Butwal, December 8

President Bidhya Devi Bhandari said Gautam Buddha’s teachings became popular worldwide as he showed the path of peace, non-violence and compassion to all humans.

Addressing the special ceremony organised to mark the 14th anniversary of Lumbini Buddhist University in Lumbini today, she said Gautam

Buddha was all Nepali citizens’ pride.

The president viewed that we could get peace and happiness if we internalised the teachings and guiding principles of Budhha. She also stressed the need to promote world peace, brotherhood, friendship and goodwill.

She hoped that the Lumbini Buddhist University would soon be developed into an international centre for teaching Buddhist philosophy and literature. She said it was necessary to promote Lumbini as major tourist destination for the prosperity of the country.

Bhandari also pointed out to the need for the  under-construction Gautam Buddha International Airport to provide  quality service to the visitors coming to visit Lumbini and help for the  promotion of the birthplace of the apostle of peace. The president also performed puja at Mayadevi temple of Lumbini.

On the occasion, Minister for Culture, Tourism and  Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari informed of the decision of the Lumbini  Development Fund to provide five per cent of its income for the  development of the university.

“The government is preparing to  make this university established fourteen years ago a hub for the entire  world for academic and research purposes,” he said. Similarly, speaking at the ceremony, Province 5 Chief Umakant Jha said Lumbini Buddhist University would help promote Buddhism worldwide.

The president also conferred special honour on former vice-chancellor Prof Nareshman Bajracharya, Prof Triratna Bajracharya and former registrar Pitambar Lal Yadav and three experts of Buddhism.