Bihar CM meets Bhutanese PM in Bodh Gaya

BODHGAYA - Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar met Bhutan Prime Minister Lyonpo Jigmi Y. Thinley here on Sunday to discuss a proposal for the development of a Buddhist circuit in the state.

“India has helped Bhutan in its growth. Bhutan has developed so much that it has one of the highest per capita incomes among SAARC countries. The electricity generated in Bhutan is used by India also. So, we have a unique relation with Bhutan,” Kumar told reporters.

” I was very encouraged by the plans and the ideas of the chief minister to improve services in Bihar which will be of course good for the people but equally very beneficial for pilgrims who come from all over the world,” said Thinley, who is on a three-day visit to India.

Thinley and Kumar also discussed issues like improving air services between India and Bhutan.

Eaarlier, Thinley participated in the 113th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Mahabodhi Society of India in Bodhgaya.

Thinley, along with other senior functionaries of his delegation, were special invitees at the meeting, which was attended by 150 delegates on Saturday.

He further acknowledged India’s role in keeping the philosophy and traditions of the religion alive.

“We as Buddhists are indeed grateful that the vision of this great Bodhisattva has been realised by the endeavors of the Mahabodhi Society and its members and indeed by the support and the patronage of the Government of India, the Government of Bihar and the officials of the local-government here in the districts where the four important places are located.” Thinley said.

Thinley said that he would like to contribute to the society by upholding its values and goals.

“It shall be my endeavor to contribute to the promotion of all the values, all the goals and objectives with which this society was founded,” he added. (ANI)