Lumbini, September 1st
The policy programs and estimated budget for the fiscal year 2081/2082 were presented at the Council meeting of the Lumbini Development Trust. The meeting was chaired by Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, as well as Chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust, Hon. Badri Prasad Pandey, at the birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini, on Saturday. The Treasurer of the Trust, Dhundiraj Bhattarai, presented an estimated budget of NPR 769.8 million, including NPR 371.1 million from internal sources and NPR 440 million for the government's multi-year master plan program.
Similarly, Member Secretary Sanuraja Shakya presented the policy programs, including advancing the process for distributing the second Gautama Buddha International Peace Award and requesting the government to organize the Lumbini World Heritage Conference. After extensive discussions on the presented policies and budget, the Trust announced that the next meeting would approve the final plans focused on promoting Lumbini, enhancing development, engaging the local community, and establishing Lumbini as a World Heritage Site. Minister Pandey, who is also the Chairman of the Trust, emphasized that the heritage of Lumbini represents Nepal on the global stage and stated that a clear plan would be approved in the next Council meeting to further internationalize its importance.
In the meeting, Vice-Chairman Dr. Lharkyal Lama mentioned that, despite his strong commitment to developing Lumbini, the limited income had restricted the number of projects that could be undertaken. He expressed his intention to coordinate with the ministry in the coming days to proceed with constructive work for the development of Lumbini.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Ganesh Prasad Pandey, Secretary of the Culture Ministry, Mayor of Lumbini Cultural Municipality Sajruddin Khan, Deputy Mayor Kalpana Harijan as an invited member, and Project Chief of the Trust Smita Bhatt, board members, and council members.
Tourism Minister Pandey Visits Lumbini
On Saturday afternoon, following the Council meeting, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation and Chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust, Hon. Badri Prasad Pandey, visited the birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini. This was Minister Pandey's first visit to Lumbini since assuming office. He visited the Mayadevi Temple, Marker Stone, Asoka Pillar, Pushkarini Pond, Peace Flame, Thai Monastery, and German Temple. During the visit, Minister Pandey expressed interest in the archaeological significance, religious aspects, and heritage preservation. On this occasion, Vice-Chairman Dr. Lama provided an update on recent developments in Lumbini, and Senior Director of the Trust Gyanin Rai shared information about the archaeological importance of Buddha's birthplace and the Lumbini master plan.
Speaking to the media after the visit, Minister Pandey expressed his inspiration in being able to walk in the footsteps of Gautama Buddha, who led humanity on the path of righteousness and moral conduct. He emphasized the need to work towards spreading the message of peace and cooperation from the land of Buddha. Minister Pandey also highlighted the importance of unity among the Lumbini Development Trust, the community, tourism entrepreneurs, and the monasteries in Lumbini to spread the message of Buddha's path of righteousness and moral conduct to the world.
Regarding the Council meeting, he mentioned that local demands and grievances had been heard and stressed the need for all parties to work together to spread Buddha's message from this corner of the world. "Lumbini is a symbol of culture, while Mount Everest is the pinnacle of nature," said Minister Pandey, adding that the ministry would put forward a plan that connects these two symbols. He also mentioned that linking Lumbini, a site of cultural excellence, with Sagarmatha, the highest peak of nature, could attract tourists. Minister Pandey also participated in a lamp-lighting ceremony.
The visit was attended by the Secretary of the Ministry, along with Trust officials and board members.