By THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM| New Delhi marked a moment of deep cultural and spiritual importance with the inauguration of the exhibition The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex. The exhibition was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, commemorating the return of sacred relics to India after a gap of 127 years.

At the centre of the exhibition are the Piprahwa gem relics, among the most revered archaeological finds linked to the Enlightened One. These relics were repatriated following India’s timely diplomatic and institutional intervention, which led to the withdrawal of their proposed auction at Sotheby’s Hong Kong. Their return reflects a significant milestone in the protection and restitution of India’s civilisational heritage.

Vivek Aggarwal, IAS (1994 batch), Secretary, Ministry of Culture, shared on LinkedIn that it was an honour to personally give the Prime Minister a walkthrough of the exhibition. He recalled that facilitating the return of these relics, within days of assuming charge as Culture Secretary, became the first major challenge of his tenure, carrying profound historical and emotional significance.

The exhibition holds deep meaning for followers across the world, symbolising the timeless relevance of the teachings associated with the Awakened One and their continued resonance in global spiritual and cultural consciousness. Presented as an international exposition, it reinforces India’s role as a custodian of a heritage that transcends borders and centuries.

The Light and the Lotus stands as more than a cultural display. It reconnects contemporary society with ancient values of compassion, mindfulness, and harmony, reaffirming India’s enduring link with a legacy that continues to guide humanity.