Chhattisgarh walking on path of development by assimilating Buddha's message of love: CM Sai

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday said the state was moving on the path of development by assimilating Lord Buddha's message of love, peace and compassion.

He was speaking after unveiling a grand statue of Lord Buddha at Mainpat in Chhattisgarh's Surguja district.

After unveiling the statue, the CM garlanded it and prayed for the prosperity and peace for the people of the state, an official statement said.

"The roots of Buddhist tradition are very deep in Chhattisgarh, and the state government is moving on the path of development by assimilating the message of love, peace and compassion of Lord Buddha," he said while addressing the gathering.

There are many places in Chhattisgarh where Lord Buddha is worshipped. Buddhist, Jain and Sanatan traditions are seen together in Sirpur, which is a unique example of the inclusive culture of the state, the release quoted him as saying.

On the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama turning 90 recently, the CM said his life is a living symbol of the principles of compassion, love and peace of Lord Buddha.

His message for today's world is a source of new hope and positivity, Sai said.

"Leaders from all over the world, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wished the Dalai Lama on his birthday, which shows how deeply the thoughts of Lord Buddha have influenced at the global level," he said.

Mainpat is a place full of natural beauty and cultural diversity, which fascinates tourists. There is immense potential for tourism here, and the state government is committed to its overall development, the CM said.

According to him, tourism has been given special priority in the new industrial policy of the state, and special incentives will be provided to those who start homestay facilities in areas like Mainpat.

Sai expressed his gratitude to the Tibetan community for inviting him to the event.

On this occasion, he announced Rs 10 lakh for the construction of a concrete road from Saila Resort in Mainpat to the Buddhist temple, and Rs 20 lakh for building a shed in the ancient Buddhist temple.

The chief minister was given a warm welcome as per the traditional Tibetan customs in the event. People enthusiastically met the CM with the tricolour in their hands, which made the atmosphere cheerful and patriotic, the release said.

Surguja MP Chintamani Maharaj, Sitapur MLA Ramkumar Toppo, president of Tibetan Cooperative Society Tamding Tsering, and a large number of members of the Tibetan community were present on the occasion.