Dalai Lama confirms Buddhist Monastery at Akhnoor

Scoop News November 16, 2011

Jammu/Akhnoor, November 16 (Scoop News) – Confirming the facts that Akhnoor had remained once the hub of Buddhist religious activities; His Holiness the Dalai Lama has called for more excavation work on the heritage site to ascertain more facts. He was delighted to see the rich Budhist remains of ancient times at the excavation site at Ambaran, where he paid his maiden visit today.

Addressing a mammoth public gathering on the occasion, the Dalai Lama expressed his gratitude to the Archaeological Survey of India (ARI) and people of Akhnoor for identifying the site, which he described as a rich cultural heritage for Buddhists. He hoped that more study on the site will be carried out by the experts/historians in near future to showcase the site for pilgrimage.

Describing India as great democratic country with its unique and varied cultural landscape, His Holiness said that people of different religions and communities are living together peacefully. People have full freedom of speech and strong democratic system, which provides equal rights and opportunities to all citizens for their growth and development. The India’s strength lies in unity in diversity, which gives it inherent resistance to tide over crises. He emphasized the need to further strengthen the bonds of mutual understanding and promoting ethics and values, which are the very basis of India’s rich history and culture, he added.

Appreciating India’s growth on all fronts during the past over one decade, the noble laureate said that efforts should be made to promote spirituality for restoration of complete peace in all regions. He gave special message to the students to concentrate on their studies with dedication and commitment to achieve their goals. He said any target can be achieved with hard work and determination. He said every religion teaches respect to elders, tolerance and service to the mankind and exhorted the younger generation to work for peace and betterment of the society.

He also expressed gratitude to Member Parliament Madan Lal Sharma and Minister for Health, Horticulture & Floriculture, Sham Lal Sharma for extending him an invitation to Akhnoor.

Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora on the occasion said that with the visit of His Holiness to this historic town, the pilgrim tourism will get fresh momentum. He said that Government would explore possibilities to bring Akhnoor on world tourist map and develop tourist infrastructure to facilitate pilgrimages. He also threw light on the importance of newly discovered Bhuddhists site at Ambaran.

Sham Lal Sharma and Madan Lal Sharma welcomed His Holiness for visiting Akhnoor and his blessings the area and its people. They also felicitated him in a traditional way and presented him memento.

On reaching Akhnoor, thousands of school children, prominent citizens welcomed his holiness the Dalai Lama. From New Bridge to Government Higher Secondary School, the people had quedup along both sides of the road and greeting him with flower petals and garlands making the occasion memorable in the history of Akhnoor.