Messages from India
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE
From Mr. Heero Hito, India
I am very happy that National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, one of the leading Buddhist Organizations in the world is organizing the UN Day of Vesak-2014 that will bring together the Buddhist fraternity from all over the world.
On the auspicious occasion of the 11th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations, an International Conference on Buddhist Contribution is also being organized for the purpose to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals. I extend my heartiest greetings and good wishes to all the Members of National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha specially Most Ven. Thich Thanh Nhieu, Chairman, ICDV – UNDV 2014 International Organizing Committee and the citizens of Vietnam for organizing this Holy event.
Buddha’s teachings of non-violence, love and compassion are of eternal significance. He taught us the path of Right Action so that mankind may overcome its suffering. If world needs peace and harmony, we must strive to make the teachings of Lord Buddha a part of our daily life and tread the path of righteousness in thought, word and deed. Buddhist diversity is our greatest strength and a multiple source of inspiration for not only Buddhists but also for every individual who wants peace and harmony.
May this joyous forthcoming celebration usher in peace and universal brotherhood across the world!
Heero Hito
Chairman
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE
From Prof. Geshe Ngawang Samten, India
Vesak is not only a great day for the Buddhist world, but also for the entire humanity since Buddha, the embodiment of love, compassion and wisdom, was born, attained enlightenment and passed into Mahaparinirvan on this very day.
Buddha’s teachings are relevant today as it had been during Buddha’s time. Due to its practical implications on life, Buddhism flourished in almost entire Asian countries in the past, and it is flourishing very fast in the rest of the world today.
I appreciate the United Nations Organization for having the wisdom to recognize the day of Vesak as a day of peace.
I congratulate the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Vietnam for organizing the celebration of the Vesak with the International Conference on “Buddhist Perspective towards Achieving the UN Millennium Goals”.
I sincerely wish that this congregation will bring all the Buddhist traditions on one platform for interaction, and will make contributions to shape the future of humanity.
With best wishes for global peace.
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE
From Mr. Milind Raghuvir Gaikwad, India
I am deeply honoured to extend my congratulatory message on this occasion of 11th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations and Conference in Vietnam.
In this scientifically develop world greed , hatred and delusion continue as the intrinsic cause of suffering. Buddhism is embedded with profound practical theories connected with the masses and philosophy that can be easily understood by all the human beings which provide the world with peace and social harmony for humanity , that science and material world have failed to achieve even after it’s tremendous research and development.
Buddha’s message of Four Noble Truths , Eight Noble Paths, and Understanding of Inter and Intra Dependency are more pertinent to the present day world for the human beings to gain Peace. This confirms that Buddha was Intellectual Democrat, Philosophical Liberal and Greatest Humanitarian. He was “Margdata” and advised us to be “Atta Deepa Bhava”.
In Indian context I feel that Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s scientific perspective of Buddhism is more relevant today. He included the philosophy of Buddha in the Constitution of Independent INDIA. He embraced Buddhism with millions of his downtrodden followers. It is imperative for the humanity to cherish the legacy of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar for sustainable development with social change.
I strongly believe that this conference with collective wisdom shall represent a firm solidarity of Buddhists in the world for a sound co-operation aimed at seeking the path of universal harmony and peace. I am convinced that this conference will play a positive consultative role to the UN Economic and Social Council through its theme “Buddhist Contribution to Achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals” and will bring unity among Buddhist leaders all over the world and enhance solidarity and brotherhood among Buddhists in order to promote Understanding, Tolerance, Peace, Liberty, Equality, Justice and Harmony.
“May the power of triple gem brings us all peace and happiness forever.”
Milind Raghuvir Gaikwad
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE
From Dr. Arvind Kumar Singh, India
First of all, I would like to offer my hearty congratulations to National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (NVBS) for organizing the 11th Anniversary Celebration and International Buddhist Conference of United Nations Day of Vesak 2014 for the second time at Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam from 07-11 May, 2014.
I am so glad to present this special message on this utmost significant day of all Buddhists in the world. In all the Buddhists Countries throughout the world, Vesak Day is a celebration day which is to commemorate the Birth, Enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha on this very special day of Vesak is recignized by the United Nations through resolution at its General Assembly in 1999. As Vesak is a special Full moon day for Buddhists all over the world, we all can observe precepts on this very special day wherever we live and abide by them throughout the day. According to the teaching of the Buddha, on this ‘Thrice blessed day’ we all should understand and practice the teachings of the Buddha and apply it in our day to day life for well-being of human beings as taught us by the Buddha Himself. As the greatest man ever born on this earth he has taught us how to live peacefully and harmoniously in society supporting each other. As most of us know, Buddhism is not a religion but a way of life. As it is a way of life we all should be able to put it into practice in our daily life.
It is my pleasure to know that National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in association with IABU and MCU is going to organize 11th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebration and Conference 2014 of for the second time in Vietnam on the theme “Buddhist Perspective Towards Achieving the United Nations Millennium Goals” with sub-themes viz. Buddhist Response to Sustainable Development and Social Change, Buddhist
Response to Global Warming and Environmental Protection, Buddhist Contributions to Healthy Living, Peace-Building and Post-Conflict Recovery and Buddhist Education and University Level Curriculum. The main theme and the sub-themes of this conference are very much relevant in the age of globalization and hope that the conference will foster cooperation among Buddhist Communities and institutions to develop Buddhist solution to the present global crisis. As we all know that Buddhism has helped to identify the root of contemporary crisis of modern civilization as spiritual crisis of today’s human values. Now is the time for people the world over to seek the means of creating a “human civilization” that will contribute to the peace and happiness of humankind, harmonizing our differences in ethnicity, culture, and language. Toward the realization of this goal, I am personally determined to expand the circle of global dialogue and further develop a network of solidarity. I conclude my congratulatory message with a prayer that NVBS under its leadership will steadily develop into an oasis for enlightening dialogue and will shine even more brightly as a beacon of intellect and understanding in the years to come.
I extend my best wishes to the fruitful accomplishments and great success of the 11th Anniversary Celebration and International Buddhist Conference of United Nations Day of Vesak 2014 at Vietnam.
(Arvind Kumar Singh)
Director, International Affairs &
Assistant Professor, School of Buddhist Studies & Civilization
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE
From Dr. J.P. Sharma, India
Vesak is not only a great day for the Buddhist world, but also for the entire humanity since Buddha, the embodiment of love, compassion and wisdom, was born, attained enlightenment and passed into Mahaparinirvan on this very day.
Buddha’s teachings are relevant today as it had been during Buddha’s time. Due to its practical implications on life, Buddhism flourished in almost entire Asian countries in the past, and it is flourishing very fast in the rest of the world today.
I appreciate the United Nations Organization for having the wisdom to recognize the day of Vesak as a day of peace.
I congratulate the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Vietnam for organizing the celebration of the Vesak with the International Conference on “Buddhist Perspective towards Achieving the UN Millennium Goals”.
I sincerely wish that this congregation will bring all the Buddhist traditions on one platform for interaction, and will make contributions to shape the future of humanity.
With best wishes for global peace.
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE
From Ravindra Panth, India
I feel myself privileged and greatly honoured to convey my congratulatory warmest greeting to the organizers of the I lth Anniversary Celebration and International Buddhist Conference of United Nations Day of Vesak 2014. It is quite heartening to learn that the thrice-sacred day of Vesak celebrating the Birth, Enlightenment and Passing Away of Lord Gautama Buddha, duly recognized by the United Nations, is being organized and hosted by the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (NVBS) for the second time in Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam from 07 to 1l May 2014.
The main Theme of this year’s celebration, decided by the organizers, is the Buddhist Perspective towards Achieving the UN Millennium Goals is a befitting tribute to the United Nations’ recognition of the International Council for the Day of Vesak for its Consultative Role to the UN Economic and Social Council since 2013. As indicated by the organizers, the main objectives of this year’s celebrations is to foster co-operation among Buddhist communities and inititutions, and also to develop Buddhist solutions to the global crisis through deliberating issues of global concern like, (i) Buddhist Response to Sustainable Development and Social Change, (ii) guddhist Response to Global Warming and Environmental Protection, (iii) Buddhist Contributions to Healthy Living, (iv) Peace-building and Post-Conflict Recovery, (v) Buddhist Education and University Level Curriculum.
I firmly believe that the organizers of the UN Vesak Day Celebration 2014 will be Buddha. The manner in which the Vesak Day is being celebrated every year left long lasting impact throughout the world particularly the discussions held by the assembly of world Buddhist leaders and intellectuals during the celebrations on the various issues of global concern.
Lastly on my own behalf as well as on behalf of the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara (Deemed University), Nalanda, Bihar, India, would like to express my deep sense of gratitude to the organizers’of the UN Vesak Day Celebration 2014 for honouring myself and our University by exiending an invitation to participate in such an important mega event. Further I would also like to extend my appreciations to National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (NVBS), monks, nuns, dignitaries and other participants for making this mega event successful.
May all beings be happy!
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE
From Mr.S.R.Bhatt
Dear Prof. (Dr.) Ven. Thich Nhat Tu,
I am happy to learn about the celebration of of UN Day of Vesak 2014. On this occasion it is good to remind us of universal peace and happiness. Lord Buddha has exhorted us to work ceaselessly and efficiently for cosmic wellness. We , the inheritors of His sublime message, have to remain seriously engaged in dissemination and practice of the Supreme Truth of Dhamma, the path of Pragya and Karuna, which is the surest way to attain Nirnana.
May your noble efforts get fructified.
With best wishes
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE
From Mr.Samir S.Somaiya and Prof. Dr.Mrs.K.Sankarnarayan
We, the Chairman and faculty of K.J.Somaiya Centre For Buddhist Studies wish your Country as a whole and your university is particular for the grand success of the celebration of Vesakh Purnima to mark the contribution of Lord Buddha for the benefit of the society. at large. Lord Buddha and Buddhism in Asia were the vanguard of globalization. Buddhism and the teachings of the Buddha spread far beyond the confines of India. Grand celebration of Vesakh Purnima as part of United Nations is to remind us of the great values taught by Lord Buddha. Vietnam is the right place to celebrate where the teachings of the Buddha and the core teaching of “Meditation” had helped thousands to face the turmoil in their country with peace and forbearance
Mr.Samir S.Somaiya and Prof. Dr.Mrs.K.Sankarnarayan
K.J.Somaiya Centre For Buddhist Studies
