Bangkok/New Delhi, Apr 3 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to Thailand’s PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra for gifting him a copy of the Tipitaka in Pali. PM Modi announced that the Holy Relics found in Aravali, Gujarat in 1960 will be sent to Thailand for an exposition.
In posts on X, the PM said:
“A very special gesture!
“I am grateful to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for giving me a copy of the Tipitaka in Pali. Pali is indeed a beautiful language, carrying within it the essence of Lord Buddha’s teachings.
“As you are all aware, our Government had conferred the status of Classical Language on Pali last year. People from all over the world have appreciated this decision and it has also encouraged research as well as study on this language.”
In his address after the bilateral talks, the PM said: “Prime Minister Shinawatra just gifted me a Tri-Pitaka. On behalf of India, the land of Buddha, I accept it with folded hands.
“Last year, the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha were sent from India to Thailand. It is a matter of great pleasure that more than four million devotees got the opportunity to pay their tributes.
“I am extremely happy to announce that the Holy Relics found in Aravali, Gujarat in 1960 will also be sent to Thailand for an exposition.”
He also expressed gratitude for Thailand’s gesture of releasing an iStamp on themes relating to the Ramayana.
“A timeless impression and graceful symbol of our shared cultural relations! The Thai Government has released an iStamp on themes relating to the Ramayana. The stamp depicts Ramakien mural paintings that were painted during the reign of King Rama I.”
The MEA spokesperson said in a post on X:
“A gift of Lord Buddha’s teachings of peace & wisdom.
“PM @ingshin presented PM @narendramodi with the holy scriptures- World Tipitaka in Pali at Government House today.
“This special Tipitaka was published by the Thai Government in 2016 to commemorate the reign of King Rama lX & Queen Sikirit.”
The Tipitaka is a compilation of Lord Buddha’s teachings with accurate pronunciation of the Pali Tipiṭaka's over nine million syllables. The Thai government has presented it as a “Gift of Peace and Wisdom for All” from the Kingdom of Thailand to more than 30 countries.
UNI RN