We have never attacked any country: PM

Taking a dig at Pakistan which had been resorting to repeated ceasefire violations in the past few months, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said our tradition, culture and history are an evidence that we have never been the aggressors.

“We have never attacked any country,” Modi said while addressing the gathering at an event to celebrate Buddha Purnima organised by the Union Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).

Modi said  that India made no distinction between religions and had no history of attacking other countries or schools of thought.

“India has never had a history or tradition of attacking others’ ideology or country. We have also never tried to create a distinction between religions,” he said. While speaking on the teachings of the Buddha, Modi said all ideologies which orginated in India were based on humanity.  In today’s world, humanity and compassion had become even more relevant, Modi said.

 He said the teachings of the Buddha were based on humanity and the country was proud the philososphy had originated here. Indian religions never force anyone to come and join them, neither they show kindness to only those who are in the fold, they are for everyone, Modi added.

The prime minister offered “Sangh Dana” (donation) to Buddhist monks from countries such as Japan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam who were present at the event.

He also presented the Vaishakh Sammaan Prashasti Patra to the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, and the All India Bhikshu Sangha, Bodh Gaya.  A conglomerate of Buddhist institutions has come together to showcase the various facets of Buddhist traditions.

“The teachings of Lord Buddha are extremely relevant in the 21st century. His was a life devoted to alleviating suffering and removing injustice from society. His compassion has endeared him to millions. Buddha Purnima greetings to everyone,” Modi had earlier tweeted. 

Buddha Purnima is traditionally celebrated in majority of East Asia to commemorate the birth of Gautam Buddha, who later became the founder of Buddhism.