Bhubaneswar: The partnership between the Odisha Government and the Guru Padmasambhava Baudh Mahavihara is a beautiful bridge between administrative vision and spiritual legacy.
In a significant step towards preserving and promoting Odisha’s rich Buddhist legacy, the Department of Tourism and the Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Government of Odisha, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guru Padmasambhava Baudh Mahavihara, Jirang at Lok Seva Bhawan.
The partnership reinforces the State Government’s vision of positioning Odisha as a globally recognised hub for Buddhist heritage, spirituality, scholarship and cultural tourism.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Women & Child Development, Mission Shakti & Tourism, Smt. Pravati Parida; Hon’ble Minister, Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Sports & Youth Services & Higher Education, Shri Suryabanshi Suraj; Chief Secretary, Smt. Anu Garg; and His Eminence Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, President of Guru Padmasambhava Baudh Mahavihara, Jirang, along with senior officials, members of the monastic community and distinguished guests.
At the heart of this collaboration are key figures like Shri Balwant Singh, representing the administrative drive of the tourism department, and Guruji Rinpoche, His Eminence Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, who guides the monastic community at Jirang.
Shri Balwant Singh has been instrumental in shaping the state’s tourism landscape, focusing heavily on sustainable, experiential travel that honors local roots. Through this MoU, his vision of putting Odisha’s Buddhist circuit on the global map takes a concrete step forward. By focusing on integrated development for sites like Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, Lalitgiri, and Jirang, his efforts help ensure that infrastructure and visitor experiences meet international standards while preserving the sacred integrity of these spaces.
On the spiritual side, Guruji Rinpoche brings the living breath of Buddhist philosophy and practice to the partnership. As the head of the Jirang monastery, his involvement ensures that the collaboration goes far beyond mere sightseeing. Under his guidance, the initiative will introduce authentic monastic immersions, meditation retreats, and scholarly exchange. This allows visitors to not just look at history, but to actively participate in a living tradition of peace and mindfulness.
Together, the administrative leadership of Shri Balwant Singh and the spiritual guidance of Guruji Rinpoche create a unique synergy. They are transforming Odisha from a place with historical Buddhist ruins into a vibrant, active center for global pilgrimage, scholarship, and deep spiritual tourism.