Kathmandu:

Lumbini has always received global attention (and concern) as one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites. As early as 1970, the United Nations had assigned Japanese architect/engineer Kenzo Tange to prepare a master plan for Lumbini’s development. The Lumbini Development Trust (LDT), an autonomous, non-governmental and non-profit body, was established in 1985 for the purpose of carrying out activities in accordance to the plan. But the trust suffered from political instability from the day of its inception and has not seen smooth functioning.

Even after so many years of the implementation of the plan, only 37 per cent of the work has been completed so far. Ancient and archaeological relics dating back to the third century BC and earlier are waiting excavation and conservation in Kapilvastu, Kudan and Tilaurakot. All three places are related with the life of Buddha.

In Kudan, the excavations in recent years have unearthed a monastery where Buddha had stayed after enlightenment. “Being a monk, Buddha could not stay in the palace, so, his father Suddodhan built this monastery for him some 2,200 years ago,” informed Arvinda Shakya, field photographer of LDT.

Tilaurakot, the site of king Suddhodhan’s palace and where Buddha lived till he was 29 years old, is 29 km west of Lumbini. Excavation has brought to light the western and eastern gates. The boundary wall surrounding the palace can be traced and is awaiting excavation and preservation.

Other than Buddhism, Lumbini is rich in biodiversity. More than 300 species of birds, 500 eagles and cranes, and nil gai are found here, while two pythons were spotted recently. All these factors make Lumbini a possible tourist destination for all and not just Buddhist devotees.

Despite the break-and-push funtioning of LDT, international bodies have consistently shown their interest in Lumbini’s development. Sri Lanka had proposed construction of an international airport near Lumbini. A proposal has been tabled for establishing an international Buddhist University here, while LDT is planning to celebrate the year 2007 as the ‘Lumbini Visit Year’ by organising various national and international, religious and cultural activities throughout the year.

About the Trust’s activities, Govinda Chitrakar, member secretary, LDT said, “All 29 Buddhas had meditated under trees and the species of all these trees are found here. We hope to build a Buddha forest, while the extension of garden towards the north is taking place. We have been coordinating with the Sports Council to organise a chess competition among 40 countries.”

But all this is possible only when the Trust is allowed to functon without interference of any kind.

Vision beyond Buddhism

Immediately after being appointed the vice president of LDT, I visited international donor organisations like the Japan Buddhist Foundation and Reukai to understand the international Buddhist community’s perspective about Nepal and Lumbini. They all believe that we are sitting on top of a gold mine, but we are not serious about it. They are ready to help us if we can ensure transparency and come up with a practical vision of our own about the development of Lumbini.

Unfortunately in the history of LDT, hardly one vice-president has been able to complete his tenure. I believe that the political sector and non-political sectors should be treated differently. If political instability is reflected in the workings of non-political organisations, nothing constructive can be expected. Therefore, Lumbini should be made a permanent and autonomous body in the real sense. As a result of the organisational and political instability, a large amount of fund from the Japan Buddhist Federation that was in process to come to Nepal for Lumbini’s development went to other countries.

Development of Lumbini is not the question of the three square miles it covers. We should think about developing infrastructure. And most importantly, about 70 per cent of the people who live around Lumbini are Muslims.

Unless we have programmes that cater to the socio-economic benefit of these people, all other efforts will be in vain. Socio-economic activities should be carried out to ensure the involvement of local community in and around Lumbini.

I see a future in Lumbini — what we lack is the marketing technique. We don’t know how to market our product. Just talking about problems will not take us far. I would like everybody to focus towards the potential that we have here. Our aim is to develop Lumbini beyond Buddhism — as a peace centre. — Suraj Vaidhya, Vice-president, LDT