetings to all the guests present on this auspicious occasion. He noted that monks and dharma acharyas associated with the Buddhist tradition were also present and expressed reverence towards them, adding that their presence was giving new energy to the event.
The Prime Minister underlined that at the very beginning of 2026, this auspicious celebration is highly inspiring and expressed his wish that with the blessings of Lord Buddha, the year may usher in a new era of peace, prosperity, and harmony for the world.
He remarked that the site of Qila Rai Pithora is a land of India’s glorious history, where nearly a thousand years ago rulers established a fortified city. He noted that today, in the same historic complex, a new spiritual chapter is being added. He said he had observed the exhibition in detail and stressed that the presence of the sacred relics makes everyone blessed.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the removal of these relics during the colonial period and their return are important lessons, noting that slavery not only destroys political and economic freedom but also cultural heritage. He said that while these relics were treated merely as antiques abroad, for India they are inseparable from civilization and faith. He expressed gratitude to the Godrej Group for its role in facilitating the return of the relics to India.
Stating that the teachings of Lord Buddha belong to all humanity, the Prime Minister highlighted the overwhelming public response wherever the relics were exhibited in recent months. He cited examples from Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Russia’s Kalmykia region, where millions paid homage, underlining that Lord Buddha unites people across nations.
Recalling his personal connection with Buddhism, the Prime Minister said his birthplace Vadnagar was a major centre of Buddhist learning and Sarnath is his karmabhoomi. He shared experiences of visiting Buddhist sites across the world, including Lumbini, Japan, China, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Singapore, noting that Buddha’s message transcends time and borders.
He said that wherever he travelled, he carried symbols of Buddha’s legacy, including Bodhi tree saplings, highlighting the powerful message of peace when such a tree stands in Hiroshima.
The Prime Minister emphasised that India’s connection with the world goes beyond politics and economics and is rooted in faith, culture, and spirituality. He stated that India is not only the custodian of Buddha’s relics but also the living carrier of his tradition.
He highlighted India’s efforts to preserve Buddhist heritage globally and domestically, citing reconstruction work in Nepal and Myanmar and preservation efforts at sites across India. He noted recent discoveries in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, and the government’s focus on preserving such heritage.
The Prime Minister said that over the past decade, Buddhist sites have been linked with modern infrastructure, including facilities at Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Sanchi, Amaravati, and other locations. He added that a Buddhist Circuit is being developed to improve connectivity among pilgrimage sites.
He emphasised efforts to preserve Buddhist teachings for future generations, including promotion of the Pali language, which has been accorded classical language status.
Reciting teachings of Lord Buddha, the Prime Minister highlighted the timeless message of “Atta Deepo Bhava” and India’s philosophy of unity, compassion, and dialogue. He urged people across the country, especially students and youth, to visit the exhibition and connect with Buddha’s teachings.
Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekawat, Kiren Rijiju, Ramdas Athawale, Rao Inderjit Singh, and Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Vinay Saxena were among the dignitaries present.
Background: The exposition brings together, for the first time, the Piprahwa relics repatriated after more than a century with authentic relics preserved at the National Museum, New Delhi, and the Indian Museum, Kolkata.
Discovered in 1898, the Piprahwa relics are among the earliest and most significant archaeological finds linked to early Buddhism and are associated with ancient Kapilavastu, believed to be the place where Bhagwan Buddha spent his early life.
The exhibition reflects India’s enduring civilizational link with Buddhism and the government’s commitment to preserving spiritual and cultural heritage. Organised thematically, it features reconstructed models, immersive audio-visual elements, and multimedia presentations to enhance public understanding of Buddha’s life and teachings.