India’s Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, has shared a special message from Sri Lankan Buddhist monk Ven. Borelle Seeladassana, expressing appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to preserve and promote Buddhism across the world.
In a post on X marking Abhidhamma Day, the Indian minister highlighted the message delivered by the monk, who represents the Sihanada International Meditation Community in Sri Lanka.
Ven. Seeladassana delivered the message following an invitation from the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), praising India’s initiatives to strengthen the global Buddhist community through spiritual diplomacy, the sharing of sacred relics and the preservation of Buddhist heritage.
Addressing Prime Minister Modi, the monk said India’s efforts had provided Buddhists worldwide with opportunities to pay homage to sacred relics and visit important pilgrimage destinations, including Sarnath, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar.
He also welcomed India’s decision to recognise Pali as a classical language, describing it as a significant step towards preserving the original teachings of the Buddha.
The monk emphasised that preserving Buddhism should extend beyond historical sites and sacred relics to include the practice and theoretical understanding of the Dhamma.
Referring to the historical Buddhist relationship between Sri Lanka and India, Ven. Seeladassana recalled the arrival of Arahant Mahinda in Sri Lanka and the close ties between Emperor Ashoka and King Devanampiyatissa.
He called for stronger cooperation between the International Buddhist Confederation, the governments of India and Sri Lanka, and the Buddhist clergy to safeguard Buddhist teachings for future generations.
In his post, Shekhawat expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for his leadership and referred to the government’s efforts to foster mutual respect, cultural understanding and stronger spiritual ties with Buddhist communities internationally.
He also highlighted the historical and spiritual bonds between India and Sri Lanka, describing the two countries as united by their shared Buddhist heritage.
The minister referred to Modi’s motto, “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” saying it continued to inspire India’s engagement with the global Buddhist community.
Abhidhamma Day commemorates, according to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha’s return from the Tavatimsa heavenly realm after delivering the Abhidhamma teachings. (Newswire)
On the auspicious occasion of Abhidhamma Day, I am honoured to share this special message from Ven. Borelle Seeladassana of the Sihanada International Meditation Community, Sri Lanka, expressing appreciation for Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji’s leadership and the Government of… pic.twitter.com/n39nmPax77
— Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (@gssjodhpur) October 26, 2026