The Buddhist faith and those subscribing to the teachings of Buddhism in Manipur received a fillip with the presentation of a valuable and sacred religious relic from Thailand. The relic, brought to the state by Mr. Tanon Khunanoprat of Montana Village, Bangkok, was handed over to the members of All Manipur Buddhist Association at a simple ceremony held today at the residence of Ven. Panthaw Paa (Prof. M.S. Ningomba) at Ningomthongjao, Imphal. According to Mr. Tanon, the relic is one of only five in existence in Thailand and was brought to Manipur as per the wish of His Holiness the Shankarcharya of Thailand, the highest religious figure in the country who passed away a few months earlier in order to propagate the religion in the region after hearing of a proposal for construction of a monastery in the state, and that the other four relics will also be presented to various other monasteries around the globe. Mr. Tanon, who had earlier visited the state and participated at the earlier edition of Chinjak Festival, will be doing so for the second time at this upcoming Sangai Festival. He also commented on the various similarities in culture, tradition and way of life between the people of the state and those of Thailand while expressing hope that there will be a monastery in the state very soon, reiterating his belief that we can foster peace, harmony and understanding through religion. He also promised to extend all possible help and assistance to the Association in realizing what has been a long-cherished dream of constructing the monastery in Manipur for everybody who believes in Buddhism.
