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Buddhist Summit, a time for cooperation
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| By A Staff Reporter KATHMANDU, Nov 18: The Second World Buddhist Summit, being held from Mangsir 15-17 in Lumbini, is a great festival, and cooperation from all sectors is expected to make the summit a success,? said Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Deep Kumar Upadhayaya today. Speaking at an interaction programme organised by the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, Upadhayaya said that the civil society, business community and individuals should extend their support to develop Lumbini as a holy place. ?We have to internalise the key principles of Buddhism- love, Humanity and non-violence in our lives. However, the lack of spiritual awareness has resulted in violence and terrorism,? he said. Upadhayaya also called on the Maoists to stop terrorism at least during the summit. ?The government is ready to hold talks with the Maoists and to end the violence, but the rebels must come forward with a clear agenda,? he said. Buddhism is more a philosophy than a religion, and we should give more emphasis to develop a spiritual bond among the people of the world, which could help boost our national image as well as tourism opportunities, he said. He said that the government was planning to expand the runway of Bhairahawa Airport and that there were plans to begin direct flights from Bodhgaya and Sarnath of India soon. Minister Upadhayaya said that proposals for a Buddhist University and development of Lumbini as an International City of Peace would be presented during the summit. Rajesh Kaji Shrestha, president of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, called for cooperation from the media and business community to make the summit a success. ?If we invest a little from our respective sectors, it will yield a lot in future,? Shrestha said. Businessman Laxmi Das Manandhar, said that cooperation would help strengthen the bond among the people and called for financial support from the business community. The summit will be held from November 30 to December 2, and representatives from various countries are participating in the summit. |
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