Union Minister Kiren Rijiju receives special statue of Emperor Ashoka from Thai Supreme Patriarch

New Delhi [India], June 19 (ANI): Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju on Thursday highlighted the importance of receiving a statue of Chakravarti Emperor Ashoka from His Majesty Somdet Phra Theranamuni, the Acting Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, during the visit of a high-level Thai Buddhist Sangha delegation to India.
https://x.com/KirenRijiju/status/1935574364256080099
In a post on X, Rijiju wrote, "It is extremely significant to receive a special statue of Chakravarti Emperor Ashoka from His Majesty Somdet Phra Theranamuni, the Acting Supreme Patriarch of Thailand!"
A high-level delegation of the Thai Buddhist Sangha is currently visiting India at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, a high-level Thai Monk delegation, led by Somdet Phra Therayanamuni, acting Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, also Phra Kittisaramuni Kulphol, Deputy Abbot of Wat Debsirindravas and other members of the Thai Buddhist Sangha, arrived in India on a six-day visit which includes meetings with ministers and travel to Gujarat. They have been accorded the status of Guest of the State.
The delegation visited the National Museum on Tuesday to pray at the Relics shrine, where a small ceremony, including chanting in Pali, was held. The delegation was hosted by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).
Rijiju met the delegation and highlighted the close connection between the two countries and their shared cultural heritage. He said that this relationship was not limited to Buddhism but also included Hinduism. Scholars exchanged from Ayutthaya to Nalanda. The story of the Ramayana is deeply rooted in Thai folklore. The influences of Sanskrit and Pali continue to resonate with the language, as does the common use of the name Rama.
The Minister said, "We can learn from each other on various aspects, even beyond Buddhism, though it would remain a common bond." He suggested that more Buddhist monks and lay people visit various Buddhist sites here and that people from India visit Thailand to see its Buddhist heritage.
The delegation met the Minister of Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Somdet Phra Therayanamuni expressed his love for India as the Sakhyamuni had lived on this land.
Somdet Phra Thiranyanamuni, alias Worachayo, is a royal monk. He is currently the abbot of Wat Thepsgintharawat Ratchaworawihan.
He is also the Chairman of the Pali Education Committee; Somdet Phra Thiranyanamuni also oversees the education management of the Sangha in four departments: Pali Department, Sanam Luang; Dharma Department, Sanam Luang; General Education Department and Pali Supervising Department. (ANI)