LUMBINI: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Pandey, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing Lumbini into a global center for spiritual study and contemplation.
Addressing the 4th Asian Buddhist Cultural Festival held in Lumbini on Saturday, Minister Pandey emphasized that the government is working to integrate spiritual, religious, and historical sites such as Ramgram, Devdaha, Tilaurakot, Gotihawa, and Niglihawa into a unified development plan.
This effort, he said, would be guided by the master plan created by world-renowned planner Kenzo Tange.
Highlighting the importance of preserving the identity of local communities and maintaining a balance between nature and development, Minister Pandey stressed the need to embrace the spirit of Buddhism in the region’s growth strategy.
He also announced plans to convene a meeting this year to reactivate the international committee comprising 16 UN member countries, originally envisioned by former UN Secretary-General U Thant, to support the development and promotion of Lumbini.
Minister Pandey further shared that the government is preparing to amend the Lumbini Development Fund Act to enhance the management and promotion of the sacred site. He added that the Asian Buddhist Cultural Festival would play a significant role in boosting international tourism to Lumbini.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli served as the chief guest for the three-day festival, which was attended by monks and Buddhist practitioners from over 50 countries, including Thailand, Cambodia, and China.
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