On the occasion of Guru Purnima, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted his fellow Indians and left a message at a government programme commemorating the Ashadha Purnima-Dhamma Chakra Day. On this auspicious occasion, Prime Minister Modi praised Gautam Buddha’s teachings, saying that they can help the country overcome the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
“At Sarnath, Lord Buddha told his followers about the entire source of life,” Prime Minister Modi said while addressing the event. “He told us about sorrow and its reasons. He also assured us that one can win against sorrows, no matter how dire.”
Prime Minister Modi went on to say that Lord Buddha’s teachings can lead humanity out of Covid-19’s “darkness.” India, he said, is following in the footsteps of Lord Buddha and has joined forces with other countries to combat the pandemic through collaborative efforts and sharing of resources.
“Today, as humanity faces a crisis in the form of Covid-19, Lord Buddha has become even more relevant,” the Prime Minister said. “India has shown how we can face the greatest of challenges by walking on his path. Countries are joining hands with each other and becoming each other’s strength, taking the values of Buddha.”
Prime Minister Modi had requested citizens to tune in to official government channels for his message at the Ashadha Purnima-Dhamma Chakra Day programme, which he had tweeted about a day ago.
“At around 8:30 AM tomorrow, 24th July, will be sharing my message at the Ashadha Purnima-Dhamma Chakra Day programme,” the Prime Minister posted from his official Twitter handle on Friday.
This year’s Guru Purnima, a festival honouring all academic and spiritual gurus (teachers), falls on July 24. The festival is traditionally held on a full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashadha, which falls between June and July.
