Visakhapatnam, 22 August 2026: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya today visited the historical Thotlakonda Buddhist heritage located near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, during this visit he was also joined by ministers and senior representatives of BRICS countries. The delegates visited ancient Buddhist remains including Mahastupas, meditation centers, wells and kitchen areas. He was given information about the historical importance of this place and the life of the Buddhist monks who lived there centuries ago. Dr. Mandaviya had also planted a tree at Thotlakonda under the 'Ek Pad Maa Ke Naam' campaign.
Praising the rich Buddhist heritage of Thotlakonda, the Union Minister said that India's Buddhist heritage is important for the entire world. This visit is a part of the events being organized in Visakhapatnam under India's BRICS Chairmanship for the year 2026, in which ministers and senior representatives of 11 BRICS countries are participating.
A meeting of youth affairs ministers of BRICS countries will be held in Visakhapatnam this evening. Dr. The meeting, to be chaired by Mansukh Mandaviya, will focus on ways to strengthen cooperation in the areas of youth development and empowerment, with special emphasis on education, skill development, entrepreneurship, welfare and sustainable development.
Tomorrow a meeting of sports ministers of BRICS countries will be held in Visakhapatnam. In this meeting, the discussion is expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in the field of sports.
These meetings will provide an important opportunity to exchange experiences between different countries, identify areas of practical cooperation and strengthen collective efforts towards youth participation, development of sports and all-inclusive development.
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