KATHMANDU: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari extended her wishes for happiness, peace, and prosperity to all Nepalis, both in the country and abroad, on the occasion of the 2568th birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha, the world’s apostle of peace.

In her message today, she highlighted the increasing relevance of Buddha’s philosophy of peace and non-violence in today’s world.

The former President also urged everyone to take steps towards fostering broader national unity.

She noted that since 1999, the United Nations has been commemorating Buddha Jayanti as the International Day, known as ‘Baishakh Day,’ in recognition of Buddha’s principles of friendship, compassion, and non-violence.

Bhandari expressed that if Buddha’s teachings were put into practice, it would further enhance peace, coexistence, tolerance, and mutual respect among individuals, societies, and the global community.