Bhubaneswar, July 16: In a significant step towards preserving and promoting Odisha's rich Buddhist legacy, the Department of Tourism and the Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guru Padmasambhava Baudh Mahavihara, Jirang at Lok Seva Bhawan. The partnership reinforces the State Government's vision of positioning Odisha as a globally recognised hub for Buddhist heritage, spirituality, scholarship and cultural tourism.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida and Odia Language, Literature & Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Chief Secretary Anu Garg and Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, President of Guru Padmasambhava Baudh Mahavihara, Jirang, along with senior officials, members of the monastic community and distinguished guests.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Parida said that the collaboration reflects the Government's commitment to preserving this timeless legacy while creating authentic spiritual experiences for visitors from across the globe. She expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen Odisha's position as a leading international destination for Buddhist pilgrimage and cultural tourism.

Minister Suraj stated that Odisha's Buddhist traditions represent a unique confluence of history, philosophy and living culture. He said that the partnership would not only help conserve invaluable heritage but also promote research, cultural exchange and deeper public engagement with Odisha's rich Buddhist legacy for future generations.

The MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration to develop authentic spiritual and experiential tourism programmes, including meditation retreats, spiritual learning initiatives, monastic immersion experiences and pilgrimage activities.

It also envisages promoting Buddhist scholarship through international conferences, research, academic collaborations and knowledge exchange, while supporting the integrated development of the Ratnagiri–Udayagiri–Lalitgiri–Jirang Buddhist Circuit as a world-class heritage, pilgrimage and cultural destination with a strong emphasis on heritage conservation, visitor experience and sustainable tourism.