Mrs. Patil Visits Vaishali, Gurudwara
Patna: February 16, 2008
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Mrs. Patil Visits Vaishali, Gurudwara
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Photo by Shashi Uttam |
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"Peace and non-violence as preached by Buddha and Gandhi are the only way to attain religious and regional harmony in today's world that is plagued by political disturbances of an unprecedented proportion," India's President Mrs. Pratibha Patil said those words while visiting the Shanti Stupa, the birthplace of Lord Mahavir in Vaishali district on Saturday.
The President said development was not possible without peace and Bihar, for centuries, had shown the world the path to peace.
"Vaishali is not the pride of Bihar alone. The entire nation is indebted to this place that also happens to be the birthplace of the concept of democracy as the world knows it today," she said.
Earlier, a Japanese Buddhist monk at the Shanti Stupa performed a prayer for the President in the traditional Buddhist way. Appreciating the calm and tranquility within the campus, President Patil promised to return to Bihar for further exploration of its rich heritage.
Bihar Governor R. S. Gavai, Central Minister Dr. Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, state Art and Culture Minister Janardan Singh Sigriwal, Human Resources and Education Minister Brishan Patel, and the President's husband Dr. Devi Singh Shekhawat were also present on the occasion.
Later, the President also visited the Mahavir Cancer Institute in Patna where she inaugurated the two-day International Association of Hyperthermic Oncology and Medicine Conference while lauding the role of the hospital in its attempt to save and treat patients suffering from various forms of cancer.
The President also paid a visit to the Harmandir Gurudwara at Patna Sahib and took part in the Sikh rituals amidst very tight security.
Promising to return to Bihar soon, the President left for New Delhi from Patna Airport at 8:10 pm. She was seen off by the Governor, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries.
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