We are on the verge of world war, the path shown by Buddha is the means of solution: Nitin Gadkari

Bodh Gaya: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Thursday that the global situation seems to indicate that we are close to war and the path of peace shown by Buddha is the only means of stability. Gadkari made the remarks at a function organized by the trust that manages the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar.

He said, “Today the world is facing a big problem. We are on the brink of world war. This is a time when we should aspire for world peace (world peace). Lord Gautam Buddha can inspire us.

Referring to his attachment with the principles of Buddha, the senior BJP leader said that Nagpur is the place where Baba Saheb Ambedkar converted to Buddhism. Nagpur is Gadkari's home town and Lok Sabha constituency. Gadkari said, “As a minister in the then government of Maharashtra, I had the privilege of finalizing Nagpur Deekshabhoomi, work on which was stalled for some time.

The former BJP president described former Maharashtra minister and Ambedkarite Buddhist Sulekha Kumbhare as 'his sister'. Kumbhare played an important role in the construction of the 'Dragon Palace' temple in Nagpur. Gadkari said that recently I had the privilege of going to the temple with my wife and meditating for some time. The Union Minister said that he realized that whatever he has achieved in his life is due to the blessings of Lord Buddha, who keeps inspiring him to work for the poor.

The Road Transport and Highways Minister also informed, “We are constructing about 1600 kilometers of road at an estimated cost of Rs 22,000 crore as part of the Buddha Circuit. 1100 km work has been completed and 370 km work will be completed by the beginning of next year. The tender process is going on for the remaining 130 kilometers. The Minister said that this is being done with a view to connect the places in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh which had historical connection with Buddha with good quality multi-lane roads. He said, “Needless to say that this place (Bodh Gaya) is one of such places where Buddha attained enlightenment. (With agency inputs)