Thu Jul 31 06:00:34 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a rewritten version formatted as a news article:
**Summary:**
The sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha, excavated in India in 1898 and previously slated for auction in Hong Kong, have been successfully repatriated to India. This repatriation was made possible through a public-private partnership between the Indian government and the Godrej Industries Group. The relics, considered immensely significant to the global Buddhist community, include bone fragments, caskets, and offerings. The Ministry of Culture intervened to postpone the auction and secure their return, emphasizing the government’s commitment to preserving India’s cultural heritage. The relics will be formally unveiled and displayed to the public.
**News Article:**
**Sacred Buddhist Relics Return to India After 127 Years**
**New Delhi, July 31, 2025** – In a momentous victory for cultural preservation, the sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha have been returned to India after 127 years. Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat received the relics at a ceremony in New Delhi on Wednesday.
The relics, originally excavated in Piprahwa (Uttar Pradesh) in 1898, were slated to be auctioned in Hong Kong but were successfully secured for repatriation through a collaborative effort between the Indian government and the Godrej Industries Group. The Ministry of Culture played a pivotal role, issuing legal notices and intervening to postpone the auction.
“The return of the Piprahwa gems is a matter of great pride for every Indian,” said Minister Shekhawat. “This is one of the most significant instances of repatriation of our lost heritage and would not have been possible without the vision and initiative of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
The Piprahwa relics, which include bone fragments, soapstone and crystal caskets, a sandstone coffer and offerings such as gold ornaments and gemstones, are considered of immense spiritual significance to the global Buddhist community. They are believed to be associated with the mortal remains of Lord Buddha.
“We are deeply honored to contribute to this historic moment,” said Pirojsha Godrej, Executive Vice-Chairperson of Godrej Industries Group. “The Piprahwa gems are not just artefacts — they are timeless symbols of peace, compassion, and the shared heritage of humanity.”
The relics will be formally unveiled during a special ceremony and placed on public display, allowing citizens and visitors to pay homage to these historically and spiritually important artifacts. The Ministry of Culture emphasized that this repatriation aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s mission to reclaim and celebrate India’s ancient cultural heritage from across the world. The return reinforces India’s standing as a global guardian of peace, compassion, and the timeless values of the Buddha.
First Piper 