IMPHAL, December 27: The first ever three-day long Baudha Mahatsava was inaugurated today at Tarung Makhong Thanga Moirang by Gaikhangam, deputy Chief Minister.
Speaking at the function, Gaikhangam said organising an event like Bauddha Mahatsava will not only promote cross border tourism, but it will also help in building ties between people.
He further said that people to people contact is the need of the hour, adding that Budha`™s eternal message to the people is love, peace, compassion and universal brotherhood. He said the event is part of religious tourism which will help in enhancing tourism in the State.
He stressed that Manipur is a god-gifted land which is like a hidden treasure. The `treasure`™ after connecting with the South East Asian countries will have to face an economic warfare. For that the State and its people have to prepared, he added. He cautioned that without preparation the destiny of Manipur is gloomy.
He continued that the UG`™s war might end one day but one must be also be aware of the economic warfare looming large. He also pointed out the importance of protecting the environment, saying that humans are the worst enemy of it.
He maintained that Loktak Lake is the face of Manipur, development of Loktak Lake is development of Manipur and its people. Saving Loktak is same as saving our community, he said. `Though the Loktak Hydro Project has given many hurdles to the people, we should maintain the project as an economic resource`, he said.
In the keynote address, A Birendra Singh, Secretary Loktak Lake Eco-Tourism Development Organisation, LEDO said that in order to attract different colours of culture and religions, Loktak Eco Tourism Development Organsiation Thanga is instituted a body known as Integrated Loktak Eco-Tourism Village.
He said that to attract tourist at the Loktak Lake a Budha Park will be developed in this area. This park will provide necessary infrastructures for the Buddhist tourist visiting in the Lake. He said that LEDO will be brand ambassador of promoting of tourism in Manipur to various international forums. This will bring more tourists from abroad which will be beneficial for local people by providing alternative means of sustainable livelihood.
In the function 30 Buddhist from various countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and various place of India were present in the Mahatsova.