Ashadha Purnima-Dhamma Chakra Day: PM Modi Hails Lord Buddha; Says Teachings Can Help Tackle Covid-19

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday greeted everyone on the occasion of Guru Purnima and left a message at the government programme observing the Ashadha Purnima-Dhamma Chakra Day.

Hailing Gautam Buddha on this auspicious occasion, PM Modi said that such teachings can guide the country.

“At Sarnath, Lord Buddha told his followers about the entire source of life,” Prime Minister Modi said while addressing the event. “He told us about sorrow and its reasons. He also assured us that one can win against sorrows, no matter how dire.”

Prime Minister Modi then said that Lord Buddha’s teachings can guide humanity out of the “darkness” of Covid-19. India, he said, is walking the path of Lord Buddha and has joined other countries to tackle the pandemic with joint efforts, sharing each other’s strength.

“Today, as humanity faces a crisis in the form of Covid-19, Lord Buddha has become even more relevant,” the Prime Minister said. “India has shown how we can face the greatest of challenges by walking on his path. Countries are joining hands with each other and becoming each other’s strength, taking the values of Buddha.”

Guru Purnima, a festival dedicated to all academic and spiritual gurus (teachers), is being celebrated on July 24 this year. The occasion is usually marked on a full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashadha, which is from June to July.