“One moment can change a day, one day can change a life, and one life can change the world.” Gautam Buddha

Respected Chairperson, Chief guest, Excellency ambassadors,NRNA Representatives distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen!

Good Afternoon,Tashi Delek and Namaste !!

It is with great pleasure that we gather here today to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Buddha Jayanti. This event has a special meaning for all who follow the teachings of the great spiritual leader Gautama Buddha.

I am glad to see here today such a diverse and distinguished gathering. The Embassy of Nepal in Malaysia brought together guests from different countries, including high-level representatives of the tourism industry. This is a testimony to the global appeal of the Buddha’s enlightenment and the importance of this event. Gautam Buddha was born in Nepal more than 2500 years ago in Lumbini garden. He spent his early life in luxury, but gave it up to seek the truth and achieve enlightenment. His teachings of nonviolence, compassion and self-awareness transcended time and geography and influenced millions of people around the world. Buddha Jayanti is a very special occasion for all of us, not only for the people of Nepal but for Buddhists all over the world. Buddha Jayanti is celebrated as Vesakha Day worldwide to mark Tri-samyoga (three-fold blessed day): the day of the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing away. It is an opportunity to contemplate the teachings of Gautam Buddha and reflect on the values ​​of compassion, non-violence and peace that he taught in the set of Eight-fold path namely: 1. Right View 2. Right Intention 3. Right Speech 4. Right Action 5. Right Livelihood 6. Right Effort 7. Right Mindfulness and 8. Right Concentration. These paths are practical guideline for all of us. Buddhism promotes universal love and compassion towards all living beings, and encourage non-discrimination and non-hatred towards others, regardless of their caste, creed or faith.

Buddha Jayanti is also a time to celebrate the cultural diversity of our world and the contributions of different communities to our common heritage. It is a reminder of the importance of mutual respect and understanding and the need to work together to build a more peaceful and harmonious world. On 15 December 1999 the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 54/115, entitled ‘International recognition of the Day of Vesak at United Nations Headquarters and other United Nations offices’. This helped raise the profile of Buddha Jayanti and raise awareness of the important role of Buddhism in promoting peace and understanding. Nepal is a country that has a strong connection with Buddhism because it is the birthplace of Buddha. Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal, and is considered one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world.

Dear guests, respected representatives!

As Buddha once said, “We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.” This illuminate of Buddha is a reminder that our thoughts and actions shape our lives and the world around us. The teachings of Gautam Buddha have influenced millions of people around the world and have guided them towards a more peaceful and compassionate way of life.

Respected all,

NRNA, a global organization of Nepalis living abroad, has been active in promoting Nepal’s tourism industry and highlighting the country’s potential as a Buddhist destination. We have worked closely with the Government of Nepal to develop and promote Lumbini as a world-class pilgrimage and cultural destination. The Nepali diaspora has also played an important role in promoting Nepali culture and traditions. Since Buddhism is an integral part of Nepalese culture, the promotion of that culture led to the promotion of the Buddha’s teachings. The Nepali diaspora organized various festivals to celebrate the teachings of the Buddha. These festivals provides a platform to spread the teachings of the Buddha and raise awareness of Buddhism.

On the other hand, the Nepali diaspora also actively participated in social activities related to Buddhism. We participated in various charitable works, supported relief activities and helped those in need. In addition, NRNA collaborates with the Government of Nepal and other stakeholders to organize events and festivals celebrating Nepal’s Buddhist heritage. These events can provide a platform to showcase the cultural and spiritual traditions of Nepal and create opportunities for cultural exchange between the Nepalese diaspora and local communities in Nepal. So, we request you to collaborate with you all in the promotion of the Buddhism in the World.

Respected personalities,

As we gather here today, we must take a moment to reflect on the values ​​that the Buddha’s teachings promote: compassion, kindness, love and empathy. These values ​​are more important now than ever, as the world struggles with the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, as well as conflicts around the world and the many challenges it brings to our lives. We believe that tourism has the potential to promote cultural exchange, understanding and mutual respect between people of different backgrounds. We believe that tourism has the potential to promote cultural exchange, understanding and mutual respect between people of different backgrounds. Therefore, we invite you all to discover the beauty and diversity of Nepal and experience firsthand the transformative power of Lord Buddha’s teachings. Buddhism is not just a religion, but a way of life that promotes peace, compassion and non-violence. Gautam Buddha’s teachings have universal appeal and relate to people of all religions and backgrounds. Buddhism has a rich cultural heritage that has contributed to the development of art, architecture and literature and has had a profound impact on the societies where it is practiced. In this regard I would like to express my gratitude to the Embassy of Nepal for organizing this event to remind us of the importance of Buddha’s teachings in our life. We should all take a moment to reflect on these teachings and renew our commitment to promoting peace, harmony and understanding in the world. In addition, I would like to take this opportunity to invite all the distinguished guests here today to promote Buddhist tourism in Nepal. We hope you will support the development of Lumbini as a great tourist destination and work with us to attract visitors from all over the world. We look forward to your support in promoting direct flights to Lumbini from Malaysia and other Buddhist countries, organizing regular international conventions in Lumbini to attract the Buddhist population, and investing in the development of hotels and other facilities. Together we can promote peace, harmony and understanding in the world.

Last but not least, I’d like to invite and eagerly welcome Nepal, a country that offers a plethora of experiences and adventures that will leave you in awe. From the majestic Himalayas to the vibrant cities, Nepal has a lot to offer to the travelers. Nepal is well connected with more than 45 domestic airports and 3 international airports, making it easy for visitors to explore different parts of the country. Additionally, Nepal has made significant progress in the field of energy, with 8000 MW of electricity under generation ensuring that travelers can enjoy their stay without any power outages in future. Nepal also boasts 18 five-star hotels Resorts and also many deluxe hotel are very close to final construction which validate that the world-class amenities and services. Furthermore, Nepal is the birthplace of Buddha, and Lumbini has been developed as a center for international conventions and conferences. The Greater Lumbini Area of Nepal houses the birthplaces of three Buddhas within the radius of 30 km. The first Buddha of Bhadrakalpa Krakuchhanda was born at Gotihawa; the second Buddha Kanakamuni was born at Niglihawa and Sakyamuni Buddha was born at Lumbini. Hence, Nepal is the blessed land hallowed by the births of three Buddhas. The Buddha said. “Those who visit the birthplace of a Buddha with devotion and faith in heart will be reborn in higher celestial realm”. So, I encourage you all the visit Greater Lumbini in Nepal to earn spiritual and religious merit. Travelers can find peace when they visit Lumbini, Taulihawa, Swoyambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, Namo Buddha, Asura Cave Pharping, and other traditional cultural sites and communities. Finally, I would also like to congratulate the organizing team for organizing this important event.

Thank you

Som Sapkota,

Spokesperson and Chair, Tourism Promotion Committee

Non-Resident Nepali Association -NRNA International Coordination Council