The Sanghakaya Foundation, an organization engaged in the spread of Dhamma and peace on the principles of. Buddhism has proposed establishment of a ‘Gujarat Buddhist Heritage & Global Buddhist Tourism Development Council’ in partnership with the Tourism Department, Government of Gujarat, and Gujarat Tourism. The proposed council aims to bring greater focus to the preservation and promotion of Gujarat’s Buddhist heritage and position the State as a destination for Buddhist pilgrimage, heritage tourism, research and international cultural exchange.
The proposal was submitted following the successful conclusion of the 7th International Buddhist Conference on Buddhist Heritage in Gujarat, recently organised by the Sanghakaya Foundation with the support and cooperation of the Gujarat Tourism Department, Government of Gujarat, and the International Buddhist Confederation under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
The proposed council is envisaged as a platform for heritage preservation, archaeological development, international Buddhist tourism, tourism infrastructure and investment, academic research, cultural exchange and peace initiatives. It would also facilitate cooperation with Buddhist countries and institutions to promote Gujarat’s heritage sites internationally. The proposal is subject to consideration and approval by the Government of Gujarat.
Gujarat has a rich Buddhist legacy, with sites such as Devni Mori, Vadnagar, Vallabhipur, Junagadh, Uparkot, Khambhalida, Sana Caves, Talaja and Siyot. The Foundation believes that a coordinated approach to heritage conservation, infrastructure, international promotion and tourism development can help bring these sites to a wider global audience.
The proposal also includes a Gujarat Global Buddhist Partnership, which could bring together Buddhist countries and countries with significant Buddhist heritage, including Thailand, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Bhutan, Nepal, Japan and South Korea. The proposed platform could support international tourism cooperation, cultural exchanges, academic partnerships, heritage conservation and joint tourism initiatives.
The Foundation has also proposed an initial task force to prepare a Gujarat Buddhist Heritage & Global Buddhist Tourism Master Plan–2040. The proposed plan could cover heritage-site mapping, conservation and infrastructure requirements, Buddhist tourism circuits, international partnerships, investment opportunities, digital documentation, skill development and sustainable community-based tourism.
Speaking about this initiative, Bhante Prashil Ratna Gautam, Founder President, Sanghakaya Foundation, said, “Gujarat has a remarkable Buddhist heritage that can contribute significantly to the State’s tourism and economic development. Our proposal is to bring heritage, tourism, international cooperation and local development together through a structured platform. With the support of the Government of Gujarat and Gujarat Tourism, we believe Gujarat can attract more Buddhist pilgrims, scholars and international visitors while creating opportunities for local communities, MSMEs, hospitality businesses and tourism-related services.”
He added, “The proposed Council can provide a long-term framework for developing Buddhist tourism circuits, improving visitor facilities, encouraging investment and building international partnerships. It can also create opportunities for employment and community-based tourism around heritage sites. Our objective is to preserve Gujarat’s Buddhist legacy while making it a source of sustainable economic and tourism opportunities for the State.”
As part of the 7th International Buddhist Conference on Buddhist Heritage in Gujarat, an International Peace Walk was also organised in Surat to promote the message of peace, compassion, harmony and human unity.
Following the conference, the international delegation visited Buddhist heritage and cultural sites in Gujarat. The delegates paid homage to the sacred Buddha Relics in Vadodara and visited Dandi Kutir in Gandhinagar. The delegation also held discussions with Dr. Kuldeep Arya, IAS, Secretary, Tourism, Government of Gujarat, and Dr. Vipin Garg, IAS, Managing Director, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited, on promoting Gujarat’s Buddhist heritage and strengthening its international tourism profile.
During these discussions, the possibility of organising a major International Buddhist Conference in Vadnagar and an International Peace Walk connecting Vadnagar, Gandhinagar and Vadodara was also proposed. The initiatives are intended to strengthen international awareness of Gujarat’s Buddhist heritage and promote the State as a destination for heritage, pilgrimage and peace tourism.
The proposed initiative also envisages investment in tourism infrastructure, hospitality, meditation centres, museums, interpretation centres, cultural products and pilgrimage facilities. According to the Foundation’s proposal, such development could support local employment, MSMEs, the hospitality sector and rural and community-based tourism.
The Sanghakaya Foundation has expressed its willingness to support the proposed initiative as an institutional, knowledge and international-coordination partner, subject to the guidance and approval of the Government of Gujarat.