Mysuru: “Lord Buddha is the messenger of peace, harmony and universal brotherhood. His message in today’s strife-torn world is very important and everyone should follow them,” said District and Higher Education Minister G.T. Devegowda (GTD).

He was speaking after offering floral tributes to the statues of Buddha and Dr. Ambedkar during the Buddha Purnima Mahatsov organised by Bharat Moola Nivasi Foundation at the Town Hall premises where both the Buddha’s statues and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s statue were placed in two chariots to be taken out in a procession.

The Buddha’s message of peace is a message to the whole world as it does not discriminate between caste, creed or religion, he said.

Later, replying to a question from the media about the Lok Sabha elections, GTD said that whichever Government comes to power at the Centre it must work for the development of the country and in this sense the teachings of Buddha becomes very important which every political party must follow.

The procession carrying the two raths (chariots) – the Buddha Rath and Bheem Rath (carrying the statue of Dr. Ambedkar and Buddha placed inside)- passed through Gandhi Square, Sayyaji Rao Road, Chikka Gadiyara, Devaraj Urs Road, JLB Road, entered Vinoba Road and reached Kalamandira where the stage programme will begin from 2 pm. Foundation Founder President Sri Jnanaprakash Swamiji, Chitradurga Sri Chalavadi Jagadguru Peetha’s Basavnagideva Sharanaru, Mudukutore Sri Urilinga Pedda Shaka Mutt’s Siddarameshwara Swamiji and others were present.