Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards preserving and promoting Odisha's rich Buddhist legacy, the Department of Tourism and the Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Government of Odisha, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guru Padmasambhava Baudh Mahavihara, Jirang at Lok Seva Bhawan. 

The MoU was signed in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister, Women & Child Development, Mission Shakti & Tourism, Pravati Parida; Minister, Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Sports & Youth Services & Higher Education, Suryabanshi Suraj; Chief Secretary, Anu Garg; and Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, President of Guru Padmasambhava Baudh Mahavihara, Jirang, along with senior officials, members of the monastic community and distinguished guests.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Odisha's Buddhist heritage is one of the State's greatest cultural assets and an important pillar of its tourism potential. She noted the collaboration reflects the Government's commitment to preserving this timeless legacy while creating authentic spiritual experiences for visitors from across the globe. She expressed confidence the partnership would strengthen Odisha's position as a leading international destination for Buddhist pilgrimage and cultural tourism.

Suraj stated Odisha's Buddhist traditions represent a unique confluence of history, philosophy and living culture. He said the partnership would not only help conserve invaluable heritage but also promote research, cultural exchange and deeper public engagement with Odisha's rich Buddhist legacy for future generations.

The Chief Secretary congratulated the Department of Tourism and the Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture for taking this significant initiative to strengthen Odisha's Buddhist heritage through institutional collaboration. She observed the partnership reflects the Government's integrated approach towards heritage conservation, cultural preservation and sustainable tourism.

The MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration to develop authentic spiritual and experiential tourism programmes, including meditation retreats, spiritual learning initiatives, monastic immersion experiences and pilgrimage activities.

It also envisages promoting Buddhist scholarship through international conferences, research, academic collaborations and knowledge exchange, while supporting the integrated development of the Ratnagiri–Udayagiri–Lalitgiri–Jirang Buddhist Circuit as a world-class heritage, pilgrimage and cultural destination with a strong emphasis on heritage conservation, visitor experience and sustainable tourism.