Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted the significance of recognizing Pali as a classical language, calling it an acknowledgment of the rich heritage of Lord Buddha. Speaking on the occasion of International Abhidhamma Divas, Modi emphasized the role of language in preserving cultural identity and civilization.
“Language is the soul of civilisation and culture. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all of us to keep the Pali language alive, to keep the words of Lord Buddha alive with its original values,” PM Modi remarked, underscoring the need to safeguard India’s ancient cultural roots.
In a major announcement, the Prime Minister revealed plans to inaugurate a series of Buddhist development projects in Sarnath on October 20, adding a layer of significance to India’s Buddhist legacy. “In three days, on October 20, I will be going to Varanasi, where the inauguration of various development works in Sarnath will take place. We are safeguarding our past while also constructing new legacies,” he said.
The announcement reflects the government’s broader commitment to the revival and promotion of India’s cultural and religious heritage. Modi further criticized previous administrations for their neglect of cultural roots, stating, “The country is now moving forward with self-respect, self-confidence, and self-pride, freeing itself from the inferiority complex.”
PM Modi also invoked the teachings of Buddha, stressing that the next 25 years will be a crucial period for India’s development, guided by Buddhist principles of peace, compassion, and progress.
This focus on Buddhist projects and the revival of Pali is seen as part of the government’s broader efforts to enhance India’s global standing as the birthplace of Buddhism, while also promoting its ancient culture and values domestically.
The upcoming visit to Varanasi, Modi’s constituency, holds particular importance as Sarnath is a key Buddhist pilgrimage site, adding further significance to these development initiatives.
