NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday attended the International Abhidhamma Divas programme during which he emphasised on preserving India’s linguistic and cultural heritage , particularly the Pali language . The event was hosted by the ministry of culture in association with the International Buddhist Confederation, featured Pali chanting by venerable monks and discussions on the significance of Pali as a classical language , further underlining the event’s focus on reviving and promoting Buddha ’s timeless teachings. Speaking at the event, he remarked, "Language is the soul of civilisation and culture.
Therefore, it is the responsibility of all of us to keep the Pali language alive, to keep the words of Lord Buddha alive with its original values. I am happy that our government has fulfilled this responsibility with great humility." PM Modi highlighted how India’s identity had been attacked both before and after independence, noting that invaders tried to erase the country’s cultural roots.
He criticised previous governments for neglecting this heritage, stating, "Before independence, the invaders were engaged in erasing the identity of India, and after independence, people became victims of the mentality of slavery. India was captured by such an ecosystem that worked to push us in the opposite direction." He pointed out that the Pali language had long been overlooked, only now receiving its due recognition after seven decades.
"It took seven decades .
