Lumbini Development Trust partners with Singapore-based organizations to save Nepal's Ramagrama Stupa

- through Henry Oudin

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The mound of the Ramagrama Stupa. From visitworldheritage.com

The Lumbini Development Trust, a government organization of Nepal, has partnered with two Singaporean organizations, Moksha Foundation and The Promised Land, to protect the historic Ramagrama Stupa, an archaeological site in the Ramgram Municipality. An inaugural event is planned for December 15 at stupa, which will be attended by Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Stefano Boeri, architect of the Vertical Forest of Milan. They will jointly unveil the master plan of the Ramagrama Stupa, revealing how it will be preserved and placed on the map of global recognition.

The three organizations will also “announce the formalization of a framework agreement with the Lumbini Development Trust, marking a monumental alliance committed to the protection, preservation, development and exploitation of the revered Ramagrama Stupa.” (The promised land)

The Ramagrama stupa is dated between the Mauryan and Gupta periods and is included in the UNESCO heritage tentative list as "the only intact original stupa containing relics of Lord Buddha". It is therefore one of the most remarkable Buddhist sites in Nepal. According to its website, “The main objective of the Moksha Foundation is to protect, conserve, develop and manage the Ramagrama Stupa in collaboration with The Promised Land and the Lumbini Development Trust. The multi-stakeholder organization seeks to protect, preserve and develop not only the Stupa but also other ancient archaeological sites of historical significance. (Moksha Foundation)

But the Moksha Foundation also aims to safeguard other ancient archaeological sites in Nepal, including Tilaurakot (ancient Kapilvastu), with the intention of ensuring the long-term enrichment of these sacred sites for the benefit of future generations. It operates as a multi-stakeholder organization committed to strong governance, clear guidelines and transparent processes, while actively engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including local communities, religious authorities, archaeologists and conservation experts. heritage.

According to The Promised Land's website, it and the Lumbini Development Trust aspire to "create a harmonious space that promotes spiritual contemplation, deepens cultural appreciation and promotes historical understanding." The joint efforts aim to strike a delicate balance between preserving the sanctity and integrity of the Ramagrama Stupa and providing visitors with a transformative experience. (The promised land)

Dr Lharkyal Lama, Vice Chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust, expressed his excitement, saying: “This partnership marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing mission to safeguard the spiritual and historical heritage of Lumbini. Ramagrama Stupa is a testament to the rich tapestry of our past, and through this collaboration, we are ensuring that its significance endures for generations to come. (The promised land)

Lumbini Development Trust was established by the Government of Nepal under the provisions of the Lumbini Development Trust Act 2042 (1985) in 1985. It aims to implement the Lumbini Master Plan, the objective being to explore, excavate and to conserve archaeological sites scattered throughout the districts. of Kapilavastu, Rupandehi and Nawalparasi. The Trust was formed to present to the people of the world the Government of Nepal's commitment to the project objective and the ideal of Lumbini development.

The jurisdiction of the Trust includes the areas of Tilaurakot, Gotihawa, Niglihawa, Sagarhawa, Sisaniyakot, Araurakot, Kudaan (Kapilvastu), Devadaha (Rupandehi) and Ramgram (Nawalparasi), all of which are directly or indirectly linked to the life of the Buddha and his city native, Lumbini.

It is hoped that this alliance of the three groups "represents a shared vision to preserve and honor Buddhist cultural heritage by safeguarding the historical significance of the Ramagrama Stupa for generations to come." (The promised land)

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Lumbini Development Trust
Moksha Foundation
The promised land

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Henry Oudin

Henry Oudin is a Buddhist scholar, spiritual adventurer and journalist. He is a passionate seeker of the depths of Buddhist wisdom, and travels regularly to learn more about Buddhism and spiritual cultures. By sharing his knowledge and life experiences on Buddhist News, Henry hopes to inspire others to embrace more spiritual and mindful ways of living.

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