LUMBINI, Nov 12: In a collaborative effort, four local governments within the Buddha circuit in Lumbini, alongside the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT), the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), and other organizations, have agreed to join hands to enhance the global recognition of Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha.
A virtual meeting among the Lumbini Sanskritik, Ram Gram, Kapilvastu, and Devdaha municipalities, as well as the LDT and NRNA USA and Europe chapters on Saturday concluded with a mutual agreement to collectively work towards promoting the essence and identity of Lumbini on the international stage.
The meeting was facilitated by Lumbini Sanskritik Municipality.
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Dhundiraj Bhattarai, the treasurer of LDT, expressed hope for a significant role of the NRNA in amplifying the publicity of the area. Sharing about the LDT's policy of seeking cooperation from NRNs to further promote Lumbini and the teachings of Buddha globally, he urged for wider collaborations to materialize its plans for welcoming more tourists to this historic town.
Lumbini Sanskritik municipality's mayor Sajaruddhin Musalman echoed the need for more efforts to further highlight the global identity of Lumbini.
Mayors Dhanpat Yadav of Ramgram, Dhruba Prasad Kharel of Devdaha, and Sudip Poudel of Kapilvastu stressed the importance of development initiatives targeting not only Lumbini but also Ramgram, Devdaha, and Kapilvastu.
Netra Prasad Pandey, NRNA America vice president, underscored the need for collective efforts in promoting Lumbini and the Buddhist Circuit. Other speakers highlighted the importance of extending tourists' stay in Lumbini.
The meeting concluded with a decision to seek support and cooperation from various organizations, including the Europe-Nepal Chamber of Commerce for Tourism, Nepali Society Texas, and the Nepal Cultural and Spiritual Center, with the efforts aimed at further development of Lumbini.
