Hyderabad, March 27 (RAHNUMA): In a moment of global recognition for Telangana’s growing stature as a hub of spiritual heritage, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Archaeology, Jupally Krishna Rao, was conferred with the prestigious ‘Grand Prize for Contribution to World Peace’ on Friday.
The award, presented by the International Interchange Development Association and its President Mun Yong Jo, acknowledges the Minister’s sustained efforts in promoting international cultural exchange and fostering life-affirming values through the preservation and promotion of Buddhist heritage.
The honour was conferred during the inaugural session of the International Buddhist Conference on World Peace – 2026, held at Haritha Plaza, which witnessed the participation of nearly 150 distinguished delegates and eminent monks from 22 countries.
Accepting the award, Jupally Krishna Rao stated that the recognition reflects the visionary leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and the Telangana government’s steadfast commitment to the timeless teachings of Lord Buddha—compassion, peace, and non-violence.
He observed that the conference theme, “World Peace: Buddhist Approaches to Conflict Resolution, Reconciliation, and Healing,” resonates strongly with Telangana’s vision of emerging as a global beacon of harmony in an increasingly fragmented world.
The Minister emphasised that the principles of the middle path and mindful living offer enduring solutions to contemporary global challenges and must be strengthened through dialogue and collective engagement.
Highlighting Telangana’s rich Buddhist legacy, Jupally Krishna Rao noted that the region around Nagarjuna Sagar holds deep historical significance, being closely associated with Acharya Nagarjuna, the eminent philosopher and founder of the Madhyamaka School of Mahayana Buddhism.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting key archaeological sites such as Phanigiri, Nelakondapalli, Dhulikatta, and Kotilingala.
To further enhance the state’s spiritual tourism potential, the government is actively developing an integrated Buddhist Tourism Circuit, aimed at offering a world-class pilgrimage experience while preserving the sanctity and heritage of these ancient sites.
The Minister also announced that Buddhavanam, the flagship project spread across 274 acres, is being accelerated for development as a global “World Peace Centre.”
As part of future initiatives, plans are underway to establish a digital experience centre to engage younger generations through immersive technologies, along with a Global Buddhist Centre to be developed, he said.
The conference was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Minister of Buddhasasana, Sri Lanka; Most Ven. Dr. Thich Nhat Tu of Vietnam; Buddhavanam; and Mallepalli Laxmaiah, Special Officer, Buddhavanam Project.
