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Consul General of India in Shanghai, Pratik Mathur, inaugurated the day-long Vesak celebrations on June 1, 2026, at the historic Jade Buddha Temple, one of Eastern China’s leading Buddhist centers. More than 1,000 devotees, Buddhist scholars, and members of the clergy participated in the event, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha.
Offering prayers at the temple, Mathur highlighted the enduring civilizational, cultural, and spiritual ties between India and China that have evolved through the spread of Buddhism. According to a statement, he noted that Buddhism has long served as a bridge between the peoples of the two ancient civilizations and continues to promote “mutual understanding and people-to-people exchanges.”
The Consul General also referred to the renowned Jade Buddha statues housed at the temple, which were brought from Myanmar in the late nineteenth century. He said the statues symbolize the deep historical and cultural connections linking India, Southeast Asia, and the broader Asia-Pacific region through a shared Buddhist heritage. He added that these cultural bonds remain an important source of goodwill and mutual understanding across the region.
Extending his greetings on the occasion of Vesak, Mathur invited the temple’s Abbot, clergy members, and devotees to visit key Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India, including Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Rajgir, and Kushinagar, along with other locations associated with the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. He also highlighted the ease of travel between India and Shanghai through direct air connectivity.
Welcoming the Consul General, the Senior Abbot spoke about the continued relevance of Buddhism, particularly among younger generations, and highlighted the temple’s longstanding relationship with India. He also underscored the role of the temple’s Sanskrit and Pali Studies Centre in promoting the study of original Buddhist scriptures and preserving the region’s shared intellectual and spiritual heritage.
During his visit, Mathur also participated in a curtain-raiser event for the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026, organized by Venerable Tianwu. Focused on holistic healing and well-being, the event featured a lecture on the “Medicine Master Sutra” (Bhaiṣajyaguruvaidūryaprabharāja Sūtra) as part of the temple’s annual Buddhist Preaching Competition. The program highlighted the complementary roles of yoga, meditation, and Buddhist philosophy in fostering physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.
