Thanks Pakistan govt for taking care of Buddha sites; proud to visit Taxila, Lahore and Swat museums

ISLAMABAD, MAY 11 (DNA) – Ambassador of Nepal to Pakistan Ms. Sewa Lamsal Adhikari has said Nepal and Pakistan established formal diplomatic relations in 1960.

 However, the bond of friendship is as tall as the mighty Himalaya, and as old as the Gandhara civilization. Both the countries deeply value the teachings of Gautam Buddha which underpins peace, love, harmony and shared prosperity among the people.

 Ambassador of Nepal expressed these views during an exclusive talk with DNA on the occasion of commemoration of 2561st Buddha Jayanti (Full Moon Day of Vesak ).  The Nepalese embassy also arranged a peace walk in this regard.

Further dilating upon bilateral relations the ambassador said, “Our relations are based on friendship, goodwill, mutual respect, sovereign equality and non-interference in the internal affairs of each other. These relations are time tested and have been growing strengths to strengths at all levels”.

Both the countries deeply value the Charter of the UN and the principles of NAM and share common views in the regional and multilateral forums. “We are committed to fight against poverty, hunger, illiteracy, backwardness and uplift our people through the effective implementation of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development”, she added.

Sharing more details about the Full Moon Day Ambassador Sewa said “Today is Buddha Purnima, the Full Moon Day of Vesak, the day when the apostle of peace, Shakyamuni Gautam Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, and ascended to Mahaparinirwan. This day is considered to be a thrice-blessed day among the Buddhamargis and is being commemorated the life and contributions of Siddhartha Gautama with great passion”.

She said she deeply valued the wisdom and teachings of Gautam Buddha, known in Pakistan as the Gandhara civilization and want to spread the message of peace on the momentous occasion of 2561th Buddha Jayanti.

Shakyamuni Gautam Buddha was born as a prince in the royal palace garden of Lumbini, Nepal in 623 BC. While the footprint of Gautam Buddha was started in the Garden of Lumbini, the practice and teachings of Gautam Buddha was spread all over Asia, including Pakistan and remains one of the richest heritages and civilizations in the world.

In Nepal, she said we cherish this day as heritage with a great passion to reaffirm our commitments to peace and commemorate the life and contributions of the Sakyamuni Gautam Buddha to the humanity and nature.

“It was a proud moment for me to visit the museums of Taxila, Lahore and Swat and learn more about the precious heritages, monuments and relics in different parts of Pakistan. The archeological site of ancient Taxila University speaks louder than the words about the legacy of higher education about Buddhism in this region”.

The ambassador said, all these living testimonies and traditions in Pakistan have inspired her to organize the Peace Walk 2017 to commemorate this special day and seek solidarity to this noble cause.

The Day of Besak is well treasured by the international community, including the UN system. Every year the full moon Day of Besak is observed at the United Nations Headquarters and other UN offices through its unanimous UNGA resolution 54/115.

Nepal and Pakistan, along with other many countries, including our neighbours, actively take part to observe the Day of Vesak in New York.

“I sincerely commend the efforts of the Government of Pakistan to preserve Buddhist heritage and sites as well as for the continued support to the Embassy of Nepal.  I also thank the diplomatic core in Islamabad, the civil society organizations, business community, media houses, and kind hearted people of Pakistan for their solidarity to this noble cause:, she added.

The ambassador expressed hope that we will use this day to reflect on our work and usher in peace, progress, and prosperity as homage Gautam Buddha.=DNA

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