Deputy Minister of Public Security Sen. Lt. Gen. Bui Van Nam on March 11 asked local authorities and police to ensure tight security for the UN Day of Vesak 2019, which is slated for May 10-15 at the Tam Chuc Buddhist Culture Centre in Kim Bang district, the northern province of Ha Nam.

The UN Day of Vesak 2019 will be held at the Tam Chuc Buddhist Culture Centre in Ha Nam province.

At a conference held in the province, Nam requested that safety be ensured for all activities held in the framework of the occasion, as well as for the accommodation of both domestic and foreign participants.

Specific plans must be well prepared for the Day of Vesak, he said, adding that ensuring security for the event is a prioritised mission for the police in the coming time.

Meanwhile, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Nguyen Dinh affirmed the significance of the event for both the country and the locality’s socio-economy. 

The provincial Party Committee and People’s Committee have directed competent authorities to make meticulous preparations for the event, he added.

The UN Day of Vesak 2019, themed “Global Leadership and Shared Responsibilities for Sustainable Societies”, expects over 10,000 participants, including dignitaries, monks, and leaders of Buddhist organisations; scientists and researchers; and Buddhist followers from over 100 countries and territories all over the globe.

The event is a chance for Vietnam to promote its nation, people, and culture, as well as the solidarity across its various regions, affirming the Party and State’s policy of ensuring religious freedom.

"Vesak", the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May, is the year’s most sacred day to the millions of Buddhists around the world. It was on the Day of Vesak two and a half millennia ago that the Buddha was born. It was also on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha attained enlightenment, and it was on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha in his 80th year passed away.

The UN General Assembly internationally recognised the Day of Vesak in 1999 to acknowledge the contributions that Buddhism, one of the oldest religions in the world, has made and continues to make to the spirituality of humanity. 

The UN Day of Vesak was first held in 2001. –VNA