MEA highlights India’s Buddhist linkages with ASEAN and East Asian nations

By PTI

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday celebrated the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ by inaugurating initiatives reflecting Buddhist linkages with the ASEAN and East Asian nations.

Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the federal government to have a good time and commemorate 75 years of India’s Independence.

As a part of the celebration, books of Buddhist ‘Jataka’ tales translated into Thai, Korean, Vietnamese and Chinese languages had been unveiled, the MEA mentioned.

A complete video of e-ITEC programs provided by the MEA on Buddhist teachings was proven in the course of the occasion. The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC) is a prestigious programme performed by the MEA.

Minister of State for External Affairs RajKumar Ranjan Singh inaugurated an interactive espresso desk e-book on Buddhist linkages with the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and East Asian nations.

The digital exhibition titled “Bodhicitta: Interweaving Buddhist Art Traditions from India Across Asia” curated by National Museum was displayed, the MEA mentioned in a press release.

“The ministry presented an Interactive Template for use by Missions for orientation visits by school/college students to cultural centres/missions for better understanding of India’s Buddhist linkages,” it mentioned.

A collection of commemorative occasions and actions might be organised by the MEA throughout the nation as a part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav week’ from February 21 to 27.