Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday proposed the creation of a library of traditional Buddhist literature and scriptures in India. Modi made the announcement while addressing the 6th Indo-Japan Samvad Conference via video conferencing.

Thanking the Japanese government for its constant support to the Samvad, which began five years ago with the initiative of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe leading to series of conferences, Modi praised the forum for doing great work to ensure promote the ideas and ideals of Lord Buddha, especially among the youth.

Modi said this body of writing is a treasure of humankind as a whole.

"Today, I would like to propose the creation of a library of all such traditional Buddhist literature and scriptures," Modi announced.

Modi said "we will be happy to create such a facility in India and will provide appropriate resources for it".

"The library will collect digital copies of all such Buddhist literature from different countries. It will aim to translate them, and make them freely available for all monks and scholars of Buddhism. The library will not only be a depository of literature.

"It will also be a platform for research and dialogue - a true 'SAMVAD' between human beings, between societies, and between man and nature. Its research mandate will also include examining how Buddha's message can guide our modern world against contemporary challenges. Challenges like poverty, racism, extremism, gender discrimination, climate change and many others," Modi said.

Noting his visit at Sarnath about three weeks ago, Modi said the place was famous because Lord Buddha gave his first sermon there after attaining enlightenment.

(IANS)