New Delhi: The Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, today visited the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex to witness the Grand International Exposition of the sacred Piprahwa relics of Bhagwan Buddha.
The exhibition, titled “The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One”, was recently inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, showcasing priceless relics that have returned to India after more than a century, marking a historic moment for the nation and the global Buddhist community.
During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor paid reverence to the sacred relics and described their return to India as a matter of great civilizational pride and spiritual significance. He said that the relics of Bhagwan Buddha are not merely historical artefacts, but living symbols of India’s timeless values of peace, compassion, and harmony, which continue to guide humanity even today.
Kavinder Gupta noted that the exhibition at the historic Qila Rai Pithora complex adds a profound spiritual chapter to a site already rich in India’s heritage. He said the presence of the sacred relics at this ancient location reflects the continuity of India’s civilisation, where history and spirituality come together to inspire present and future generations.
The Lieutenant Governor lauded the efforts of the Government of India in ensuring that the sacred relics, which were taken away during the colonial period, have returned to their rightful home. He said this step has restored an important part of India’s cultural and spiritual legacy and reaffirmed the country’s role as the custodian of Lord Buddha’s heritage.
Highlighting the global reverence for Bhagwan Buddha, Kavinder Gupta said that wherever the sacred relics have travelled across the world in recent months, they have evoked immense faith and devotion among millions of people, cutting across nationalities and cultures. He remarked that this universal appeal underlines the fact that Lord Buddha belongs to all humanity and continues to connect people through shared values of peace and coexistence.
The Lieutenant Governor specifically emphasised the deep spiritual bond between Ladakh and the teachings of Bhagwan Buddha. He said Ladakh, often referred to as the “Land of High Passes” and a stronghold of Buddhist culture, has preserved and practised the Buddha’s teachings for centuries through its monasteries, traditions, and way of life.
In this context, Kavinder Gupta stated that the UT Administration of Ladakh has taken up the matter with the Union Ministry of Culture to bring the sacred Buddha relics to Ladakh as well.
“We have taken up the matter with the Union Ministry of Culture to bring the sacred Buddha relics to Ladakh, and we are hopeful that this effort will bear fruit. The presence of these relics in Ladakh, even for a limited period, will be a moment of great spiritual significance for the people of the region and for devotees from across the Himalayas,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He expressed hope that the sacred relics, if brought to Ladakh, would further strengthen the region’s role as a centre of Buddhist learning and spirituality, promote spiritual tourism, and provide devotees with an opportunity to receive the blessings of Bhagwan Buddha in the serene Himalayan landscape.
The Lieutenant Governor urged people, especially youth, to visit the exhibition and connect with the teachings of Bhagwan Buddha, which remain highly relevant in today’s world. He said the exhibition serves as a powerful bridge between India’s glorious past and its aspirations for a future rooted in peace, harmony, and mutual respect.
