Feeling 'blessed': Narendra Modi visits Bodh Gaya today, first PM after Pandit Nehru to do so

Gaya: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Saturday visit the historically significant site of Bodh Gaya where he will atend the concluding ceremony of International Buddhist conclave.

Early morning on Saturday, PM Modi tweeted that he was feeling “blessed” to be visiting Bodh Gaya as he is the first Prime Minister to visit the place after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

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

At Bodh gaya, PM Modi will join representatives from 90 countries, who will also attend the concluding day 3 of SAMVAD - the Global Hindu Buddhist Initiative on Conflict Avoidance and Environment Consciousness.

There, the Prime Minister will also visit the Mahabodhi Temple and the Holy Bo Tree.

He will also inaugurate the Exhibition "Chetiya Carika: The Pilgrimage and Quest for Truth."

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

Bodh Gaya, a holy place for Buddhists, has been turned into a fortress and a 16-member Special Protection Group (SPG) team has been monitoring the security arrangements.

According to the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee secretary N. Dorjee, Mr Modi will attend the ceremony in the temple premises as will the heads of delegations of 90 countries, including former Sri Lankan president Chandrika Kumaratunga and the foreign ministers of Japan, Mayanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, Taiwan and other Buddhist countries.

The Prime Minister will address monks and religious heads of several countries, will attend a special prayer and visit a photo exhibition on the Buddhist heritage and the holy relics of Lord Buddha at the Mahabodhi Society of India.

With Agency Inputs