Remarks by HE Mr Atul Malhari Gotsurve on the occsasion of the Buddha Purnima Day 2026 and the opening of the Exposition of the Holy Relics of two Chief Disciples of Lord Buddha Sariputra and Maudgalyayana
Venue: Gandantegchenling Monastery
Date: 31 May 2026 at 0930 hrs
Respected:
Hon’ble Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Governor of Assam, India
Hon’ble Khamba Nomun Khan Geshe D. Javsandorj,
HE Mr Luvsantseren Enkh-Amgalan,
Respected Ven. 20th Bakula Rinpoche Stanzin Ngawang Jigmet Wangchuk
Respected XYZ, Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka,
HE Mr N Enkhbayar, Third President of Mongolia
Hon’ble Mr E. Odbayar, Foreign Policy Advisor of the President of Mongolia,
Respected Khamba Lamas of various Buddhist Monasteries in Mongolia,
HE Ambassadors, Heads of Mission and other members of the Diplomatic Corp,
All the senior officers, dignitaries and respected monks who have come specially from India,
Respected Mr Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Addl. Chief Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh
Respected Mr Abhijeet Haldar, DG of the International Buddhist Confederation,
Respected esteemed monks of various Monasteries
Respected Scholars, Dhamma followers, Sisters and brothers from Mongolia.
Namo Buddhaya, Namaste, Sain Bainu
I am honoured to address you all on the occasion of Buddha Purnima 2026. This day reflects on the noble ideals and sacrifices Lord Buddha made for the betterment of our planet.
The path of Panchsheel- 5 principles shown by Lord Buddha helps us to keep away from sorrow. Lord Buddha taught us ‘भवतु सब्ब मंगलम’, (bhavatu sabb mangalam) which means blessings, compassion and welfare of all. This is relevant even in this 21st century and will be relevant in centuries to come.
Lord Buddha gave us the mantra of of अप्प दीपो भव: (atta deep bhava) i.e. be your own light. This principle is important to view things in a rational and scientific manner and shed superstitions.
The life of Lord Buddha was about peace, harmony and co-existence. Lord Buddha’s teachings and the importance given to social justice can become a global unifying force. In the world with various conflicts, the path of peace shown by Lord Buddha is of immense importance.
Under the able leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi several initiatives with respect to Buddhism has been taken. I will mention a few:
- Gifting of the Statue of Lord Buddha to the Gandan Monastery which you can see here.
- Exposition of the Lord Buddha Relics in Mongolia in June 2022.
- Gifting of the Holy Kanjurs to various Buddhist Monasteries in Mongolia on two separate occasions October 2022 and November 2025.
- First Global Buddhist Summit was held on April 20–21, 2023
- The First Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS), organized by India took place in New Delhi on November 5-6, 2024.
- Commencement of the Joint Project between Embassy of India and the Gandan Monastery in November 2025 to digitize 01 million manuscripts.
- A Sanskrit Scholar would be sent to the Gandan Monastery for 01 year.
- Several other initiatives are in the pipeline.
It may be noted that these Relics till date have gone to only one country i.e. Thailand in 2024 and hence the exposition in Mongolia has special significance. It may be recalled that the exposition of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha in Mongolia in June 2022 was a highly successful and memorable event.
The Holy Relics enjoy the status of the Head of State in terms of Protocol and security and has arrived in a Special Indian Air Force Aircraft. The Great disciples had attained enlightenment during the lifetime of Lord Buddha. They are an epitome of how a disciplined student and disciple should conduct himself or herself and attain the zenith of success. They come from the place of Nalanda which was a great learning center of Buddhism. Recently, the Government of India has revived this University and hundred of scholars are studying in this prestigious University. Very soon, a MOU between the Nalanda University and the Gandan Monastery is to be signed.
Sariputra’s role was to organise the Buddha’s teachings systematically as the first Chief disciple. He put queries to the Buddha and entreated him to answer and himself clarified points and questioned other fellow disciples to test their knowledge. He elaborated and delivered sermons on topics proposed by the Buddha. Lord Buddha often asked Sariputra to teach in his place while he rested. His mastery in teaching the Dhamma earned him the honorific Dhammasenapati.
Maudgalyayana was a popular teacher and his sermons about afterlife destinations were very well received. His knowledge of ethics, philosophy and meditation is exemplary. Both the disciples are a classic example of true friends who help each other to achieve success.
I am thankful to the Government of Mongolia for extending the necessary support for the exposition of the Holy Relics. The Gandan Tegchenling Monastery is looking after the religious aspects of the exposition commensurate with the special high status of the Relics. Devotees from all over Mongolia are going visit the Gandan Monastery to pay their tributes.
The exposition of the Holy Relics will further strengthen the existing spiritual bond between India and Mongolia.
Today, on Buddha Purnima, let us renew our commitment to the ideals of Lord Buddha.
I join you all in praying to the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha) to have peace and happiness for all.
Thank you very much.
Namo Buddhaya
