Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the Kushinagar International Airport on Wednesday at the site of Lord Buddha’s Parinirvana in Uttar Pradesh. This move aims to promote the tourism industry of the Buddhist Tour based on the three hallmarks of economic development-trade, tourism and technology. It is expected that today’s inauguration will be attended by ambassadors from at least 10-15 Buddhist practice and promotion countries. More than 100 Sri Lankan priests and 8 high priests led by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son Namal will also attend.
The construction cost of Kushinagar Airport is estimated at ₹260 crore; it will serve the areas near Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and is seen as an important step in promoting investment and employment opportunities in the region. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the airport will facilitate domestic and foreign pilgrims to visit the Buddha’s “Mahaparinirvana” and strive to connect Buddhist pilgrimage sites around the world.
The project office stated that Modi will go to the Mahaparinirvana Nirvana Temple in Kushinagar to participate in the Abhidhamma Day activities, and then go to participate in public events and the subsequent airport inauguration ceremony. In the temple, the prime minister will worship the lying Buddha statue and plant saplings of Bodhi. Later, Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation for several other development projects, including the Rajkiya Medical College, which cost more than ₹280 crore, and 12 other development projects worth more than ₹180 crore.
The city of Kushinagar is connected to other Buddhist sites by trains designed for Indians and foreigners interested in pilgrimage or religious tourism. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh will attend this event and is expected to speak with the Prime Minister at a gathering in the region.
News Source: Hindustan Times
