PM Modi to attend International Abhidhamma Divas celebrations

Prime Minister Modi to celebrate Abhidhamma Divas and recognize Pali as a classical language, emphasizing Buddha's teachings.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to attend an event here on Thursday (October 17, 2024) to mark Abhidhamma Divas during which he will also share his insights on the importance of the Pali language, the Culture Ministry said.

Mr. Modi will speak on the government's ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the rich heritage of Buddha Dhamma, the Ministry said on Wednesday.

The Union Cabinet on October 3 approved to conferring the status of a Classical Language to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali.

"Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will participate in the celebration of International Abhidhamma Divas and recognition of Pali as a classical language on 17 October at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi and will also address the gathering at the occasion," the PIB Culture said on X.

The recent recognition of Pali as a classical language, along with four other languages, enhances the significance of this year's Abhidhamma Divas celebrations as Buddha's teachings on Abhidhamma are originally available in Pali language, it said.

"Abhidhamma Divas commemorates the descent of Lord Buddha from the celestial realm of the thirty-three divine beings (Tavatimsa-devaloka) to Sankassiya, known today as Sankisa Basantapur in the Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh," it said.

The significance of this location is underscored by the presence of the Asokan Elephant Pillar, an enduring marker of this historic event.