Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kolkata in collaboration with Wat Thai Buddhagaya organized Presentation of Buddha Statues ‘Phra Buddha Jayanti Sri Siam’ to Buddhist community[...]

On 24 August 2024, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kolkata in collaboration with Wat Thai Buddhagaya - the Royal Thai Monastery, Bodhgaya - organized a presentation ceremony of 173 'Phra Buddha Jayanti Sri Siam' Buddha Statues, which were graciously bestowed by His Majesty the King of Thailand, to Buddhist temples, associations and communities in Darjeeling. The event took place at Bhanu Bhawan in Darjeeling.

The ceremony was presided over by Phra Dhambodhivong, Chief Abbot of Wat Thai Buddhagaya and Chairperson of Thai Buddhist Missionary in India and Nepal, along with Ms. Siriporn Tantipanyathep, Consul-General of Thailand in Kolkata. Senior Thai monks, including Phra Videshvajiranyana, Secretary of Thai Buddhist Missionary and Acting Chief Abbot of Thai Temple in Kushinagar; Phra Videshvajaracharya, Assistant Secretary of Thai Buddhist Missionary; and Phramaha Nipon Nyanaviro, Head of Thai Buddhist Missionary Office were present.

Representatives from the Darjeeling side were Venerable Dhamma Dhiroo, Chief Abbot of Gandha Madan Vihara and Secretary of Krispasaran Buddhist Mission; Venerable Nawang Tenzing, Head of Dali Monastery; Mr. Phurtemba Sherpa, Secretary of the United Sherpa Association. Additionally, over 220 Buddhist devotees and participants attended the ceremony.

In her speech, the Consul-General conveyed the deep significance of the event, sharing its dual purpose was to honor His Majesty the King of Thailand on the auspicious occasion of His 72^nd birthday anniversary on 28 July 2024, as well as to strengthen the cherished bond between Thailand and India. She spoke of the profound, centuries-old relationship between the two nations, highlighting the shared spiritual, linguistic, and cultural heritage that connect their peoples. Emphasizing that Thailand reveres India as the sacred land where Buddhism originated, she noted that presenting the 'Phra Buddha Jayanti Sri Siam' Buddha Statues to India was a heartfelt tribute to Lord Buddha. This gesture not only honors the Buddha's legacy but also supports the revival and nurturing of Buddhism in its birthplace, reflecting a commitment to preserving and celebrating this timeless spiritual heritage.

This event is a heartfelt continuation of a meaningful initiative to rejuvenate and spread Buddhism in India through 'Buddhist Diplomacy' and the dedicated efforts of the Thai Buddhist Missionary. Reflecting a deep commitment to this sacred cause, last year, the Consulate-General, alongside Wat Thai Buddhagaya, organized similar ceremony where 72 Buddha Statues were presented to Buddhist temples and communities in Kolkata at the Maha Bodhi Society of India. These acts of generosity and devotion embody a profound respect for Buddhism's roots and a sincere desire to support its enduring legacy in its birthplace.