Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday attended the golden jubilee celebration of the famous peace pagoda or Shanti Stupa atop Dhauli hill on Bhubaneswar’s outskirts.
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Buddhist monument. The Kalinga Nippon Budha Sangha built it in 1973 to commemorate Emperor Ashoka’s transformation from a violent tyrant to a peaceful ruler.
“Let us work together to spread the message of peace and create a safer world for our future generation,” he called upon all.
The event drew over 100 monks from around the world. Due to the celebration, the monument will be closed to general visitors from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Notably, the Government of Odisha has taken steps to beautify and develop Dhauli Shanti Stupa in order to make it an international tourist destination.
On this occasion, the CM announced the construction of an instream storage facility on the Daya River in Basantpur at a cost of Rs 95 crore. The project’s tendering process has already begun.
Patnaik extended his warm greetings and best wishes to all the revered Bhikshus, saints, and the august gathering of people from all over the world who had gathered here. The monks greeted him with traditional drumming.
Ministers Ashok Panda and Aswini Patra, Chief Secretary Suresh Mohapatra, Secretary to the Chief Minister VK Pandian, and senior officers were among those who attended the event.
Source:OCN