Ramayan, Buddhism unite Asean countries - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Ramayan, Buddhism unite Asean countries

Punya Priya Mitra, Hindustan Times, Bhopal | By
Aug 18, 2017 07:38 PM IST

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj told the 160 delegates from 11 Asean nations that it was Ramayana and Buddhism that united them and the challenge was to strengthen and build on those ideals.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj told the 160 delegates from 11 Asean nations that it was Ramayana and Buddhism that united them and the challenge was to strengthen and build on those ideals.

Bhopal, India - Aug. 18, 2017: Indonesian delegation posing for a group photograph with External affairs minister Sushma Swaaraj and Governor of Madhya Pradesh O P Kohli during India- ASEAN youth summit in Bhopal, India, on Friday, August 18, 2017. (Photo by Mujeeb Faruqui/Hindustan Times)(Mujeeb Faruqui/HT Photo)
Bhopal, India - Aug. 18, 2017: Indonesian delegation posing for a group photograph with External affairs minister Sushma Swaaraj and Governor of Madhya Pradesh O P Kohli during India- ASEAN youth summit in Bhopal, India, on Friday, August 18, 2017. (Photo by Mujeeb Faruqui/Hindustan Times)(Mujeeb Faruqui/HT Photo)

Addressing the valedictory session of the six-day India-Asean youth summit here on Friday, Swaraj said Muslims make idols and Lord Hanuman in Indonesia and believe it to be part of their culture and there are statues of a prostrating Arjuna before Lord Krishan seeking guidance in several squares, showing the spread of Indian mythologies through Indians who settled there centuries ago.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Swaraj peppered her address with quotes from Vivekanand and ideals taught by Buddhism, Swaraj said there was no higher bliss than peace which was evident in the teaching of Buddha.

Saying that she was impressed by the energy displayed at the summit and that she herself ‘felt young again’, Swaraj urged the delegates to remain in contact with each other though social media. “Who knows one of you might become a minister, prime minister or governor in years to come,” she said in a lighter vein.

Earlier, the 11 point India-Asean youth summit Bhopal declaration was read out which talked about cooperation between youths of the Asean nations and strengthen people to people contact.

State governor Om Prakash Kohli and UN Youth Envoy Jayathma Wickramanayake also spoke on the occasion.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On