Lumbini is not only the land of Buddhist philosophy but also its place of origin: PM Oli

Rupandehi: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli says Lumbini is not only the land of Buddhist philosophy but also its place of origin.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Fourth International Asian Buddhist Cultural Festival in Lumbini, the Prime Minister highlighted the growing global relevance of Buddha’s teachings of peace and compassion.

He also emphasized how Buddha’s teachings transformed even the tyrannical Emperor Ashoka into a peace-loving monk, noting that Ashoka built a pillar in Lumbini to mark the Buddha’s birthplace—a claim also supported by ancient Chinese travelers.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli unveiled a statue of the Little Buddha, carved from a single stone, as part of the festival’s opening ceremony.

The cultural event, aimed at strengthening Nepal-China ties, brings together Buddhist monks and scholars from Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Sri Lanka, and India.

Lumbini Province Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya also attended the event.