Namsai, Nov 14: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd.) received the sacred relics of Lord Buddha Shakyamuni at Nalung Helipad, Namsai on Saturday for the last leg of the sacred exposition after Tawang and Bomdila. 
Along with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Cabinet Minister Dasanglu Pul, local MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom and religious leaders, he joined the ceremonial procession from Nalung Helipad to Golden Pagoda (Kongmu Kham). Large number of people from all walks of life and from various tribes of Arunachal Pradesh lined up the entire 8 km ride to pay respects to the sacred relics.
Speaking on the occasion, Parnaik said that it was a profound spiritual privilege and a matter of great happiness to be present on the sacred occasion of the exposition of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha Shakyamuni at the Golden Pagoda, Namsai. He said that the holy relics symbolize the life, enlightenment and timeless teachings of Lord Buddha, who showed humanity the path from suffering to peace, ignorance to wisdom and hatred to compassion. It marks a significant spiritual milestone for Arunachal Pradesh, strengthening the State's cultural and historical bonds with the Buddhist world, he said.
The Governor expressed hope that the exposition would inspire devotees, students and visitors to carry Buddha's message beyond the sacred gathering and translate it into everyday conduct, building a society founded on dignity, equality and mutual respect.
Sharing his experiences of serving in the Himalayan region, from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh, including Bhutan, the Governor said that Buddhist philosophy had enriched his understanding of life. He encouraged the people to practice compassion, promote peace through education, protect the environment, uphold ethical leadership and preserve and share the State's rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
The Governor commended the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, National Museum, New Delhi, International Buddhist Confederation and Holy Relics of Shakyamuni Buddha Darshan Coordination Committee, Itanagar, along with the State Government, district administration and Buddhist organizations, for their collective efforts in making this historic exposition possible. 
A cultural presentation reflecting the pious occasion of sacred relics exposition was presented on the occasion by the Tai Khamti Singpho Cultural Society with artists from Thailand on the occasion.
On the ceremonial occasion, the Governor also inaugurated the International Buddhist Confederation Exhibition on the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. The exhibition also highlights India's civilization contribution to the world and reinforces Arunachal Pradesh's enduring spiritual and cultural connections with the Buddhist world.
The Governor expressed his hope that the exhibition will help the visitors to understand the life of Siddhartha Gautama, his journey towards enlightenment, the historical significance of Buddhism and its universal message of peace, compassion, non-violence and human brotherhood. He said that by presenting Buddhist history and philosophy through an engaging exhibition, IBC is making India's rich Buddhist heritage accessible to younger generations, students, scholars and the general public.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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