Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 123rd episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, lauded India’s initiative to send the sacred relics of Lord Buddha to Vietnam, describing it as a deeply spiritual and cultural moment that united people across borders.
PM Modi said the relics, taken from Nagarjunakonda in Andhra Pradesh and displayed at nine locations in Vietnam between May 3 and June 2, drew an unprecedented 1.5 crore devotees, turning the exposition into a national celebration for the Southeast Asian country.
“This initiative became a national festival for Vietnam. Imagine—out of a population of 10 crore, 1.5 crore people came for darshan of Bhagwan Buddha’s relics. Children, the elderly, even differently-abled people stood in long queues for hours, braving rain and scorching sun,” PM Modi said.
The relics’ spiritual significance attracted visits from Vietnam’s President, Deputy Prime Minister, and senior ministers, reflecting the profound reverence shared by the Vietnamese people. In response to the overwhelming devotion, the Vietnamese government requested a 12-day extension, which India gladly approved.
The relics were originally found at Nagarjunakonda, a historic Buddhist pilgrimage site, once visited by seekers from Sri Lanka and China. PM Modi emphasized that such gestures strengthen cultural diplomacy and highlight the timeless relevance of Lord Buddha’s teachings.
“The thoughts of Bhagwan Buddha have the power to bind countries, cultures and people together,” the Prime Minister said, noting that similar reverence was witnessed when the relics were taken to Thailand and Mongolia in earlier exchanges.
PM Modi urged Indian citizens to explore Buddhist heritage sites within their own states, calling it both a spiritual and culturally enriching experience.
“This initiative and the outpouring of reverence from Vietnam reflect how India’s ancient heritage continues to inspire the world,” he concluded.
The sacred relics’ journey began in Ho Chi Minh City on May 2, culminating at Yen Tu Pagoda in Quang Ninh Province, one of Vietnam’s most venerated spiritual sites. The pilgrimage marks the first-ever public display of these relics in Vietnam, making it a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual moment for many devotees.
