The Government of Odisha today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guru Padmasambhava Baudh Mahavihara, Jirang, to promote Buddhist heritage and spiritual tourism.
The agreement was formalised at Lok Seva Bhawan in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, and His Eminence Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, alongside senior officials and members of the monastic community.
Deputy Chief Minister Parida described Odisha’s Buddhist heritage as a vital cultural asset and a cornerstone of tourism potential. She emphasised that the collaboration would preserve the timeless legacy while offering authentic spiritual experiences to global visitors.
Minister Suraj highlighted the unique blend of history, philosophy, and living culture embodied in Odisha’s Buddhist traditions. He said the partnership would foster conservation, research, cultural exchange, and deeper public engagement with the State’s Buddhist legacy.
Chief Secretary Garg commended the integrated approach, noting that the MoU reflects Odisha’s commitment to heritage conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable tourism.
The agreement outlines a framework for developing spiritual tourism programmes such as meditation retreats, monastic immersion, and pilgrimage activities. It also envisions promoting Buddhist scholarship through international conferences, research collaborations, and knowledge exchange. A key focus will be the integrated development of the Ratnagiri–Udayagiri–Lalitgiri–Jirang Buddhist Circuit as a world‑class destination.
