Sasmit Patra Pushes for Odisha’s Place in National Buddhist Circuit

Bhubaneswar: BJD Rajya Sabha MP Dr Sasmit Patra has urged the Union Government to include Odisha’s rich Buddhist heritage in the National Buddhist Circuit.

In a meeting with Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Patra submitted a memorandum highlighting the global significance of Odisha’s Buddhist sites.

He emphasised the Diamond Triangle—Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri—as ancient centres of Mahayana and Vajrayana learning, alongside Dhauli, where Emperor Ashoka embraced peace after the Kalinga War, and Langudi, linked to the historic Pushpagiri Mahavihara.

Patra argued that inclusion of these sites would strengthen India’s Act East Policy, boost cultural diplomacy, and promote balanced heritage tourism.

He also sought UNESCO World Heritage recognition, improved maintenance, and international promotion of Odisha’s Buddhist landmarks.

The Union Minister assured that a detailed study would be undertaken and appropriate steps initiated to advance the proposal.