By IANS
New Delhi : A new landmark to promote peace and human values across the globe, Vishwa Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda), was unveiled in the capital Wednesday by Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama.
The 30-metre high white pagoda, modelled after the historic Sanchi Stupa of Madhya Pradesh was unveiled at the Indraprastha Millennium Park in Nizamuddin in south Delhi.
Speaking on the occasion, Dalai Lama said it would go a long way in promoting human values, peace and brotherhood among people across the globe. “It will disseminate the message of universal peace”.
The spiritual guru said it is not the image but the message contained in the sculptures that is more important. He felt that teachings and quotations engraved in the pagoda should be translated in different languages like Hindi and English so that many people can understand them.
The Stupa, according to him, is a “symbol of Buddhist mind and preaches peace and harmony amongst the human community”.
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit described the monument as a new landmark of Delhi, which would promote peace and human values.
Dikshit expressed her pleasure that the monument has been unveiled on the birth anniversary of late prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
The Stupa, 74th, in a series of pagodas across the globe, is an initiative of Shanti Stupa Society in cooperation with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
The plan for building a Shanti Stupa was initially proposed by Nehru. Nichidatsu Fujii, a leading Japanese Buddhist leader had donated his entire award money from the Jawahar Lal Nehru Award for this project.
The pagoda was built over a period of three years with an investment of Rs.20 million.
The pagoda with a 37-meter diameter has a ramp to facilitate the visits of physically challenged individual on wheel chair. The monument would be surrounded by a beautiful Japanese style rock garden.
Haryana governor A.R. Kidwai, and Orissa governor M.C. Bhandare, Delhi Lt. Governor Tejendra Khanna and leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha L.K. Advani were among others who were present during the inaugural function.