Over two millennia ago, a profound spiritual journey began amid the calm Himalayan scenery and throughout the wide plains of the Indian subcontinent. In addition to influencing India's spiritual environment, India's historical ties to Buddhism have also helped modern policymakers strengthen India's soft power by developing cultural ties that are felt throughout South, Southeast, and East Asia, The Bhutan Live reported. India, the place of origin of Buddhism, has a close spiritual connection to the faith. Scholars and priests travelled throughout far-off nations on pilgrimages while carrying the Buddha's teachings during the height of India's supremacy. Buddhism was spread throughout Tibet, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia as a result of this mystical journey, frequently via Sri Lanka's dynamic centre. While the Theravada school of Buddhism thrived in South Asia and spread throughout Southeast Asia, Tibetan Buddhism developed in the North and had an impact on Tibet and China. Indian art, culture, and architecture still reflect the country's ancient past, and the iconic three lions of the Ashoka pillar are featured on the flag of the nation. The fact that approximately 10 million people in India still practise Buddhism in 2023 is evidence of the religion's lasting influence, according to The Bhutan Live. The Bhutan Live covers Bhutan news, politics, Bhutan culture, Bhutanese Buddhism and more, for a unique understanding of the Himalayan region. The large Tibetan community in India, which first migrated there in 1959 after China occupied Tibet in 1950, is also connected to Buddhism. Since then, India has offered sanctuary to prominent Tibetan religious figures, Tibetan nobles, and common Tibetans who have fled into exile. Notably, the head of each of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism—Gelug, Kagyu, Nyingma, and Sakya—as well as many other respected Tibetan lamas reside in India, including the fourteenth Dalai Lama, a revered spiritual figure. Although these sects' primary monasteries are still in Tibet, India acts as a haven for the preservation of Tibetan Buddhist traditions. India has actively pushed Buddhist philosophy and culture in recent years. The International Buddhist Confederation was founded in 2011 with the help of the Indian government by the Global Buddhist Congregation (GBC), which brought together representatives from different Buddhist traditions around the world. This important organisation worked to protect various Buddhist traditions, support academic inquiry, and spread awareness of Buddhism. Since the mid-2000s, China has also organised worldwide Buddhist conferences known as the World Buddhist Forums (WBF) in an effort to promote its appointed Panchen Lama and win the respect of the Buddhist world. Although China's efforts were overshadowed by the GBC meeting in India in 2011, the succeeding WBF in 2012 was noticeably subdued, as reported by The Bhutan Live. In March 2017, India held a Buddhist conference in Nalanda that brought Buddhist lamas together under one umbrella further solidifying India's standing in the Buddhist community. The Indian government has incorporated Buddhism into its bilateral diplomatic efforts since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014, especially with Japan and Mongolia. Private organisations have also contributed to the growth of these ties, as evidenced by the joint Buddhist and Hindu conclave in September 2015 that concentrated on conflict resolution and environmental awareness, The Bhutan Live reported.

Over two millennia ago, a profound spiritual journey began amid the calm Himalayan scenery and throughout the wide plains of the Indian subcontinent. In addition to influencing India's spiritual environment, India's historical ties to Buddhism have also helped modern policymakers strengthen India's soft power by developing cultural ties that are felt throughout South, Southeast, and East Asia, The Bhutan Live reported. India, the place of origin of Buddhism, has a close spiritual connection to the faith. Scholars and priests travelled throughout far-off nations on pilgrimages while carrying the Buddha's teachings during the height of India's supremacy. Buddhism was spread throughout Tibet, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia as a result of this mystical journey, frequently via Sri Lanka's dynamic centre. While the Theravada school of Buddhism thrived in South Asia and spread throughout Southeast Asia, Tibetan Buddhism developed in the North and had an impact on Tibet and China. Indian art, culture, and architecture still reflect the country's ancient past, and the iconic three lions of the Ashoka pillar are featured on the flag of the nation. The fact that approximately 10 million people in India still practise Buddhism in 2023 is evidence of the religion's lasting influence, according to The Bhutan Live. The Bhutan Live covers Bhutan news, politics, Bhutan culture, Bhutanese Buddhism and more, for a unique understanding of the Himalayan region. The large Tibetan community in India, which first migrated there in 1959 after China occupied Tibet in 1950, is also connected to Buddhism. Since then, India has offered sanctuary to prominent Tibetan religious figures, Tibetan nobles, and common Tibetans who have fled into exile. Notably, the head of each of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism—Gelug, Kagyu, Nyingma, and Sakya—as well as many other respected Tibetan lamas reside in India, including the fourteenth Dalai Lama, a revered spiritual figure. Although these sects' primary monasteries are still in Tibet, India acts as a haven for the preservation of Tibetan Buddhist traditions. India has actively pushed Buddhist philosophy and culture in recent years. The International Buddhist Confederation was founded in 2011 with the help of the Indian government by the Global Buddhist Congregation (GBC), which brought together representatives from different Buddhist traditions around the world. This important organisation worked to protect various Buddhist traditions, support academic inquiry, and spread awareness of Buddhism. Since the mid-2000s, China has also organised worldwide Buddhist conferences known as the World Buddhist Forums (WBF) in an effort to promote its appointed Panchen Lama and win the respect of the Buddhist world. Although China's efforts were overshadowed by the GBC meeting in India in 2011, the succeeding WBF in 2012 was noticeably subdued, as reported by The Bhutan Live. In March 2017, India held a Buddhist conference in Nalanda that brought Buddhist lamas together under one umbrella further solidifying India's standing in the Buddhist community. The Indian government has incorporated Buddhism into its bilateral diplomatic efforts since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014, especially with Japan and Mongolia. Private organisations have also contributed to the growth of these ties, as evidenced by the joint Buddhist and Hindu conclave in September 2015 that concentrated on conflict resolution and environmental awareness, The Bhutan Live reported.

The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that the government is committed to protecting and developing ancient sites of cultural and religious significance. He said this after joining at 'Navgrah Ashtamangalam Pooja' at the Martand Sun temple in Anantnag. Lieutenant Governor further said that the government is committed to protecting and developing ancient sites of cultural and religious significance. "Government is committed to protecting and developing ancient sites of cultural and religious significance, transforming them into vibrant centers that will guide us on the path of righteousness and blesses this beautiful land with peace, happiness, and prosperity," it added. A special Navgrah Ashtamangalam Pooja was held at the famous Martand Sun temple at Mattan in the Anantnag district of South Kashmir in which Hindu priests of different states of the country participated. Speaking to ANI, BJP leader Surinder Ambardar said, "Mahatmas and religious saints who used to come here earlier to do meditation, their traditions are being carried forward. This pooja is for world peace, for India's peace, and for Jammu and Kashmir's peace. In Kashmir, many temples were broken and the Gods are angry with us so this is an attempt to make them happy so that peace is prevailed in Jammu and Kashmir and in India."   The Kerala priest said the special Navgrah Ashtamangalam Pooja was for the peace and prosperity of the whole world and particularly for the county and Kashmir valley. Manoj Vaishno, a priest from Rajasthan said, "Today a special pooja was performed here. We acquired the knowledge of Ved because of Lord Sun. There was a disruption in the worship of God because of the temple we destroyed." The Martand Sun temple is a Hindu temple located near the city of Anantnag in South Kashmir. It dates back to the eighth century AD and was dedicated to Surya, the chief solar deity in Hinduism. Surya is also known by the Sanskrit -language synonym Martand. It is worth mentioning that after a very long time this type of Special pooja was held at this temple. Source: Business Standard.

  Built on the banks of the sacred Suryaputri (Tawi River) which originates in the lap of the Kailash Kund glacier, the belief is that Suryaputri is Saturn's sister, whose presence relieves all from the maladies of life, can be confirmed at this town where every breath of air gives one power and healing energy. Historian account suggests the name 'Chenani' is derived from Chanderi (Bundelkhand), where the ruling line of Chenani came from between 8th to 9th century.Jammu and Kashmir's Chenani region is a historical gamut. It has witnessed the rise and fall of many great empires whose glory shines through the city walls, the palaces, and the much revered heritage sites that Chenani is famous for. The town of Chenani is located in the Udhampur district of the Union Territory. Amongst the quondam 22 Dogra states, Chenani was the oldest and dearest to its rulers. It is believed to be erected by Chandel Dynasty Kings presently known as Anthal Rajputs who came from Kot Kalhur, Bilaspur Himachal Pradesh. Once upon a time this region used to be the capital of a small Kingdom till 1822, when Raja Gulab Singh annexed it, initially to the Lahore Empire and later to the Jammu state. Born in 1792, Maharaja Gulab Singh became the commander of a Dogra cavalry contingent. Chenani enjoyed a continuous single dynasty rule from 850 AD to 1947, the only Principality in J&K to achieve this status. It also used to be among the richest Jagirs of the region having been subordinate to the Mughals and Jammu. George Forester, a European traveller, revealed the annual income of Chenani in 1783 was Rs 1 Lakh! By 1945 it dropped to Rs 65,800. While J&K has a history of Kings who ruled with an iron fist, Chenani was excused; the relationship between the Kings and their subjects was very informal. It is said that the Kings of Chenani were father figures to its people. Even the people accused of crime could roam freely, carry out their routine work, and appear in court as per their convenience. Chenani's King was also the final authority on the State Subject Certificates (PRCs) and he had the power to collect Toll and Entry Tax for entry in his region. Chenani in the present day is most famous for its grand Shiva temple - Sudhmahadev. Back in the day Sudhmahadev was the summer camp office for the Kings of Chenani. Today the picturesque Sudhmahadev invites devotees of Lord Shiva for an annual four-day long major cultural event known as Kudd of Sudhmahadev. The Centre is working on reviving heritage sites like temples which have been in a neglected state for a long time. Chenani's temples have unique architecture owing to its strong religious beliefs. Two notable temples among these are the - Jalandhra Devi Mata near Laddan Kotli Fort which was constructed by the early Chandel Kings in honour of their Kuldevi, Mata Jalandhara Devi; and Naina Devi Temple in the upper heavens of Mantalai hills which dates to the medieval period. Other ancient temple sites of Chenani are situated in Gouri-Kund, Gau-Karan, Mantalai, Benisang, Mandir-Dushala, Haridwar, and Buddha Kedarnath. Built by Raja Dayal Chand in the 1820s, Chenani houses the grand Kotli Fort in Laddan (Udhampur) which has been declared as a protected monument and is undergoing renovation. The Kings enjoyed exhibiting their luxurious lifestyle and grandeur by building monuments and palaces in and around the capital city of Chenani. One such palace was the Singh-Garh Palace, that later gained popularity being the epicentre of the famous Hindi movie 'Jaani-Dushman'. The government is building an extensive plan to reconstruct and conserve such establishments that lost value over time to bring new tourist destinations in limelight and reignite the UT's passion for their glorious history. Chenani's beauty lies in its history, pilgrimage sites, and quaint picnic spots. J&K's popular picnic destination, Patintop, is connected to Chenani with a cable car. Thanks to its cool climate, Chenani is also a giant producer of high quality vegetables and fruits, besides milk and milk products such as cheese, Kalari, Khoya, etc., which are in high demand in the region. In the wake of spiritual tourism in the country, the Chenani-Sudhmahadev-Khellaini road project is in full swing, granting greater access to Sudhmahadev, Gauri Kund, and Mantalai temples to people across India. It will help launch J&K to the rest of the country. Boost in employment and trade will uplift the socio-economic standard of the region. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), owned by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, are also eager to bring Udhampur in limelight as construction for an International Yoga Centre at Mantalai is underway. Today the region's greatest attraction is the all-weather longest bi-directional tunnel in Asia standing at 9.28 km -- the Chenani-Nashri tunnel. It has reduced the distance of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway by about 30 Kms and travelling time by about two hours. Lately J&K Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha has announced that Kashmir will be connected to Kanyakumari by train by the end of 2022. The UT is going through a series of paramount developments after the revocation of Article 370, ensuring a stable ecosystem that rewards hard work and the products of the people. Source: IANS

Today is the first day of May, the historical May Day. It is the day of attaining peoples’ rights. It is the source of inspiration for the working class of people for winning the movement and struggle. On this day in 1886 workers in the Hay market of Chicago city of USA came down to the streets demanding 8 working hours a day instead of 12 hours. For that reason they were under attack of brutal gunfire. On that day rights of the working class people were established. From that moment the day is being observed as the day of good relation for the owners and workers. As usual the day is being observed in the country. The day is a government holiday. The theme of this year’s celebration is –irrespective of owners-workers, we will build the country. To ensure social distancing and for abiding by the health guidelines there was no formal celebration of the day. Meanwhile, President Md. Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages on the occasion of the day. In their messages the President and the Prime Minister greeted the countrymen on this very day. AH