Bhubaneswar, July 15: In a major initiative to preserve and promote Odisha’s rich Buddhist heritage, the State Government on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guru Padmasambhava Baudh Mahavihara, Jirang.
The agreement, signed at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, marks a significant step towards transforming Odisha into a globally recognised destination for Buddhist heritage, spirituality, scholarship and cultural tourism.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida, Minister for Odia Language, Literature and Culture Suryabanshi Suraj, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, and His Eminence Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, President of Guru Padmasambhava Baudh Mahavihara, along with senior government officials, members of the monastic community and other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida described Odisha’s Buddhist heritage as one of the state’s most valuable cultural assets and a key driver of tourism. She said the partnership reflects the government’s commitment to preserving this legacy while offering authentic spiritual and cultural experiences to visitors from across the world. She expressed confidence that the initiative would strengthen Odisha’s position as a leading international destination for Buddhist pilgrimage.
Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said Odisha’s Buddhist traditions represent a unique blend of history, philosophy and living culture. He noted that the collaboration would help preserve the state’s invaluable heritage while promoting research, cultural exchange and greater public awareness of its Buddhist legacy.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the partnership demonstrates the government’s integrated approach to heritage conservation, cultural preservation and sustainable tourism development.
Under the MoU, the government and the Mahavihara will jointly develop meditation retreats, monastic immersion programmes, spiritual learning initiatives and pilgrimage experiences. The agreement also aims to promote Buddhist scholarship through international conferences, academic collaborations and research while supporting the integrated development of the Ratnagiri–Udayagiri–Lalitgiri–Jirang Buddhist Circuit as a world-class heritage, pilgrimage and cultural tourism destination with a strong focus on conservation, visitor experience and sustainable growth.
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