TNI Bureau: BJD Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra urged the Centre to formally include Odisha’s prominent Buddhist heritage sites under the Government of India’s Buddhist Circuit and related tourism initiatives. During a meeting with Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi, Dr. Patra submitted a detailed representation highlighting Odisha’s rich Buddhist legacy and its contribution to India’s civilisational heritage.

He stressed the historical importance of Odisha’s famous Buddhist “Diamond Triangle” comprising Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri, which are regarded as major centres of Buddhist learning and monastic culture in eastern India. He said the sites reflect the evolution of Buddhism from early traditions to Mahayana and Vajrayana practices and also showcase ancient Kalinga’s maritime links with Southeast Asia.

Dr. Patra further pointed out that Odisha’s Buddhist Triangle sites were recently included in India’s UNESCO Tentative List, opening new opportunities for heritage conservation, tourism infrastructure and international promotion.

The BJD MP also highlighted the significance of Dhauli, associated with Emperor Ashoka’s transformation after the Kalinga War, and Langudi, which scholars link to the ancient Pushpagiri Mahavihara mentioned by Chinese traveller Xuanzang.

Seeking greater support from the Centre, Dr. Patra requested inclusion of Odisha’s Buddhist sites in the national Buddhist tourism framework along with assistance for infrastructure development, global promotion and UNESCO World Heritage nomination efforts.

He said the move would strengthen India’s cultural diplomacy, complement the Act East Policy and boost heritage tourism in eastern India. The Union Minister assured that the proposal would be examined appropriately.