New Delhi, August 13, 2025: The sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha, lost during colonial rule, have been returned to India after 127 years, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for facilitating the repatriation, calling it a revival of India’s spiritual and historical legacy. The extraordinary recovery was made possible through a public–private partnership between the Government of India and the Godrej Industries Group, following timely intervention by the Ministry of Culture when the relics surfaced at an international auction.
CM Khandu described the event as a triumph of national pride, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming and preserving India’s heritage for future generations. The repatriation underscores the government’s commitment to cultural diplomacy and safeguarding the country’s rich historical legacy.
The relics are expected to be housed and displayed in a manner befitting their spiritual significance, allowing citizens and devotees to reconnect with an important chapter of India’s past.
