Posted on : 2007-11-14 | Author : IANS
News Category : India

New Delhi, Nov 14 - A new landmark to promote peace and human values 
across the globe, Vishwa Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda), was 
unveiled in the capital Wednesday by Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai 
Lama.

The 30-metre high white pagoda, modelled after the historic Sanchi 
Stupa of Madhya Pradesh was unveiled at the Indraprastha Millennium 
Park in Nizamuddin in south Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, Dalai Lama said it would go a long way in 
promoting human values, peace and brotherhood among people across the 
globe. 'It will disseminate the message of universal peace'.

The spiritual guru said it is not the image but the message contained 
in the sculptures that is more important. He felt that teachings and 
quotations engraved in the pagoda should be translated in different 
languages like Hindi and English so that many people can understand 
them.

The Stupa, according to him, is a 'symbol of Buddhist mind and 
preaches peace and harmony amongst the human community'.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit described the monument as a new 
landmark of Delhi, which would promote peace and human values.

Dikshit expressed her pleasure that the monument has been unveiled on 
the birth anniversary of late prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

The Stupa, 74th, in a series of pagodas across the globe, is an 
initiative of Shanti Stupa Society in cooperation with the Delhi 
Development Authority (DDA).

The plan for building a Shanti Stupa was initially proposed by Nehru. 
Nichidatsu Fujii, a leading Japanese Buddhist leader had donated his 
entire award money from the Jawahar Lal Nehru Award for this project.

The pagoda was built over a period of three years with an investment 
of Rs.20 million.

The pagoda with a 37-meter diameter has a ramp to facilitate the 
visits of physically challenged individual on wheel chair. The 
monument would be surrounded by a beautiful Japanese style rock garden.

Haryana governor A.R. Kidwai, and Orissa governor M.C. Bhandare, 
Delhi Lt. Governor Tejendra Khanna and leader of opposition in the 
Lok Sabha L.K. Advani were among others who were present during the 
inaugural function.


(c) Indo-Asian News Service