Jorethang, Dec 24 (IPR)
Governor of Sikkim Ganga Prasad attended the International Hindu Buddhist Darshan Conference 2018 organised by Hindu Buddhist Organising Committee as the Chief Guest at Jorethang playground today.
The conference was organized with an objective to facilitate cross pollination of ideas and foster harmony while also focusing on exploring shared values of dharmic traditions, which may provide the guiding light to troubled world today.
Accompanying the Governor as the special guests were Minister cum Area MLA of Zoom Salghari constituency A.K Ghatani alongside His Eminence Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche, Swami Ananda Brahmachariji Maharaj, Lama Sonam Gyurmi Khempola, Chaitanya Krishnaji Maharaj, Indresh Kumarji, Rohit Raj Maharaj, Guinness World Record Holder Arpan Sharma, NASA researcher Shri Chaitanya Maharaj Ji. Various other eminent religious leaders of Hindu and Buddhist philosophy from parts of Nepal and Bhutan, Advisors, Chairmen, officials, NJMC members, panchayats, NGo representatives were also present amongst a a mass crowd of general public.
Addressing the gathering the Chief Guest Governor Ganga Prasad expressed his sincere contentment on being a fortunate participant of the International Hindu Buddhist Darshan Sammelan 2018. Terming the occasion as both momentous and auspicious for all present, Shri Ganga Prasad stated how Buddhism and Hinduism were the most ancient religions of the world which share strong similarities with each other. Drawing similarities between the two, the Chief Guest spoke about the belief of reincarnation, dharma and karma in both Hinduism and Buddhism. He also spoke in brief about the strive to achieve enlightenment and liberation in both the religions. Governor in his address also lauded the noble programmes initiated by the State Government which portrays the positive initiatives which are pro-people in nature. Prasad also urged the people of Sikkim to lead a life that emphasized compassion or non-violence in one form or another. He expressed his thoughts by way of communicating that non-violence is the highest ethic and way of life and should be practised by all as adopting non-violence in our thinking, planning and actions, will bring about positive change at all levels of human existence by leaps and bounds. He also credited peace and harmony as the two factors of survival and development of mankind. In addition he also spoke about the rich history and culture of our country and elucidated the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which signifies that the whole earth is just one family.
Minister cum Area MLA A. K Ghatani also addressed the gathering wherein he highlighted the state government’s endeavour of maintaining the secular fabric of our society in Sikkim. He underlined the development of various religious establishments of very faith in every district of Sikkim under the leadership of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and affirmed the concept of religious tolerance and faith reinforced by the State Government.
Other speaker in the event spoke at length about religious beliefs, the road to leading a healthy lifestyle. Deliberations by esteemed speaker from and across Sikkim were given on intelligence, strength, courage, fitness, alertness, compassion and eloquence which all contribute in the holistic development of an individual.
The program also saw felicitations being accorded to all the spiritual gurus and scholars by the organising committee of International Hindu Buddhist sangh.