By Dr. Damenda Porage
On this historic Independence Day, our thoughts naturally turn toward India, a nation whose impact on human civilization reaches far beyond its physical borders. India has never been just a landmass; it has always been a living sanctuary of thought, spirit, and profound humanity.
Throughout antiquity, India stood as the spiritual cradle of the world. It gave birth to deep philosophical traditions, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism, that offered humanity a road map to inner peace and ethical living. It was on this sacred soil that the Buddha attained Supreme Enlightenment and shared his timeless wisdom. Centuries later, Emperor Ashoka transformed his empire into an instrument of peace, sending Dhammadutas across oceans and mountains to share the Dhamma. That noble mission altered the spiritual trajectory of Asia forever.
In our own era, India showed that same open-hearted compassion when it welcomed His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Buddhist community. By offering them refuge, India helped protect a sacred lineage of wisdom, allowing the Dalai Lama to bring the light of Buddhist philosophy to every corner of the Western world.
India’s quest for liberation from the British Empire remains one of the most powerful chapters in human history. That victory was forged by the visionary leadership and immense sacrifices of giants like Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, and Shaheed Sukhdev. Their willingness to stand up against tyranny, often using the revolutionary force of non-violence (Ahimsa), inspired freedom movements across the globe and proved that truth and righteousness ultimately prevail over brute force.
For those of us in Sri Lanka, India is much more than a powerful neighbor. She is a true relative, bound to us by blood, culture, and centuries of shared history. Time and again, when Sri Lanka faced severe economic and social hardships, India was the first to extend a helping hand without hesitation. That timely assistance proved what true neighborliness looks like when tested by adversity.
It is deeply encouraging to see how India’s present government under Shri Narendra Modi continues to safeguard and elevate this sacred Buddhist heritage. Recognizing Pali as a Classical Language of India is a monumental tribute to the language of the Theravada Tipitaka, guaranteeing that the original words of the Buddha are preserved and studied for generations to come. Serving as the home of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), and backed by the generous support of the Ministry of Culture, India today acts as the primary anchor for the global Buddhist community, strengthening the Buddhasasana worldwide.
As India celebrates her independence today, we offer our heartfelt gratitude for all she has given to the world. We wish the government and the people of India lasting peace, continued strength, and enduring prosperity in the years ahead.
May the eternal light of Dhamma continue to shine from India to the world.
