Consecration and presentation ceremony of Lord Buddha statue at New Delhi, October 1993
Since 1959, India has extended its hospitality to about 100,000 Tibetan refugees following the Chinese occupation of their country. India, the land of Arya, or the noble ones, from which Tibet received the Buddhist teachings, became the second home for the Tibetans. It provided a fertile and friendly soil on which the Tibetans could preserve their culture and religion.
As a gesture of deep gratitute of the Tibetans to the Indian people, His Holiness the dalai lama expressed his wish to presenmt a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. He selected the Buddha Jayanti park in the centre of Delhi, the Indian capital, to be the home of the statue.
The main consecretion and presentation ceremony of Lord Buddha statue was held on 2nd October 1993 to coincide with the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
Quotes & Press Reviews
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"I deem it an honor and a privilege to receive on behalf of the people of India this imposing and beautiful statue of lord Buddha, the greatest apostle of peace and brotherhood, which HHDL has consecreted. It is one of the most impressive ceremonies I have ever witnessed."
Mr. R. Venkataraman
Former President of India -
"The consecreation of this statue here in Buddha Jayanti park fulfills the long cherished wish of HHDL to express through his presence, his prayers, his offerings and his words, his sincere respect and affection for the people of India, whose ancient spiritual tradition have always been deeply rooted in the pursuit of peace and sanctity of life and other core teachings of Lord Buddha."
Lama Doboom Tulku
Director, The Tibet House, New Delhi