New Delhi: In an important claim of its “cultural diplomacy” by India, Buddha’s holy Piparahwa residue – took away during the colonial period – brought back through an outreach after 127 years that started with the government to stop his auction by Hong Kong of Sothabi in May.After receiving him at Delhi Airport on Wednesday, PM Narendra Modi welcomed the withdrawal of remains as “a happy day for our cultural heritage”. Modi said on X, “It will be proud of every Indian that the holy Piparahwa remains of Lord Buddha have come home after 127 long years.” “It can be remembered that the Piparahwa remains were discovered in 1898, but were taken away from India during the colonial period. When they appeared in an international auction earlier this year, we worked to ensure that they returned home. I appreciate all those who are involved in this attempt,” PM said.He said that these sacred relics highlight India’s close association with Buddha and his great teachings. The PM said, “It also shows our commitment to preserve and protect various aspects of our magnificent culture.” The refund of the remains is a benchmark in cultural diplomacy and marks the first public-private partnership of its kind to return the antiques with the government cooperating with the Godrej Industries Group, which, according to the Ministry of Culture, acquired the entire collection of 349 gems privately. This ‘PPP’ is being quoted as a model in cultural cooperation that can help protect and preserve global heritage.It said that amidst the global solidarity, the return of the remains, also strengthened India’s role as the national steward of Buddhist heritage. The Piparahwa Remains Jewelry was discovered in 1898 in the ancient Buddhist stupa in Piparahwa in UP. The remains were part of a large discovery, including bone pieces, soopstones and crystal cascets, a sandstone coffee, excavated by the Stupa by British Civil Engineer William Claxton Pepe – widely identified as ancient Kapilwastu, the birthplace of Buddha.
