PM Narendra Modi in Bodh Gaya: As it happened on Saturday

Courtesy: ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived in Bodh Gaya to attend the concluding ceremony of the three-day international Buddhist conclave.

He became the first Prime Minister to visit Bodh Gaya after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

Here are the live updates of his visit:

05 September 2015

12:21 IST

PM Modi ends his address

12:21 IST

I would personally call India 'Buddhist India' as it has imbibed all the virtues and teachings of Buddha, says Modi.

12:15 IST

Would like to develop Bodh Gaya so that it can become the spiritual capital and civilizational bond between India and the Buddhist world - PM Modi.

12:14 IST

When radical elements force their ideologies on others, potential for conflict management arises, says PM

12:11 IST

I am honoured to visit Bodh Gaya after Pandit Nehru and Atal ji - PM Modi

12:08 IST

I consider the Hindu Buddhist conference on conflict avoidance and environmental consciousness an important event: PM

12:07 IST

Bodh Gaya has a distinctive place in the history of humankind. This is the land of enlightment. Years ago, Bodh Gaya gave Lord Buddha - epitome of knowledge, peace and compassion.

12:06 IST

Lord Krishna and Gautam Buddha inspired the themes of this conference. Lord Krishna gave his message before Mahabhart and Buddha gave his message to rise above war. The two great teachers gave importance to principles, says Modi.

12:06 IST

PM Modi begins his address.

11:36 IST

The concluding ceremony of the Buddhist conclave will be attended by PM Modi in the temple premises along with the heads of delegations of 90 countries, including former Sri Lankan president Chandrika Kumaratunga and the foreign ministers of Japan, Mayanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, and Taiwan.

11:35 IST

PM Modi is visiting a photo exhibition on the Buddhist heritage and the holy relics of Lord Buddha at the Mahabodhi Society of India.

11:28 IST

After arriving at Mahabodhi temple, PM Modi offered prayers and meditated under the Bodhi tree amid chants.

PM Shri @narendramodi offering prayers at Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya pic.twitter.com/gx4jBPKxkv

— PIB India (@PIB_India) September 5, 2015

11:25 IST

Ahead of his visit, PM Modi took to Twitter and tweeted that he considers himself “blessed” to be visiting Bodh Gaya. 

I consider myself blessed to be visiting Bodh Gaya. After Pandit Nehru, this is the 1st time a PM will visit Bodh Gaya.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2015

Will join "Samvad"- Global Hindu-Buddhist Initiative in Bodh Gaya. Looking forward to interacting with Buddhist saints, scholars & delegates

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2015

11:21 IST

Shortly after arriving in Bihar`s Gaya district, PM Modi was received by the Bihar governor Ram Nath Kovind and Minister Shyam Razak at the airport. 

PM Shri @narendramodi arrives at Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya pic.twitter.com/3kOJBw3sbX

— PIB India (@PIB_India) September 5, 2015